Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Hyundai Sonata owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while attempting to replace the rear taillight blubs, she had noticed that the bulbs had melted into the connectors which results in loss of rear taillight use. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing a taillight wiring harness replaced but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH at nighttime, the turn signal switch was engaged, and the headlights inadvertently turned off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that he was able to turn on the high beams by engaging the high beam switch. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that they would be able to diagnose the vehicle in four weeks. The dealer also advised the contact that the turn signal switch needed to be replaced. The contact also contacted a second unknown dealer who also advised the contact that the turn signal switch needed to be replaced; however, the earliest availability was in a couple of weeks. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the turn signal switch was replaced. …
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the electrical system had failed to operate as needed both inside and outside of the vehicle. The contact stated that the taillights had failed to illuminate upon depression of the brake pedal, while the interior lights would flicker. Additionally, the headlights would also flicker while in operation without warning. Additionally, the contact stated that an abnormal clanking sound was coming from the vehicle without warning while making left turns. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where they informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Left driver side rear and front headlamps would burn out, after time noticed the left headlamp flickering 9n and off while driving at night in auto mode, also inside dash lights dimming, also left driver side seat will not adjust, this is a Hazzard for myself and others while driving at night, with lights malfunctioning, was pulled over by highway patrol, and given a warning to fix headlamp.Issue has not been inspected by anyone and the vehicle can be inspected upon request, no dash or warning lights have came on.
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that on various occasions, the brake lights and turning signals failed to illuminate as designed. The contact stated that she replaced the bulbs seven times; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the taillight wiring harness assembly had melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
Engine light is blinking and put safety of my family in danger. I called the close Huyndai dealer also I have a case number. However, it takes forever for them to answer. I only have this car. I am driver and this how I make living. I have no choice in driving this recall vehicle and kill my self and my family. No body care!
The brake lights fail with no warning. Bulb replacement used to work. Since ownership at +70,000 miles, I have had to replace one or both of the tail light sections as they melted. The lighting harness has been changed multiple times. In January 2024 Hyundai issued a warranty extension to 15years/200,000miles. There is no date on the letter. When I tried to get my car serviced there were charges for testing to ensure that this was the problem and it was difficult to find someone to service the car in a timely manner. The police continue to issue me tickets for no rear brake lights. The Dealer who finally serviced the car indicated that the Warranty was Void as the replacement parts were not Hyundai parts. Servicing the car was well after the original warranty was already over, so why would you worry about warranty claims for original parts. …
Break lights continue to burn out. In the 5 yrs I've had the vehicle this is a constant issue. I've taken the vehicle to Balise Hyundai replacing the Bulbs multiple times and replaced one Harness. Today both break lights had to have a full assembly replacement, including harness and the bulbs melted the plastic. The passenger break light even exploded that's how overheated it became. There have been no indication when these lights burn out. I've always had a stranger, neighbor, family or friend alert me that one of my lights were out. 4/26/21 a stranger driving behind pulled up next to me to alert me my tail lights were out. Not knowing break lights out is a safety hazard whether driving on street or highway. The back window has an additional light that has continued to work. In the last 3 years my driving was reduced more than 60% as I relocated to work from home. …
The turn signal stem assembly randomly begins failing after several years (approx 5 years). Issues will be noticed while driving in the dark. When turn signal is applied in both directions, occasionally headlights will turn off or flash causing interior lighting to change to brighter daylight settings at the same time. This can be disorienting for the driver as well as others on the road. To remedy the incorrect lighting situation, the driver needs to jiggle the turn signal stem assembly and normal lighting will resume. At subsequent turns, the entire situation repeats itself. Other drivers may believe they are being alerted to something or potentially angered, causing misunderstandings or altercations on the road. My original turn signal stem assembly was replaced after about 5 years due to this series of events. …
My tail lights, brake lights and head lights continue to go out. I have replaced them many times myself and have taken it to the Hyundai dealership. They temporarily fixed them but couldn't promise how long they would work. They said to fix them would cost over 1000$. This is a safety hazard as not having brake lights could cause serious accidents. This doesn't seem Normal as I have never In my entire time I have been driving had to continually replace lights. Sounds like a manufacturer defect and I feel like the dealership should have to pay, not out of my pocket. I have been pulled over by the police and have had to explain why my lights don't work. It's scary because I never know if they are working or not. I did not get any warnings on my dashboard that lights were out. …
Headlight complaints in other Sonata years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2014 Hyundai Sonata?
NHTSA has 120 complaints about the lights of the 2014 Hyundai Sonata, 16% of the model year's 750 complaints. The component named most often is brake lights (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2014 Hyundai Sonata headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2014 Hyundai Sonata, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2014 Hyundai Sonata headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 5 fires and 0 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.