Hyundai Sonata Tail Lights

• There are multiple lights inside a tail light assembly—the brake light, reverse indicators, and turn signals.
• Tail lights save you from the consequences of rear-end collisions, so it’s best to make sure they’re working properly. 
• You may check if there are any active safety recalls for your vehicle before you purchase a Hyundai Sonata tail light replacement.
• A recall was filed on April 15, 2009 to fix the brake light switch in 2006-2007 models.
• A recall was filed on April 1, 2015 to fix the brake light switch in 2007-2011 models.

The Hyundai Sonata was originally a facelift badge of the Hyundai Stellar in South Korea. It came out in 1985 and had a rollercoaster sales performance in its early years. Despite the ‘85 upgraded engine, the Sonata was initially a flop until Hyundai introduced the second-generation model in 1988. This was the same year Hyundai expanded to North America, and the decision to bring the Sonata aboard paid off.

Now a stable member of Hyundai’s lineup, the Sonata is in its eighth generation. As more Americans get their hands on the South Korean mid-size sedan, the demand for replacement parts has also gone up over the years. One of the most sought-after parts is the tail light. Here are the important things you need to know about it.

There are multiple lights inside a tail light assembly—the brake light, reverse indicators, and turn signals. If one of these lights fails, the affected tail light assembly will need immediate repair. Tail lights save you from the consequences of rear-end collisions, so it’s best to make sure they’re working properly. In extreme cases, you may find yourself in need of replacing the whole tail light assembly. You may check if there are any active safety recalls for your vehicle before you purchase a Hyundai Sonata tail light replacement. Some of these recalls are listed below.

Checking to see if there are ongoing recalls involving your car can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, in repairing and replacing the damaged part. Most recalls are completely shouldered by the manufacturer, so all you have to do is bring your vehicle to the service center and wait for the repair to be completed.

Another advantage of letting your manufacturer replace the part for you is that you won’t have to do extensive research just to make sure you’re buying the right part. For example, if you need a 2011 Hyundai Sonata tail light replacement, you’ll have to look for the specific part and look for positive reviews. The same thing applies when replacing bulbs, since a 2014 Hyundai Sonata tail light socket may differ from previous or later models. Recalls grant you free parts, free installation, and guaranteed quality.

Here are Hyundai Sonata tail light recalls in the past years:

Recall Number: 09V122000

Recall Date: 04/15/2009

Component: Hydraulic: Switches: Brake Lights

The brake lamp switch in select vehicles, including 2006-2007 Hyundai Sonata models, has the tendency to malfunction. This could cause the brake lights to behave erratically. Such behavior includes:

• Not illuminating when the brake pedal is pressed

• Staying illuminated despite releasing the brake pedal

A failing brake light switch may also affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature, causing the transmission shifter to be stuck in the park position. Lastly, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) light may illuminate and cruise control may not deactivate when the brake pedal is depressed.

Recall Number: 13V113000

Recall Date: 04/01/2013

Component: Hydraulic: Switches: Brake Lights

This recall applies to 2007-2011 Hyundai Sonata models for the same reasons in the previous recall. The brake light switch may malfunction and cause the brake lights, ESC, cruise control, and transmission shift interlock features to fail. Hyundai claims that the issue can cause unintentional car movements due to the loose shifter which can switch to other positions without applying the brakes.