Hyundai Sonata Headlights

The Hyundai Sonata has been around since 1985. The first-generation model was originally a facelifted version of the Hyundai Stellar in South Korea. Although it had an upgraded engine, it didn’t perform well in the market. Things got better for the Hyundai Sonata when the second-generation model came out in 1988. For the first time, the car was widely exported. The US got its hand on the South Korean mid-size car as part of Hyundai’s expansion to North America.

The Hyundai Sonata has undergone decades of perfecting, with over eight generations produced since 1985. This truly remarkable South Korean car, however, is not exempt from damage. Parts eventually wear out, and the need for replacement parts continues to grow as more and more Americans buy Sonatas. One component that owners are commonly after is the headlight.

Headlights are prone to damage due to its exposed location on the front end of a car. Once damaged, your headlight may fail to give you the illumination you need at night. This is why replacing damaged headlights is important. But before you get a Hyundai Sonata headlight replacement, it would be best to check if your car is being recalled. You could save thousands of dollars if the failing part, say a 2011 Hyundai Sonata headlight, matches the one in the recall.

Hyundai has issued a series of exterior lamp recalls in the past years. If you own an older model of the Hyundai Sonata, you may review the details of the recalls below. It is important to check if your car is affected by a specific recall before you replace a malfunctioning part. You may do this by calling your dealer or checking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) recall page. You will need your vehicle identification number to use the NHTSA’s database.

Please note that some of the recalls you will find below generally apply to certain passenger vehicles. Here are the recalls concerning Hyundai Sonata headlights:

Recall Number: 06V180000

Recall Date: 05/22/2006

Component: Exterior Lighting: Headlights

The inner bezels of the headlights on certain passenger vehicles are not properly assembled. This can cause the lenses to go out of position. An improperly positioned turn signal may reduce the turn signal light’s intensity.

Recall Number: 08E021000

Recall Date: 03/07/2008

Component: Exterior Lighting: Headlights

2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata models have their headlight assemblies improperly aligned, failing the photometric requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108 - Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment. Improper alignment of headlights causes poor visibility, which may result in a vehicle crash.

If you are having problems with your 2006 Hyundai Sonata headlights, you may contact your dealer and inquire if the recall is still active. 

Recall Number: 09E012000

Recall Date: 04/07/2009

Component: Exterior Lighting (Corner and Bumper Lamp)

Sabersport combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers do not contain the required amber side reflectors. The parts fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108 - Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment. Improper alignment of headlights causes poor visibility, which may result in a vehicle crash. The recall did not mention specific models aside from “various passenger vehicles”.