10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
84,946 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Hyundai Sonata lights problems

lights problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2012 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments

problem #9

Aug 022022

Sonata

  • 180,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the brake light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had been draining the battery. The contact stated that the battery, the alternator, and the starter were replaced with the assistance of a friend. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

- Redmond, WA, USA

problem #8

Feb 072022

Sonata

  • 98,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated after the vehicle was parked, the brake lights were illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. The failure caused the battery to be drained; requiring the vehicle to be jump started. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not been taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched the failure online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V759000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

- Helena, AL, USA

problem #7

Jan 162022

Sonata

  • miles
The brake peddle stopper gets worn out and the car stops accelerating. Activation of the engine management system's brake pedal override feature causes the car to not accelerate, brake lights stay on, and car turns on without touching the brake.

- Cottonwood, CA, USA

problem #6

Jan 012019

Sonata

  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated he would need to replace both rear brake lights every two months. The contact stated recently he noticed a burning smell and saw the plastic cover on the bulb was melted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

- Cary, NC, USA

problem #5

Aug 152021

Sonata

  • miles
Exact same issue as NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 15V759000 (described below). Video was taken of the incidents. Hyundai Motor America "Hyundai" is recalling certain model 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. Consequence: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to rearward following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash. Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 136.

- Placentia, CA, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #4

Apr 272019

Sonata

  • 175,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. When the contact exited the vehicle, the rear brake lights failed to turn off. As a result, the battery died and the vehicle failed to restart. In addition, the traction control and check engine warning indicators illuminated. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 175,000.

- Jackson, MS, USA

problem #3

Feb 052019

Sonata

  • 109,515 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact noticed that the brake lights illuminated while the vehicle was not operating. The vehicle was taken to Hyundai of new bern (2910 us-70, new bern, nc 28560, (252) 637-0007) where it was determined that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was not aware of the vehicle being repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 15V759000 (service brakes). The approximate failure mileage was 109,515.

- Bayboro, NC, USA

problem #2

Jun 122018

Sonata

  • 66,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. While driving various speeds, the brake lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to college park Hyundai (9500 baltimore ave, college park, md 20740, (301) 441-1313) where it was diagnosed that the light bulbs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake light wires were burnt, which caused an electrical failure. The brake light wires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #1

Dec 082017

Sonata

  • 56,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. While driving various speeds or when the vehicle was parked, the brake lights illuminated without applying the brake pedal. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted at 855-671-3059 and stated that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact was asked to call NHTSA. A case number was not provided. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.

- Wellington, FL, USA

Not what you are looking for?