RoadVitals

2015 Hyundai Sonata Exterior lighting Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the exterior lighting system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Exterior lighting reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
38
Latest Sep 20, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
3%
of 1,137 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2015 Hyundai Sonata submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 38 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming exterior lighting

The 25 most recent of 38, in the owner's own words

BrakesElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Sep 20, 2025

The rubber stopper for the brake light switch on the brake pedal deteriorated and fell apart. This resulted in the brake lights remaining on constantly, cruise control being disabled, and low battery voltage.

NHTSA ID
11688660
Incident
Sep 18, 2025
Exterior lighting
Filed May 24, 2025

My lights come on when the car is parked and the engine is off,mostly during the night its happened twice in 2months.

NHTSA ID
11662900
Incident
May 23, 2025
Exterior lighting
Filed Nov 3, 2024

When headlights are on auto they can spontaneously turn off. This is accompanied by the headlight selector display in the middle of the instrument panel changing to the parking light symbol. The lights typically switch back to auto and come back on within a few seconds but it can be longer. Most often, but not always this seems to be associated with using the turn signal and being in the middle of a 90 turn. However it has happened at other times as well. Losing headlights and visibility while driving at night, particularly while turning is a hazard. Two dealerships have said they cannot reproduce the problem. It has been going on for multiple years. However is primarily a problem when it starts getting dark early. The issue can be avoided by leaving the lights in the on position all the time.

NHTSA ID
11623310
Incident
Nov 1, 2024
Exterior lighting
Filed Aug 30, 2024

The wrong turn signal lights up. I know there is a recall for this but my vehicle does not come up when I search for affected vehicles.

NHTSA ID
11611735
Incident
Aug 6, 2024
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Aug 29, 2024

I have been driving at night about 3 times now and my headlights have gone off on their own and come back on after about 10 seconds. This has happened on countless other Hyundai drivers vehicles and needs to be investigated.

NHTSA ID
11611716
Incident
Aug 29, 2024
ElectricalEngineExterior lighting
Filed May 28, 2024
Fire reported

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after the vehicle was at the dealer for a routine oil change and an engine flush, the following day while driving at approximately 10 MPH in a stop-and-go school zone, the vehicle stalled and smoke emitted from underneath the hood. All the warning lights on the instrument panel were illuminated. The contact merged to the shoulder of the road and safely exited the vehicle. The vehicle was engulfed in flames. The police department was at the scene and attempted to extinguish the fire. The fire department later arrived and successfully extinguished the fire. The contact mentioned that the flames consumed the vehicle and only the framing was left but it was not determined destroyed yet. The vehicle was towed. A police report was filed. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 ( Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) however the vehicle did not receive the recall remedy prior to the failure. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 161,765.

NHTSA ID
11590971
Incident
May 10, 2023
Mileage
161,765 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Feb 26, 2024

The headlights are stating headlight low and triangle with a exclamation ⚠️ appears.

NHTSA ID
11573914
Incident
Feb 16, 2024
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed May 10, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact coasted the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact then discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) which the mechanic linked to the failure. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where she was informed that the part was on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11521397
Incident
Apr 26, 2023
Mileage
100,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Apr 13, 2023

after taking my 2015 sonata eco to the dealership for campaign 993; campaign 210; and, campaign tww 15-17 I have experienced the following issues: RIGHT TURN SIGNAL STOPPED WORKING ALARM GOES OFF 5 MINUTES AFTER LOCKING THE VEHICLE DASH INDICATES MY REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR IS AJAR WHEN IT IS LOCKED Prior to having the service done my vehicle did not have any of this issues. RUSNAK Hyundai Inland Empire has not been helpful in resolving these issues. I am being asked to pay to diagnose the issues that were not present prior to the software updates.

