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 ↗2010 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 2010 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
Of the 7 model years of Hyundai Accent we track for lighting problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 10.
No new NHTSA lighting complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Ten complaints cluster around three distinct lighting failures in the 2010 Accent. Most common is brake light failure: owners report all brake lights (rear and center) going dark when the brake pedal is pressed. Fuses and bulbs test fine, pointing to the brake light switch as the culprit. Notably, Hyundai recalled 2007–2009 Accents for this exact same brake light switch defect, but refused to extend the recall to the 2010 model year despite owners presenting evidence of identical failures.
One owner also reports simultaneous brake and turn-signal malfunction—when braking for a right turn, the signal stops blinking, eliminating the ability to signal intention while stopping. A second owner describes complete headlight failure (both high and low beams), with the workaround of pulling the turn signal lever to restore high beams temporarily.
Owners note that diagnosing the true cause becomes impossible after an accident destroys electrical evidence, and rear-end collisions could result from inoperative brake lights. Hyundai customer service told owners the 2010 is not covered by recall and directed them to independent dealers, leaving repair costs on the owner's dime. One owner confirmed no open recalls existed and paid out-of-pocket to replace the brake light switch.
Same Hyundai Accent lighting reports on nearby years: 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Headlight electrical failure
Both high and low beam headlights fail to illuminate during normal driving. Pulling the turn signal lever restores high beam operation as a workaround, indicating an electrical circuit or switch problem rather than bulb failure.
When: During daytime commute; timing and mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Both high and low beam headlights inoperative; High beams work when turn signal lever pulled; No blown fuses or bulbs found
Brake light switch failure
Brake lights, tail lights, and rear center brake light fail to illuminate when brake pedal is pressed. Multiple owners report the brake light switch as the likely root cause. Model years 2007–2009 were subject to a recall for brake light switch malfunction, but the 2010 model year was excluded despite exhibiting identical symptoms. Owner research indicates this is a known, unresolved defect.
When: Occurred at various mileages and driving conditions; some failures occurred during school drop-off and normal highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights do not illuminate when pedal pressed; Tail lights inoperative; Rear center brake light inoperative; Brake pedal may feel sticky or require jiggling to restore function; Fuses and bulbs confirmed good
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced brake light switch at own expense; jiggling brake switch restored lights temporarily in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai customer service stated 2010 model year not covered by recall affecting earlier model years (2007–2009); advised owners to contact dealers independently; stated no recall exists for 2010
Brake light and turn signal interaction
When brake pedal is depressed, the turn signal blinks stop or the signal circuit becomes inoperative. This prevents simultaneous signaling of braking intention and directional change, creating a safety hazard during maneuvers like right turns.
When: During normal driving, specific mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Turn signal stops blinking when brakes applied; Cannot signal and brake simultaneously
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners noted a recall exists for brake lamp switch on other model years (2007–2009) but not for 2010
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
My Hyundai accent model year 2010 had an issue where the brake lights went out completely. Model years 2007-2009 are under an active recall for the brake light switch and my car had the same problem. I called Hyundai and they advised the switch is different but the data I can find shows the same fault exists in the 2010 as well. This is a safety issue Hyundai is refusing to fix...the NHTSA…
I had to have stop lamp switch replaced may 14,2013
Had lighting trouble with your 2010 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 2010 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 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most lighting failures cluster between 61,000 and 88,000 miles, with the median around 68,800. A quarter of owners report trouble before 61,000; a quarter make it past 88,000. 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/2010/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.