8.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$300
Average Mileage:
104,600 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
  2. replace brake light switch, repair wiring (1 reports)
  3. replace taillight assembly (1 reports)
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problem #4

May 012021

Sonata SE 2.0L T

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,300 miles

There is an issue with my electrical system. I have a short in the interior lights also. My brake lights keeps going out. Driver side rear light wouldn't work. Now the brake light went out on the passenger side and the driver side works. I have changed those bulbs out at least five times. I had the Hyundai dealership check it out and they said they found nothing wrong with it even the inside lights. It angers me because they just want me to bring it back so they can submit a different problem and charge me a new diagnosis fee. Not sure if there is a recall on this problem. Thank you for listening.

- Robin W., San Diego, CA, US

problem #3

Feb 112019

Sonata Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 143,000 miles

I've had the brake light replaced 4 different times this year. It'll last about 2 weeks, maybe 3, and it's out again. Come on - this is ridiculous. I went to a few mechanics and they told me to contact Hyundai as it's probably something faulty. They would fix it, but I probably wouldn't need to spend money when it's on Hyundai to fix this ongoing problem.

- Felita I., Aliquippa, US

problem #2

Sep 132016

Sonata GL 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles

click to see larger images

brake lights stopped working brake lights stopped working

So, I purchased this car with 30,000 miles on it and the rest of a 100,000 mile warranty. A month after I bought the car, I was driving down the I-5 freeway when the entire taillight assembly fell out and dragged alongside my bumper. I was able to pull over and take the entire assembly out and put it in my trunk. I had to do some fancy driving with no taillights, turn signal or brake lights. When I got to a dealership down south, I was able to get it replaced within two days at a cost of $200 since I had family who did a lot of business with them. I was then able to continue on my trip. The dealership I bought this car from in Sonora, CA, said it was not their problem and the warranty did not cover these items. Since then, this car has had at least seven recalls for significant problems. Nothing, however, has ever been said about the taillight assembly even though many many complaints have been filed. The headlights have had to be replaced twice, the brake light bulbs were melted into the sockets, the interior lights stay on even when "off". In short, this car is a disaster and I would never recommend anyone buy a 2011 model or may even not a Hyundai ever again--cheap components and that great warranty is worthless for all the things that have gone wrong with it. Now, I am stuck ordering a new assembly and waiting to either try to replace myself or pay to have someone else do it. My husband was a car guy and he used to do all this stuff for me--I learned enough to change oil, replace light bulbs, fuses, etc. but come on! This is ridiculous! Hyundai--you suck.

- jsteely, San Andreas, CA, US

problem #1

Jun 232016

Sonata GLS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

The Brake lights were not working so I changed the bulbs. I got in the car started it up and it would not come out of park. Took it to the mechanic he changed the brake light switch and some wires. Another $300.00 on this piece of trash of a vehicle.

- Adreian R., NEW ORLEANS, LA, US