My tail and brake lights sometimes work sometimes doesn't. Rear window brake light stays illuminated when car is turned off causing battery to drain. This problem has been on going for years. I can sometimes wiggle bulbs and make them work for a while but problem has been persistent for too many years. Tired of replacing bulbs.
2012 hyundai Sonata electrical problems
severe 199 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850
Complaints
199
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Avg fix
$850
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
DRIVING VEHICLE AND SPUTTERS AS IF LOSING POWER WHILE DRIVING. STARTED SMALL NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON WHILE ON FREEWAY. THEN CONTINUED WHEN GOT OFF EXIT AND REDUCED SPEED THEN STOP CAR WARNING LIGHT APPEARS. TURNED CAR OFF WAITED THEN PROBLEM WENT AWAY AFTER TAKING TO DEALERSHIP THEY SAID COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM NOW IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. SAME ISSUE THIS TIME WAS WITH MY WIFE AND KID ON WEDDIN…
I noticed a clicking noise when pressing and releasing the brake pedal that had not been there before. I started hearing that sound 3-5 days ago. After driving to pick up food I noticed smoke coming from the engine area then the car burst into flames. The fire depress called a they put out the fire.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2012 hyundai Sonata?
It's a meaningful issue. 199 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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