NHTSA ID
11516976
Incident
Apr 5, 2023
Mileage
100,300 mi
ElectricalEngineExterior lighting
Filed Feb 27, 2023

A Aknocking noise from the engine that increases in frequency as the engine rpm increases. A Reduced power and/or hesitation and vibration. A Illumination of the "check engine" light in the instrument cluster.

NHTSA ID
11509419
Incident
Feb 16, 2023
ElectricalExterior lightingPowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 2, 2023

When automatic headlights are on there are time that the headlamps will turn off when engaging the turn signals until turn signals are disengaged.

NHTSA ID
11505283
Incident
Dec 8, 2021
Exterior lighting
Filed Nov 21, 2022

There was a recall on my car maybe a year ago for an issue with the turn signals. The driver might turn on the right turn signal but the car would show the left turn signal to other drivers. I had the recall work (software update) done at my local Hyundai dealership several months ago. Since then, I have a new issue with the turn signals/headlights. When the headlights are in "auto" mode at night, turning on the turn signal causes the headlights to turn off. The headlights don't turn back on until you straighten out the wheel. This is a major safety concern because for a few seconds, I can't see anything and other drivers can't see me. I have researched this on Google and found several other Hyundai Sonata owners (different years) with the same issue. See links below: https://www.hyundai-forums.com/threads/flickering-intermittent-headlights-and-interior-lights.282777/ https://www.hyundai-forums.com/threads/headlights-flash-off-and-on.644549/ I have made numerous attempts to contract Hyundai customer care regarding this issue but they do not return calls or provide any assistance. I believe this issue should be a recall as it is a major safety concern, but no one at Hyundai seems to care. Hyundai has told me multiple times that if I pay out of pocket for this now ($636) and it becomes a recall later, there is no guarantee that I will be reimbursed, which I'm not even sure is correct.

NHTSA ID
11494500
Incident
Sep 1, 2022
ElectricalEngineExterior lighting
Filed Sep 6, 2022

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after having her vehicle serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) the exterior and interior lights would turn off while driving at various speeds, with the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that upon using the turn signals, the headlights would intermittently turn off; however, the headlights would turn on upon toggling the light switch. The contact had initially taken the vehicle back to the dealer where she was given a diagnostic fee to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where she was informed that the E-CVVT actuator was defective. In addition, the contact also stated that the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal or lunge forward upon depression of the brake pedal. The independent mechanic linked the failure to the E-CVVT actuator. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID
11482980
Incident
Apr 1, 2022
Mileage
80,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Aug 25, 2022

When driving at night the headlights have gone off several times when the turn single is used. The headlights will come back on when the turn single returns to the neutral position.

NHTSA ID
11481145
Incident
Aug 24, 2022
Exterior lighting
Filed Aug 24, 2022

Low beam headlamps cast a shadow that seriously impedes vision of the roadway. Hyundai dealer informed me that other Sonata owners have complained of the same issue, but they have been instructed by the factory to claim that the defect is "normal". By the way, I have seen many similar complaints on internet sites lodged by Sonata owners across the country. * Please be advised: the attached photo is not oriented correctly. It is a vertical view. I could not get the program to orient it to the horizontal vies.

NHTSA ID
11481027
Incident
Aug 24, 2022
Body & structureElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Aug 18, 2022

When auto lights are engaged and the blinkers are engaged, the light will turn off and it will blink in the wrong direction for a few times and then blink the correct direction. While in auto lights and you turn a curve they will sometimes go off. Now I have an issue with my AC - it goes on and off randomly. Had it looked at and they cannot find an issue with the components but said it could be an electrical issue. BYW, Hyundai replaced the motor in this car as well because it had so many issues. I was told the issues now could be caused from them replacing the motor and causing an electrical issue. The paint is also peeling and they had a recall on the paint, but the paint on my car didn't start peeling until after their warranty had expired. This is a known issue with 2015 models - they know the paint is bad but won't fix it. Car manufacturers should be held accountable for what they put on the market, or at least fix what are known issues for multiple vehicles.

