This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Hyundai Accent lighting problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250 · see lighting across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
When does it fail?
Of the 10 lighting complaints filed for the 2007 Hyundai Accent, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 7 model years of Hyundai Accent in our records for lighting problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA lighting complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to moisture accumulation in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. The TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes, or during normal driving operation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗HYUNDAI: THE ROOM LAMP SWITCH KNOB MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. REPLACE THE ROOM LAMP ASSEMBLY TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Brake light switch failure is the dominant issue in this cluster. Seven out of ten complaints describe rear brake lights failing to illuminate during braking, typically discovered when another driver alerts the owner or the owner checks themselves. Mileage ranges from 18,000 to 78,000 miles. Owners consistently report their VINs were excluded from NHTSA recalls 09V122000 and 09V280000, which addressed the same brake light switch problem affecting over half a million vehicles. Hyundai dealers confirmed the failures but refused warranty coverage because the specific VINs weren't included in the campaigns.
One owner dealt with a brake switch failure at 50,000 miles that caused sudden uncontrolled acceleration while cruise control was engaged; the brake and cruise disengagement mechanisms were unresponsive until the driver shifted into neutral. After the switch was replaced, the dealer technician warned the problem could recur if the switch failed again.
A separate complaint documents an airbag warning light that stayed on continuously around 10 years into ownership. The dealer initially charged for a battery replacement; when the light persisted, they recommended a complete seat and airbag system replacement at owner expense, claiming no safety issue was recognized by Hyundai to warrant warranty coverage or recall action.
Same Hyundai Accent lighting reports on nearby years: 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Brake light switch failure
The brake light switch fails, causing rear brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed. Multiple owners report their vehicles were not included in related recall campaigns despite experiencing identical failures.
When: 18,000–78,000 miles; one complaint at 43,000 miles noted recall eligibility cutoff, another at 50,000 miles mentioned brake switch defect
Symptoms owners cite: Rear brake lights fail to illuminate when brake pedal is pressed; Bystanders alert driver to missing brake lights; Stop lamp switch malfunction detected by dealer diagnostics
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers recommend replacement of brake light switch or stop lamp switch; one owner cited part on back order due to recall demand; independent mechanic repair quoted but not confirmed completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related recalls issued: NHTSA Campaign 09V122000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Switches: Brake Light) and 09V280000 (Exterior Lighting). However, multiple owners report their VINs were excluded from these campaigns despite identical failures. Hyundai told owners the vehicle was not covered and refused warranty assistance or rental reimbursement.
Airbag warning light malfunction
The airbag warning light illuminates and remains on continuously. Owner reports Hyundai attributed it to a battery issue initially, then later suggested a faulty seat and airbag system requiring full replacement with no warranty coverage due to lack of recognized safety issue by the manufacturer.
When: February 2017 (approximately 2007 model, age ~10 years)
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light stays on continuously; Light continues after battery replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer initially charged for battery replacement; later recommended full seat and airbag system replacement. Local independent shop agreed to repair at invoice cost, but repair completion status unknown.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai stated no safety issue was recognized and no recall was on file. Case #1012618 was opened by Hyundai USA but no assistance offered. Owner filed NHTSA complaint out of concern for seat belt failure or faulty airbag deployment.
Brake switch defect causing uncontrolled acceleration
Cruise control engaged unexpectedly and vehicle suddenly accelerated. Owner was unable to disengage cruise control or brake effectively until shifting into neutral. Dealer diagnosed a defective brake switch requiring replacement.
When: 50,000 miles at first report; issue recurred after replacement per technician warning
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control engaged unexpectedly; Vehicle suddenly accelerated uncontrollably; Brake pedal and cruise control disengagement were ineffective; Vehicle only stopped after shifting into neutral
Repairs/costs cited: Brake switch was replaced; technician warned problem may recur if brake switch fails again
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Regarding NHTSA reference # 1088179: my air bag light started staying on around february 2017. I made appointment on phone with only Hyundai certified service dealer near my home 3-2017and drove to chico (70 miles away). They said it must be battery and charged me for a new battery. I called them around april 1, 2017 telling them light was still coming on and they said I would have to buy a…
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Hyundai accent. The contact stated that the rear brake lights failed to illuminate when the brake pedal was depressed. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and informed the contact that his VIN was not included in any recalls, including NHTSA campaign id number: 09v122000 (service brakes, hydraulic:switches:brake light) which aimed to remedy the same failure the…
The brake light went out in my car it was made 06/06 and there is a recall for the same problem but there saying my car isn't covered under this recall. The should look into expanding the recall to other cars. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Hyundai accent. The contact stated that the rear brake lights were not illuminating when braking. The contact planned to take the vehicle to an independent mechanic for repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem but said the the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 65,066. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Hyundai accent. The contact stated that the brake light failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the brake light switch failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 09v280000 ( exterior lighting). The…
Had lighting trouble with your 2007 Hyundai Accent?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the lighting problem on the 2007 Hyundai Accent?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most lighting failures cluster between 50,000 and 77,000 miles, with the median around 65,066. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 77,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Hyundai/Accent.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.