NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Exterior Lighting complaints
10 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Nov 18, 2023
Electrical SystemExterior LightingService Brakes
Brake Lights, constantly on. The vehicle, while driving, the brake lights come on and do not turn off. you must force the pedal all the way down, to, sometimes, turn them off. while driving, the lights being on, disables the ECS system, and Cruise Control. while the vehicle is parked and off the lights stay on, unless you depres…
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Brake Lights, constantly on. The vehicle, while driving, the brake lights come on and do not turn off. you must force the pedal all the way down, to, sometimes, turn them off. while driving, the lights being on, disables the ECS system, and Cruise Control. while the vehicle is parked and off the lights stay on, unless you depress the pedal, this causes power drains and dead batteries. if the lights do not work, this is a hazard to drive at any time of day. lights will also come on while car is off and has been off for some time.
NHTSA ODI #11555784
130,801 miles · Jun 28, 2022
Exterior LightingService Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact became aware that the brake taillights would not turn off as needed which caused the battery power to be drained. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact researched online and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V769000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer and the m…
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The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact became aware that the brake taillights would not turn off as needed which caused the battery power to be drained. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact researched online and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V769000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. There was no additional assistance provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 130,801.
NHTSA ODI #11471435
79,152 miles · Oct 25, 2021
Exterior Lighting
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake light was illuminated, and the brake pedal stopper pad detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufact…
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The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake light was illuminated, and the brake pedal stopper pad detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V769000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was 79,152.
NHTSA ODI #11438103
83,000 miles · Jun 2, 2021
Exterior Lighting
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the brake lights failed to turn off. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: …
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The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the brake lights failed to turn off. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V574000 (Exterior Lighting) however, neither the VIN nor the model year were included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
NHTSA ODI #11419374
Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2019
Exterior Lighting
MY PASSENGER LIGHT WOULD NOT COME ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO GET LOOKED AT AND THE MECHANIC EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THE WIRING IN THE LIGHT CAP HAS TO BE REMOVED AND REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #11287598
96,000 miles · Nov 11, 2019
Exterior LightingService BrakesFire
WHILE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT I SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL. ONCE AT THE RED LIGHT I SAW SMOKE AND IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. I PULLED OVER AND EXITED THE VEHICLE TO SEE THAT THE 3RD TAIL LIGHT WAS SMOKING. I WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. I REMOVED THE LIGHT CASING AND SECURED THE WIRING. ON MY WAY TO THE AUTO REPAIR SH…
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WHILE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT I SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL. ONCE AT THE RED LIGHT I SAW SMOKE AND IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. I PULLED OVER AND EXITED THE VEHICLE TO SEE THAT THE 3RD TAIL LIGHT WAS SMOKING. I WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. I REMOVED THE LIGHT CASING AND SECURED THE WIRING. ON MY WAY TO THE AUTO REPAIR SHOP, MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON MY DASHBOARD. THE WIRING FOR THIS 3RD TAIL LIGHT RUNS ALONG THE GAS TANK ENTRANCE AND COULD HAVE CAUSED AN EXPLOSION. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL #13V113000 AND THAT MY REPAIRS WOULD BE OUT-OF-POCKET.