NHTSA ID
11480071
Incident
Aug 11, 2022
Exterior lighting
Filed Jan 10, 2022

When the headlights are set to automatic and driving at night, the headlights and daytime running lights will spontaneously turn off when signaling a turn. This is an intermittent problem.The dash indicator still shows that the headlights are on but they are off and it has nearly caused an accident. When the selector is set to “on” the issue has not yet happened. Dealership stated that it would be hard to recreate problem.

NHTSA ID
11446852
Incident
Jan 10, 2022
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Oct 4, 2021

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V749000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue however, no further assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11435419
Incident
Sep 24, 2021
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Oct 4, 2021

Turn signal sometimes does not work or causes opposite side to activate leading to increased risk of crash, no remedy provided currently from current recall on vehicle. There's no warning as to when this can happen which leads to driving the vehicle a risky bet.

NHTSA ID
11435383
Incident
Oct 4, 2021
Exterior lighting
Filed Aug 17, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON ACTIVATING THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL INTERMITTENTLY FLASHED RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO THEN REFERRED HIM TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE CONTACT MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH LESTER GLENN HYUNDAI TOMS RIVER (386 NJ-37, TOMS RIVER, NJ 08753) AND DROPPED THE VEHICLE OFF TO BE SERVICED. THE CONTACT WAS CALLED BACK THE NEXT DAY AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
11349847
Incident
Aug 3, 2020
Exterior lighting
Filed May 21, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TURN SIGNALS WERE FLASHING AND OPERATED OPPOSITE OF THE DIRECTION IN WHICH THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SIGNAL. THE TURN SIGNAL ON OCCASIONS ALSO OPERATED INDEPENDENTLY. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

NHTSA ID
11325418
Incident
Oct 1, 2019
Mileage
58,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Oct 15, 2019

THE HEADLIGHTS KEEP NOT WORKING. SOMETIMES I JUST HAVE TO UNINSTALL AND REINSTALL THE BULB AND THEN IT'LL WORK. OTHER TIMES THE BULB IS BURNT OUT.. I HAVE REPLACED ONE BULB 4 TIMES IN 3 YEARS.

NHTSA ID
11268615
Incident
Oct 12, 2019
Mileage
100,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Oct 10, 2019

SHORT IN WIRING FOR LEFT LOW BEAM CAUSES IT TO INDICATE UNNECESSARY BULB REPLACEMENT AND INTERMITTENTLY CUT OFF WHILE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION.

NHTSA ID
11267578
Incident
Oct 10, 2019
Mileage
62,125 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Oct 1, 2019

AT NIGHT, WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE SET TO THE AUTO FUNCTION, MANY TIMES THE HEADLIGHTS WILL GO COMPLETELY OUT FOR SEVERAL SECONDS WHEN USING THE TURN SIGNAL. OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP HAS TOLD MY WIFE THEY HAVE HAD MANY COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THIS ISSUE ALSO SEEMS TO BE REPORTED ONLINE FREQUENTLY. THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING GOING AROUND TURNS. THE HEADLIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS ARE ON THE SAME STALK ON THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND I FEAR FOR MY WIFE WHEN SHE'S DRIVING THE CAR LATE NIGHT ON THE WAY HOME FROM WORK.

NHTSA ID
11265499
Incident
Oct 1, 2019
Mileage
50,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Aug 28, 2019

DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY TURNED HIGH BEAMS LIGHT ON AND LIGHTS COMPLETELY SHUT OFF\ TURNED OFF AN ALSO HAPPENS WHEN I USE TURN SIGNALS OR CHANGING THE LIGHT SETTINGS FOR ANY INDICATION ON EITHER HIGH OR LOW SETTINGS . VERY FRIGHTENING WHEN NOT KNOWING WHAT WOULD HAPPEN ESPECIALLY IN TRAFFIC. HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES

NHTSA ID
11252038
Incident
Aug 27, 2019
Mileage
62,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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