How to Replace a Taillight on a Hyundai Elantra

Replacing a taillight on a Hyundai Elantra is usually a straightforward DIY task that involves accessing the light assembly from the trunk, removing a few fasteners, swapping the bulb or the entire housing, and reinstalling everything securely. The exact steps vary slightly by model year and whether you are replacing just a bulb or the full taillight assembly, but most owners can complete the job in under an hour with basic tools.

Understanding Your Hyundai Elantra’s Taillight Setup

Before picking up a screwdriver, it helps to understand how the Elantra’s rear lighting is arranged. Hyundai has updated the design several times across generations—especially from separate bulb housings to more integrated LED clusters—so knowing what you have determines what you replace and how.

Bulb-Only vs. Full Assembly Replacement

On many Elantras from roughly the early 2010s to the early 2020s, the outer taillight is usually a combination of incandescent bulbs and sometimes LED elements. If only a single rear running light, brake light, or turn signal is out, you may need only a new bulb. If an LED light strip is out, cracked, or filled with condensation, you often need to replace the entire taillight assembly.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Proper tools and parts make the job faster and safer. This preparation step is especially important because different model years and trims of the Hyundai Elantra use slightly different bulbs, screw types, and interior fasteners.

The following list outlines the most common tools and materials required to replace a taillight on a Hyundai Elantra, whether you are changing just a bulb or the complete assembly.

• Owner’s manual: To confirm bulb types and access points for your specific model year (e.g., 2013–2016, 2017–2020, 2021+).
• Replacement bulb(s) or taillight assembly: Correct part number for your Elantra’s model year and trim; OEM or high-quality aftermarket.
• Phillips screwdriver: Often used for screws that secure the taillight assembly.
• Socket set (commonly 8mm or 10mm): For nuts and bolts on some generations.
• Trim or panel removal tool: Plastic pry tools help avoid scratching or damaging interior trunk trim and clips.
• Gloves: To protect your hands and avoid getting oils on halogen bulb glass.
• Clean cloth or paper towel: For handling bulbs and wiping away dirt around the taillight opening.
• Flashlight: To see inside the trunk or behind panels if working in low light.

Having these items ready minimizes interruptions during the replacement process and reduces the risk of damaging trim, fasteners, or the new light components.

Step-by-Step: Replacing a Taillight Bulb on a Hyundai Elantra

Most drivers only need to change a burnt-out bulb rather than replace the entire taillight assembly. The basic approach for many Hyundai Elantra model years is to access the bulb holder from inside the trunk, twist it out, and swap the bulb.

1. Confirm Which Light Has Failed

Before disassembling anything, you need to identify precisely which light is out. This reduces guesswork and ensures you replace the correct component.

The following steps help systematically identify the failing taillight function so you know which bulb or segment to address.

1. Park safely and secure the vehicle: Turn the engine off, set the parking brake, and ensure the car is on level ground.
2. Check all rear lights: With a helper, test running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights. If alone, use a reflective surface or record video with your phone.
3. Note the exact failure: Determine if the issue is with a running light, brake light, turn signal, or reverse light, and whether it’s only one side or both.
4. Look for physical damage: Inspect the lens for cracks, moisture inside the housing, or obvious impact damage that might require full assembly replacement.

Once you know exactly which function has failed and whether the housing is intact, you can decide between a simple bulb replacement and a complete taillight assembly swap.

2. Access the Taillight from Inside the Trunk

On most Elantras, you access the rear of the taillight assembly through the trunk, behind a removable trim panel or fabric liner adjacent to the affected light.

The steps below outline how to safely expose the back of the taillight without damaging the trunk trim or clips.

1. Open the trunk: Lift the trunk and secure it fully open.
2. Locate the interior panel: On the side where the failed taillight sits, find the fabric liner or plastic cover panel behind the light area.
3. Remove fasteners or clips: Unscrew plastic retainers or gently pry off clips using a trim tool, being careful not to snap them.
4. Fold back the liner or remove the panel: Pull the liner aside or lift the cover to reveal the backside of the taillight assembly.

With the rear of the taillight now accessible, you can see the wiring harness and bulb sockets, setting you up to remove and replace the correct bulb.

3. Remove the Bulb Socket and Old Bulb

Once you have visual access to the taillight’s rear, you can identify the correct bulb holder and remove it. Hyundai’s design typically uses twist-lock bulb sockets that are removed by hand.

The following steps explain how to remove the affected bulb safely and avoid damaging the socket or wiring.

1. Identify the correct socket: Each socket corresponds to a function (brake, turn, reverse). Use the owner’s manual or trace the wiring position if unsure.
2. Twist the socket counterclockwise: Grip the socket firmly and rotate it about a quarter turn to release it from the taillight housing.
3. Pull the socket straight out: Carefully withdraw the socket, keeping the wires untangled and unstrained.
4. Remove the old bulb: For push-in bulbs, pull straight out; for some bayonet-style bulbs, push in slightly and twist counterclockwise to release.

At this point, the old bulb is removed and the socket is exposed, ready to receive the new, correctly matched replacement bulb.

4. Install the New Bulb

Correct installation of the new bulb ensures proper operation and longevity. For halogen bulbs in particular, keeping the glass clean is critical to prevent premature failure from heat hotspots.

