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 ↗2009 Hyundai Accent lighting problems
moderate 8 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250 · see lighting across all vehicles →
Complaints
8
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
When does it fail?
Of the 8 lighting complaints filed for the 2009 Hyundai Accent, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA lighting complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 14 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: ROOM LAMP ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT. THE ROOM LAMP SWITCH KNOB MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES THE PROCEDURE TO 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.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Hyundai accent. The contact stated that while reversing at 2 MPH, he noticed that the brake lights were not illuminating. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and the current mileages were 38,968 updated 01/13/12*lj the dealer found the brake light switch was faulty.…
Break light recall - location mount vernon, ohio - date 12-12-2015 I was driving to a christmas event and was pulled over by a state highway patrol officer due to my breaklights being out. I pulled over in the nearest parking lot and had my boyfriend look at it. He said there is a little switch behind the break area that was stuck. He flicked it a few times and it came loose and started…
"Hyundai motor company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 accent. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110." I have a 2009 Hyundai accent that has had a brake light switch failure back in april 2013 and now in november 2014. In 2013 Hyundai did a supposed fix based on campaign 110 ... The "fix" has failed and again all three brake lights have gone out at once. In 2013 I…
Had lighting trouble with your 2009 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 2009 Hyundai Accent?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 8 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?
Based on the 8 complaints filed, lighting issues most often appear around 76,976 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2009/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.