NHTSA ODI #11279386
Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 2019
Exterior Lighting
I HAVE A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, I'M HAVING PROBLEM WITH MY LEFT SIGNAL. I STOPPED @ A RED LIGHT TURNED MY LEFT SIGNAL ON. I NOTICE MY LEFT SIGNAL WAS FLASHING FAST. WHEN IT WENT OF IT CAUSE MY HEAD LIGHTS & MY LIGHTS IN THE INSIDE TO BLINK OFF & ON. WHEN I GOT HOME I CHECK MY LIGHTS AND NOTICE THE LEFT SIGNAL BULB IN THE FRONT WA…
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I HAVE A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, I'M HAVING PROBLEM WITH MY LEFT SIGNAL. I STOPPED @ A RED LIGHT TURNED MY LEFT SIGNAL ON. I NOTICE MY LEFT SIGNAL WAS FLASHING FAST. WHEN IT WENT OF IT CAUSE MY HEAD LIGHTS & MY LIGHTS IN THE INSIDE TO BLINK OFF & ON. WHEN I GOT HOME I CHECK MY LIGHTS AND NOTICE THE LEFT SIGNAL BULB IN THE FRONT WAS BURNED. I WENT TO A AUTO PLACE AND REPLACED A NEW BULB. IT LAST FOR @ LEAST 4 MONTHS & IT WENT AGAIN ACTING UP. I CHANGE DA BULB AGAIN AFTER 4 MONTHS IT STARTS AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP THE BULB WAS CHANGE THEN. I NOTICE AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS IT STARTS ACTING UP. I CAN'T KEEP BRINGING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP OR TO A AUTO PLACE TO REPLACE THE BULB. BECAUSE IT COST ME I FEEL IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. BECAUSE EVERYTIME I USE MY LEFT SIGNAL MY HEADLIGHTS BLINKS OFF & ON OUTSIDE & INSIDE OF MY CAR. I'M AFRAID I WILL BE DRIVING & WHEN I'LL USE THAT LEFT SIGNAL & NOTHING WILL COME BACK ON. THE VEHICLES IN FRONT OR BACK WANT SEE ME OR NO WHAT I'M DOING. THAT'S A BIG HAZARD TO MY LIFE & OTHERS ON THE ROAD ALSO. MY NAME IS [XXX], WHEN YOU WILL PULL IT UP UNDER THE VIN# IT'S UNDER MY MOTHER NAME [XXX] I [XXX] AM THE DRIVER OF THE CAR. IF NO ANSWER PLEASE LEAVE YOUR NAME & A NUMBER DO I CAN CONTACT U BACK. I APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THE TIME TO READ MY COMPLAINT ON WHAT'S GOING ON WITH MY CAR. HAVE A GREAT DAY & BE BLESS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CW *TR
NHTSA ODI #11172866
Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2018
Exterior Lighting
MY VEHICLE THE RIGHT SIDE BREAK, BACK, AND TURNING SIGNAL LIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT EVERY TWO WEEKS AFTER I CHANGE THE LIGHT BULBS.
NHTSA ODI #11130310
28,000 miles · Feb 27, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A HESITATION WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK FOUR OR MORE ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS WERE INADEQUATE FOR NIGHT TIME DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HIGH BEAM HEADLAMPS WERE PRIMARIL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A HESITATION WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK FOUR OR MORE ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS WERE INADEQUATE FOR NIGHT TIME DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HIGH BEAM HEADLAMPS WERE PRIMARILY USED FOR NIGHT DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.
NHTSA ODI #11075195
10,000 miles · Feb 17, 2018
Exterior LightingVisibility/wiper
I CAN HARDLY SEE 6-8 METERS WHEN DRIVING ON DARK STREET, IF I TRAVEL MORE THAN THE SPEED OF 35 MPH , I CANNOT SEE THE DIVIDER UNITIL I COME CLOSE TO IT. COMPLAINED TO HYUNDAI SEVERAL TIMES FOR FEW YEARS TO DIFFERENT DEALERS. NONE OF THEM HAD TAKEN ANY ACTION AND THEY SAY THE LIGHTS ARE ACCORDING TO SPECS. THE LIGHTS FALL CLOSE …
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I CAN HARDLY SEE 6-8 METERS WHEN DRIVING ON DARK STREET, IF I TRAVEL MORE THAN THE SPEED OF 35 MPH , I CANNOT SEE THE DIVIDER UNITIL I COME CLOSE TO IT. COMPLAINED TO HYUNDAI SEVERAL TIMES FOR FEW YEARS TO DIFFERENT DEALERS. NONE OF THEM HAD TAKEN ANY ACTION AND THEY SAY THE LIGHTS ARE ACCORDING TO SPECS. THE LIGHTS FALL CLOSE AND SPREAD WIDE BUT THEY DO NOT FOCUS STRAIGHT AND FAR. THIS IS HAPPENING FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE CAR PURCHASED IN 2014. TILL NOW IT IS USED ONLY DURING DAY TIMES BUT RECENTLY I HAVE STARTED USING AT NIGHT TIMES AND FEELING MORE UNSECURE. MANY TIMES I HAD TO HAVE THE HIGH BEAM TO BE SAFE.
NHTSA ODI #11073416
Official recalls
2Sep 22, 2023
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Nov 30, 2017
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Elantra sedan, coupe and GT vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 170. This campaign expands recall 16V574.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities
Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.
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