I had a brake light problem with the driver's side brake light being much dimmer than the right, causing the bulb on the passenger side to burn out quite often, and get too hot for the plastic casing that warps which prevents you from removing the light bulb in the socket opening. Some references have called for a fire hazard with the extreme heat of the bulb. The "cause" was quite obvious when I saw the inside of the socket. The ground tab, thin copper strip that touches the outside of the bulb casing was pushed back into the socket housing. I simply used a technical screw driver and bent the tab back out into a position of contact to the base of the bulb. PROBLEM SOLVED! Yea!!! Thanks for the video and post that encouraged me to move forward in fixing it myself. I saved over $800.00 in investigative problem solving at the Hyundai Dealership & the auto electric shop down the road.Thanks again guys!

Glad I found this by accident. My sonata blows bulbs more than any car I've ever owned. Same with the headlights!

This video is still super helpful! I have a 2011 with an inconsistent brake light, I think I just need to adjust the green connector as you showed. Thanks for helping a neighbor! JL

Had the same problem on my 2012 Sonata. Thanks for your 1157 bulb recommendation!

Mr. Thank you very much for making this video. I will replace the bulbs. This is the second time I replaced the harness W/4 bulbs. My respect for you

Just when I think the Internet is a colossal waste of time and I wish it had never been invented, a video like this comes along and solves a problem for me. Thanks!! 2011 Sonata, same bulb-blowing issue, and the 1157s seem to be working fine.

I've seen this video months ago...I logged back on KZfaq just to watch your video again.. I'm so tired of replacing those bulbs, or the front end work is ridiculous... I've never went through 2 sets of struts that only last about one year.. The mounts keep going bad and also I have a harness that will get replaced but I will definitely buy the 1157 bulb and see how long those bulbs will last... Your video is very helpful and Thanks 😊!!!!!!!

Best DIY for my 2014 Hyundai Sonata GLS thanks!

Same. 2016 Sonata. Trying the 1157 replacements. I'll try to remember to come back and report. Thanks for your insight.

Exactly the information I was looking for. Thank you for this video!

Thanks a lot for the video. I sadly came across this video since I had trouble getting the socket back into the slot!!! After watching this it helped me. I actually had the outside light wires getting in the way but your video did show me the orientation of the tabs.

About to try this crossing my fingers it works! Sick of buying new bulbs! Every month.

OK so just to give everybody an update I changed both of the brake light bulbs to the 2357 LED light bulbs by Philips 1 week ago. I decided to go with the 2357 instead of the 1157 only because they are brighter as they have a little bit more wattage output and went with Philips because that is all that Pep Boys carried. Also no load equilizer/ inline capacitor is needed. So far so good. I will post another update in 6 to 8 weeks. Love the fact that I found this video, you have no idea how many people will benefit from seeing it, just like I did! Way to go TweekerDan1984 👍✌

Thank you so much for posting this video my Hyundai sonata is constantly burning my brake lights. I'm a woman that knows nothing about car issues and I thank you for the detailed on how to fix this myself again thank you so much.

Thanks for the tip. I'm having the same problem. Installed 1157. So far so good.

Whew!! I'm so glad I found you and your video because my tail light keeps going out not all the time but every so often it gets on my nerves having to buy tail lights bulbs. 😫😫🤦🏾‍♀️ thanks! I have a 2011 Sonata.

There is a lot of garbage on KZfaq full of ads and other nonsense, this video is not that. It is super clear, descriptive, and informative. While I have a different model (2018 Tuscson) I am having this precise issue and was getting the run around everywhere I went about it. I appreciate you taking the time to make this video because it's such a pain. Had both tail lights go out while driving .. fortunately the bulbs aren't actually blowing yet but I have to stop and bang on them to get them to come back on. I will be looking to pull those connection bits up and use the lower heat bulbs thanks to your suggestion.

Thank you for sharing, I happen to own a '14 Sonata, totally agree, Hyundai should addresses these issues with burning tail lights as well headlights, defectly will replace my with 1157, I already replaced my headlights with LED no more burning out... have a blessed day 👍

Thank you for the tip. Great to know that this was a major recall

TTTHHHAAANNNKKK YYYOOOUUUUUUUU!!! Worked on our Hyundai Tucson with one pesky brake light burning out over & over - funny, I'm 62, and 1157's have been around as long as I can remember - in our case it (the 1157) doesn't seem to be any brighter than the 2357 ... shrug ... Anyway thanks for "permission" to fix what the engineers designed!

Thanks so much! I'll try this on my car this weekend!!

