VehicleVerdict

2011 Hyundai Sonata lighting problems

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata has 250 lighting complaints filed with NHTSA — 5% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

250

Lighting complaints

5%

Share of year

2

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Lighting complaints by year

Related recalls

15V759000LightingNovember 16, 2015 · 304,900 units

Defect

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.

13V113000LightingApril 1, 2013 · 1,712,336 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Consequence

Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

What owners report

TAIL LIGHT BURNS OUT AFTER BEING REPLACED. BRAKE LIGHTS OUT; GOT HIT FROM REAR. WINDOW BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON IN THE MIDDLE OF NIGHT WHILE CAR WAS PARKED... I WAS INDOORS, HAPPENED TO NOTICE IT WHILE LOOKING OUT HOUSE WINDOW, APPARENTLY HAD BEEN ON FOR HOURS UNTIL I WENT OUTSIDE AND TURNED KEY AND…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · July 1, 2020 · crash

Common questions

How many lighting complaints does the 2011 Hyundai Sonata have?

NHTSA has 250 complaints about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata lighting — 5% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata lighting?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the lighting: 13V113000, 15V759000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.