Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2023 | 3 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2020 | 3 | 1% | — |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% | 10,000 miles |
| 2018 | 2 | 2% | 60,000 miles |
| 2017 | 4 | 0% | 17,000 miles |
| 2016 | 2 | 1% | 62,000 miles |
| 2015 | 9 | 4% | 45,000 miles |
| 2014 | 11 | 2% | 50,000 miles |
| 2013 | 16 | 3% | 29,000 miles |
| 2012 | 13 | 4% | 45,000 miles |
| 2011 | 14 | 8% | 40,000 miles |
| 2010 | 7 | 3% | 65,000 miles |
| 2009 | 9 | 3% | 112,000 miles |
| 2008 | 11 | 2% | 92,000 miles |
| 2007 | 46 | 7% | 79,000 miles |
| 2006 | 9 | 8% | 78,000 miles |
| 2005 | 5 | 2% | 81,000 miles |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% | 120,000 miles |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% | 32,000 miles |
| 2001 | 3 | 1% | 3,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at night with the low beam headlights illuminated, there was a dark shadow present in the top section of the illuminated light field causing a visibility hazard to the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who confirmed the issue was present but informed the contact that the headlights were operating as intended. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 10.
My wife was parking the car at carport, all of sudden unintended acceleration happened and hit through the wall. The damage on the car was $12478.57 and damaged the wall and storage on both sides of carport. My wife is scared to drive this car.
The multifunction/turn signal switch in my Hyundai has failed and causes the left turn signal to operate intermittently. While driving, I am unable to reliably activate the left turn signal when making a left turn or changing lanes. The signal may fail to engage when the turn signal lever is operated, requiring repeated attempts to activate it. College Station Hyundai inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the multifunction switch as the failed component requiring replacement. The replacement component has been identified as Hyundai part number 93400-S1750. I consider this a significant safety concern because the failure prevents me from reliably signaling my intention to turn or change lanes to other motorists. The malfunction occurs during normal operation of the vehicle and creates the risk that surrounding drivers will not know that I intend to turn or change lanes. …
There is a problem with the car's headlights. They are having to be replaced every couple months. I have taken it to the dealership and they told me it would be several hundreds of dollars to diagnose, but cannot tell me anything upon inspection other than needs replacement. We are having to purchase new bulbs every 2-3 months. One side goes out, then the other. We are being careful when replacing them, not to handle them with our fingers and using the bulb lubricant as advised per the parts store. I have receipts for multiple headlamp purchases.
Two issues: severe problem - when driving at a rate of approximately 35mph today on a major city thoroughfare, our 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0t ultimate suffered a sudden and complete loss of power (engine and all electrical systems including lighting). After coming to a stop, the vehicle was stranded in place until it was able to start up again many minutes later. Fortunately no one was physically harmed as the individual driving behind our vehicle was observant enough to identify the issue (despite a lack of brake lights or hazards) and stop in time. No visible engine light or fault code was triggered. Less severe problem: on a regular basis, the vehicle suffers abrupt and sustained loss of power in merging situations (especially when turning on city streets from a stop). This seems to be from an overactive or otherwise ineffective traction control system/programming. …
While driving on December 11, 2017 after dark, down a mountain pass in colorado, at 55 MPH, all of the lights - interior and exterior - failed (turned off) momentarily. When my husband hit the brakes, he could see the brake lights activate in the rear view mirror. After playing with the headlight controls for a few seconds, everything came back on. This happened as my husband was switching from the high beams to the low beams. Even though the interior (dashboard) lights were off, the radio continued to play.
The blue link on all older models is not being supported which cause the screen to become stuck on loading screen. This is a visibility and safety issue because it cause blue link to reload and bright lights to flash as you are driving at night every time it reloads. It is a distraction from the road if you shut it off completely you have no access to radio or sound. The issue it cannot be fixed unless you pay for manual update but you have to it working to actually get the update to run. There are many forums discussing the issue
Low beam headlights are very dim. I have taken it in to be checked and have had the bulbs switched out numerous times. It does not help. They said the inside of the headlight assembly is flaking off and that both of the headlight assemblies need replaced. I can not afford to do that! It is a defect on the inside of the assembly its self. I have to drive with my brights on if I drive it after dark. It is very dangerous.
Related recalls (2)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Hyundai is recalling 532,633 my 2006-2007 accent, entourage, sonata, my 2007 azera, elantra and santa fe, my 2005-2007 tucson and my 2007-2008 veracruz vehicles. The stop lamp switch in the affected vehicles May malfunction.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch free of charge. The recall began on June 29, 2009. Owners May contact the Hyundai customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.
Frequently asked questions
Which Hyundai Santa Fe years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (46), 2013 (16), 2011 (14), 2012 (13) and 2008 (11) model years. Headlight complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Hyundai Santa Fe headlight problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 13V-113 (switch, Apr 1, 2013); 09V-122 (switch, Apr 15, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Hyundai Santa Fe headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles; 38% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the brake lights › switch (19 mentions), followed by the headlights (12).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.