Found this video looking to fix my issues and found this is the exact make and model so I’m glad to know it’s not just my Hyundai Sonata, funny that this issue is a common thing with them

Omg😫😫😫im sooo happy i found your video!!!! I have a 2013 Hyundai elantra and i have bought two entire new tail lights! And have changed my bulbs soo many times!!! Im.using 2357bulbs now!!! Thank you for this video!!!!

Video super helpful. Lots of bulb replacement in my 2013 Hyundai Elantra. In fact I was pulled over last year (first time in 15yrs😵) and given a warning so switching to LED now.

Thanks for the video. Same issue here with my 2012 Hyundai Sonata. I have friends telling me my brake lights are out all the time. Now I just always have extras with me. It gets so hot that it eventually melts the plastic around it.

My brake lights. I googles and gound out tgat there is a recall on something like the brake pad thingy under the dash. I am going to dealer tomorrow to get it repaired for free. Thank you so much for your help.

It worked just as you said. Thanks!

Thanks, it work beautifully.

Hopefully if enough Owners report this issue to the NHTSA a recall will be implemented

I'm definitely trying the 1157 model bulbs, thanks..Also, make sure to stay on top of recalls. There's one involving the brake pedal stopper...I had it replaced on my 2011 Sonata. Hyundai had an issue with brake pedal stoppers not working properly causing brake lights to stay lit even though brakes were not applied, resulting in bulbs burning out faster, among other things.

Big help dude. Thanks a lot!

Thank You!!! Same problem on 2011 gls. Socket looked identical. 2357 replacement bulbs on driver side only lasted about 12 months and burnt out again. 2nd blown replacement bulb. Replaced with new Sylvania 1157 bulbs - from Walmart $1.50 cheaper than autozone. 👍

this was my exact problem thanks for the video 2011 sonata

Thanks for the video this helped me out a lot just got the wife a 2013 Hyundai Sonata and I was replacing the bulbs almost every week smh

Thank you! Just used your suggestion and am pretty sure we will be good for a long time. At least compared to 2357

Thank you so much for this post. I changed to the 1157 bulbs but now the right light bulb is not working properly. Please help.

Thank you for the video. I was able to fix this myself :-)

I am having same issue with my 2013 elantra. 5 bulbs replaced again today, stopped by police 3 times in a year . nothing is ever wrong per dealership. Lol what a joke! Working on about my 20th bulb! Thanks for your input ! May try the other bulbs next time which will be soon! Lol

Thank you For this video and advice!!

Need to try this in my Elantra gt. Tail light went out within two days of me replacing it with the factory bulb. Thanks for the suggestion

I have a 2013 Sonata with the same problem. My fix was to purchase a wiring harness from Rock Auto 6.95 per and they came with all the bulbs attached, Very easy to swap out.

suggestion: I use a clean paper towel to hold the lightbulb when installing. keeping oils and grease off the glass that might cause a bulb to fail in the future.

I have a 2010 Sonata. Changed the passenger side brake light twice in the last 6 months. The 3rd light has never worked. I just don’t feel like removing the entire dash to change it. Now both driver and passenger brake lights are out😡 Thanks for this info. I’ve got some work to do

Wow I have the same issue with the brake lights going out every other month it seems. I thought it was just my car. The left side melted the casing and I couldn’t even get the bulb out, I had to have a mechanic file it down in order to be able to replace the bulb on that side. Never had this issue with any other car. This will be my last Hyundai. Way too many issues from my engine going out, to the brake lights, to the starter, to the axle having to be replaced twice.

My brake light bulbs get so hot. In my 2013 sonata, it actually melted the taillight itself. I replaced bulbs about every 2 months. And every time I go to the store that's what they give me the 2357. now watching this video. I'm definitely going to try the 1157. I've never had a car to blow out so many bulbs. Brake lights headlights, fog lights. It's ridiculous. Thank you for the video.

Do you have the links or product names of the bulbs and socket replacements you used?

I’ve replaced my bulbs 7times in one year

I have a 2012 Sonata GLS and had tom replace both brake lights. I had to buy harnesses both times because the bulb burned into the assembly. Wish I'd have seen this.

Excellent video. Thanks.

I thought something was going on seems like I'm constantly replacing my bulbs so that weeki put in the long life bulbs and before the weekend the damn thing burnt out again I think I'll try the 1157

My 2011 Hyundai Sonata the driver side tail light harness caught fire and caught all the material thank God I carry a fire extinguisher with me I was able to extinguish the fire I had my 3 kids and wife in the car I got the car put out before the fire department arrived only lasting damage after replacing the tail light and all the trunk carpeting is a small spot where the paint bubbled on the outside

Works perfect on my 2018 Elantra. Super ez fix

Thanks a lot brother I really appreciate you making this video and my bulbs were burning out and as a matter of fact one of my receptacles is melted so thanks a lot

Changed out the old burned factory socket harnesses out in two 2013 sonatas and replaced bulbs with LED units (no load equalizer needed) . No problems one year later.

