2011 Hyundai Sonata Lighting Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are lighting problems on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?
249 owners have reported lighting problems on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, 7% of all complaints for this year and the 5th most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 39,000–111,000 miles. 2 recalls cover this area.
249 complaints 7% of all 2011 complaints 73,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (160 of 249). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Lights complaints by the year the problem happened.
Lights complaints by Sonata year
Related recalls
Brake pedal pad can cause brake light fault
Crash riskA worn brake pedal stopper pad can keep the brake light switch stuck extended after you release the pedal. That can leave brake lights on when you are not braking, confusing drivers behind you, and it can let the car be shifted out of Park without pressing the brake, raising the risk of a crash.
Fix: Your dealer will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part free of charge.
Recall 15V759000 · Nov 2015Switch
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. 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.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
Recall 13V113000 · Apr 2013Get an email when your 2011 Hyundai Sonata gets a new recall
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Other 2011 Hyundai Sonata problems
Common questions
What are common 2011 Hyundai Sonata lighting problems?
Complaints most often name the brake lights, switch and headlights.
At what mileage do 2011 Hyundai Sonata lighting problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 39,000–111,000 miles. The middle value is about 73,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2011 Hyundai Sonata lighting problems?
Yes: 15V759000, 13V113000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Which Sonata year has the most lighting complaints?
The 2011 Sonata, with 249 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.