Thank you sir I wish I found your video two years ago

I was having the same issue. This worked on my 2014 Kia Optima. Thank you!!!

Just placed in the 1157s so far so good. Will be back with an update.

I just accidentally found this video. I've been having this issue for years. My bulb is burned into the little housing thing. Would the dealership fix that piece?

This video helped so much. I have been having brake light problems and the last one burnt the socket completely. I'm now using the 1157 as you stated and no more issues. I have a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Now, if someone could just fix my air conditioning problems I will be happy.

Mine is burning out almost monthly. I now have to get a new harness. Thanks for this video!

Thank you!! Mine just went out... again, I'll get an 1157 tomorrow! Any videos on unclogging panoramic sunroof drain?

To this day I see this exact model Sonata on the road a lot with burnt out brake lights all the time!

Worked for me thx!

I’ve never seen a sixth gen Sonata or fifth gen Elantra with all the tail lights working. There’s always at least one bulb out

I bought a replacement wiring for the taillight due to the receptacle melting/breaking also bulb constantly burning out and changed bulb to LED hopefully this resolves the issue !!!!!

Great n very helpful. Thank u

I've been having the same issue for a couple of years. So after reading all the responses I will try the 2357 LED bulbs without the load equilizer/inline capacitor. I will post back after I install the bulbs, to share the results...

Mine looks just like this one but, turbocharged.. tired of buying bulbs... glad it's just a lower bulb issue

I just worked on a 2018 Tucson. I found that metal ground tab sometimes not making contact. The metal tabs on the bulb I think has melted the socket so the bulb doesn't stay down as far as it should and thus losing the ground. I reshaped the ground so it would contact the bulb more towards the center than at the bottom. Worse case if my repair doesn't last the socket will need to be replaced.

Word you are the Man!!!

2016 Hyundai the socket is a different color from how much it’s burned up

Great advice helped me fix this problem ive been haven changing these Damm light bulbs out great job 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

This video was very helpful. I'm hoping you can help with another tail light issue. when you turn on my park lights the brake light comes on too only on the driver side when you press the brake the brake light goes off and the park light stays on by itself. Any ideas?

My 2011 sonata bulbs always go out. And now the light bulb always comes loose. Any tips on how to fix that crap?! Bulb is fine but gets loose enough to not work.

Right brake light on tail light works off and on 2018 Elantra what can I do? Have to remove entire assembly now instead of just the light bulb

Will the socket being bad cause the third brake light to stay constantly lite I had a driver side bulb burn out and when installed new bulb it will not light up and the 3rd eye stays on

I need you to come fix my lights because I'll break something if I try and do it myself. I wish I never got this car

Installed new bulbs in tail lights. I was having an issue where when i turned on the daytime running lights or headlights the brake/stop light wasnt illumanitng. figured it out! you have to make sure the double filament bulb is correctly installed, flip the bulb over in the socket, the little metal contacts on the bulb need to be linked to the appropriate prong in the socket. if they are installed backwards, the stop light filament will light up bright at all times and you wont have stop lights when the headlights or day time running lights are turned on cause its on the tail light(dimmer than the stop light) prong in the socket. i think most people are installing the bulbs backwards, and the brake/stop light filament is always being lit up cause the bulb is backwards, causing them to overheat!

I've had the same problem and will try the 1157 bulb. The hole in the tail light assembly has actually melted somewhat and I could not get the socket to screw back in. I had to trim the warped/melted plastic in order to get the socket with the lightbulb to screw back in.

I switched to 2357 leds because the stock bulbs started melting the lens assembly, to the point where I no longer can twist lock the socket in. Nothing a bit of tape can't fix

Just put in 1157 3 weeks ago and it turned black. Replaced it today

I had to look this up because I thought I was the only one with this issue. My driver’s side tail light burns out in a month. The plastic has almost broken all the way and gets super hot. Scary! I was wondering if I can get different bulbs maybe for different voltage etc. or with fans to cool them down. I haven’t seen a recall for this.

Hi there. I haven't been able to find the same socket to replace it. Is there a number or code for it, so I can buy a new one? Anybody?? I need help finding just the gray socket> . Thanks for your help!!!!!!!!!!

So I just wanted to add for anybody with this problem on the 2013 Hyundai Sonata. You actually DON'T need the line load stabilizer for LED's. I just swapped out yet another burned out 2357 for a Sylvania Cool White 1157 LED and it worked like a charm.

So I have the 1157 bulbs in now but they only turn on when I brake. When idle 1 side doesn't turn on. but when I brake, they both work fine. I spent $257 for them to say they checked wiring and "replaced" the bulbs after I told them changing the bulbs doesn't last, something else is wrong.

My tail light is not working when I turn it on the signal light works and the brake light works but no the light itself neither does the front. I found cut wire in the front but I'm not sure where it plugs in can you maybe help?

My inlaws gave my son a 2012 Sonata fir his first car. We have replaced the bulbs on both sides twice now and they have been the 1157. Guess it is time to try the LED

Which wires did you put the equalizer on? My 2014 Sonata has black, green and red wires going to the left and right break lights. The green is the ground so the equalizer will go on that, but the other side of the equalizer will go on the red or black wire?

Thanks for helping folks out! You rock! I have a sonata 2018 and it’s driver side brake light doesn’t lighten up. Dealership quoted me something close to $250. Is there a led bulb I can buy by myself and replace the bulb. I don’t know anything about cars.

My kia rio left brake lights keeps burning out after 2k miles. Always burns the 2nd fuse inside the bulb. Thankfully, Ace hardware sells them for 2 bucks a pop. About to just replace the socket, starting to piss me off.

I have a 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T. I replaced the bulbs to LED bulbs a long time ago because I saw the assemblies were melted and the light bulb ruined the harness by expanding the plastic. The LEDs work really well and dont seem to have any issues. I didnt add anything to the lights with the LEDs as stated in the video and I havent had a problem for about 2 years with the bulbs. 2 weeks ago I bought both rear tail light assemblies for about $120 for both off of Amazon. One didnt seat completely and I was pulled over last night for my drivers side running light (tail light) being out. The brake light works but the running light doesnt. I just purchased another tail light assembly for the driver side from autozone for about $150 because I really dont want to get pulled over again for fear of a ticket, but Im pretty sure you could get them for cheaper online. My front headlight just went out and I dont know if it has anything to do with the new instillation of the tail light assemblies because I dont have an electrical background. I hope this new assembly works and the headlight going out was just a coincidence. I will keep everyone posted. If you just have a light bulb issue please dont be afraid to replace it. It requires no tools and just a little twisting as stated in the video. If you want to replace the assemblies yourself it is not that much more difficult. You will have to back out 5 nuts and it slides right out. The harness comes with a plug, so if you can plug in a light you can do this. The light has one guide on the front of the assembly that keeps it snug to the car. Their is a video that explains everything if you search if you are still afraid. Other issues I have had- -Turbo=waistgate actuator needed to be replaced after the car lost power. -allignment never is correct and pulls to the right. The front suspension is under warranty for 120K for this issue so maybe that will help. I havent had that done yet. -CV joints were replaced -The hydrolic hood stands needed to be replaced. -Almost all of the recalls except for the engine replacement. The power train warranty has been extended to 120k miles -The a/c compressor needed to be replaced. - The paint has a bunch of chips on it. Solution: about $2500 in issues that werent covered under the warranty and a whole lot of time diagnosing and dealing with this car. If you have the extra $7k go ahead and get a Nissan, Toyota or Honda and save yourself the headache. If you dont have the extra money, although this car has been a pain in the butt, I am still ahead $7k but my time isnt unfortunately worth that much. Good luck to everyone! I hope this helped. Please give me some feedback into some of the solutions or issues im having so others can benefit.

just spent 180$ to get 2 new sockets and 2 new head lamps because this issue happened to me, almost worst case scenario. gonna try those 1157's and hope that fixes everything

my tail lights out but when i step on my brakes it turns on. I think the bulb isnt making contact with the metal at the bottom cause every time i push the bulb in it lights up. I got pulled over for it already and idk if i should get a new socket

Same thing happens to my car on the passenger side but I noticed is not even the bulb sometimes I feel like is the actual bulb holder but who knows, also my front driver side light when out replaced the bulb and still isn’t on. Feel like is a electrical problem

Has anyone had issues with their headlight bulb not lasting long too? I feel like I have to replace it every year at least once

Thanks brother happens all the time On ours

Which 1157 do I get for the 2013 SE Hyundai

Thank you !!

So after posting this video a while ago how did the 1157’s hold up?? Cause I have a ‘14 sonata and and the 2357 just keep blowing out on me and constantly replacing them is getting annoying

Has anyone experience changing the bulbs but then the brake lights only work when the running lights are off? When the running lights are on the brake lights will not work when the brake is pressed. (thanks)