The steps below show how to install the new bulb into the socket and prepare it for reinstallation in the taillight housing.

1. Confirm the part number: Match the new bulb’s number to the old bulb or to the part number specified in your owner’s manual or parts guide.
2. Handle with care: Wear gloves or use a clean cloth to avoid getting skin oils on the glass, especially with halogen bulbs.
3. Insert the new bulb: Push the bulb firmly into the socket until it seats securely; for bayonet bulbs, align the pins, push in, and twist clockwise to lock.
4. Inspect the connection: Ensure the bulb is straight and does not wobble in the socket; a loose fit can cause intermittent failure.

With the new bulb properly secured in the socket, you are ready to reinsert the socket into the taillight housing and restore the assembly to its original position.

5. Reinstall the Bulb Socket and Trunk Panel

The final steps in a bulb-only replacement involve securing the socket, tidying the trunk interior, and verifying that the new light works as intended.

The below steps guide you through reseating the socket, reattaching the interior trim, and testing the taillight’s function.

1. Reinsert the socket: Align the tabs on the socket with the cutouts in the housing, then push in and twist clockwise until it locks firmly.
2. Check wiring position: Ensure the wires are not pinched or sharply bent and are routed away from moving hinges or sharp edges.
3. Replace the trunk liner or panel: Fold the fabric liner back into place or align the plastic cover and press it back into position.
4. Reinstall clips or fasteners: Refit all screws and plastic retainers, tightening them enough to hold but not so tight that they crack.
5. Test the light: Turn on the headlights, press the brake, activate turn signals, and, if relevant, select reverse (with foot on the brake) to verify proper operation.

Once everything is secured and the light works correctly, the bulb replacement is complete, and your Hyundai Elantra is back to full rear-light functionality.

Replacing the Entire Taillight Assembly

If the lens is cracked, the internal LED strip has failed, or there is significant moisture inside the housing, you will likely need to replace the full taillight assembly instead of just a bulb. This is increasingly common on newer Elantras with integrated LED lighting.

1. Determine the Correct Assembly for Your Model Year

Hyundai Elantra taillight assemblies differ between generations—such as the 2011–2016, 2017–2020, and 2021–present designs—and may vary by trim level, such as SE, SEL, Limited, N Line, or hybrid versions.

The steps below help ensure you purchase the correct taillight assembly that fits properly and matches the other side of the vehicle.

1. Identify your model year and trim: Confirm this from your registration, build sticker in the driver’s door jamb, or the owner’s manual.
2. Check part numbers: Use OEM catalogs, Hyundai’s parts site, or a reputable online parts retailer to find the exact part number.
3. Match left/right sides: Order specifically for the driver (left) or passenger (right) side; they are usually mirror-imaged parts.
4. Verify LED vs. non-LED: Ensure the replacement matches your car’s technology; LED-equipped models often require LED assemblies only.

By confirming the exact part needed, you avoid compatibility issues, incorrect mounting points, or mismatched light signatures when you install the new assembly.

2. Remove the Old Taillight Assembly

Removing the taillight assembly usually involves undoing a combination of bolts and clips inside the trunk, then gently pulling the housing away from the body. This must be done carefully to avoid damaging the paint or bodywork.

The following steps describe how to detach the existing taillight assembly safely and prepare for the new unit.

1. Access the back of the taillight: Open the trunk and remove or fold back the interior liner or trim panel as described in the bulb replacement steps.
2. Disconnect the wiring harness: Locate the main electrical connector to the taillight, press the tab, and pull the plug apart without yanking on the wires.
3. Remove mounting nuts/bolts: Using a socket wrench (often 8mm or 10mm), loosen and remove the fasteners holding the assembly to the body.
4. Check for hidden clips: Some Elantras use additional alignment pins or clips; consult a repair guide if the assembly feels stuck after fasteners are removed.
5. Carefully pull the assembly out: From outside the car, gently wiggle and pull the taillight away from the body, taking care not to chip the paint or force any tabs.

With the old assembly removed, you have a clear opening for the replacement unit and can inspect the body surfaces and wiring for any signs of damage or corrosion.

3. Install the New Taillight Assembly

Installing the new taillight is essentially the removal process in reverse, but alignment and secure fastening are crucial for preventing leaks, rattles, or misaligned body lines.

The next steps guide the fitting and final tightening of the new taillight assembly on your Hyundai Elantra.

1. Position the new assembly: From outside the car, align the new taillight’s locating pins and edges with the body opening.
2. Seat the assembly carefully: Press the assembly into place so that its contours match the trunk lid, bumper, and side panel without gaps.
3. Refit mounting nuts/bolts: From inside the trunk, thread the nuts or bolts by hand first, then tighten them evenly with a socket wrench to avoid stressing the plastic housing.
4. Reconnect the wiring harness: Plug the connector firmly into the new taillight until you hear or feel it click into place.
5. Check alignment and fit: Close the trunk gently to verify the taillight lines up with adjacent panels and that the trunk seals properly.

Once the assembly is properly installed and aligned, all that remains is to restore the trunk interior trim and perform a full functional test of each rear light function.

4. Reinstall Interior Trim and Test the Lights

Completing the job requires returning the interior of the trunk to its original condition and confirming that your new taillight works across all modes: running lights, brake, signals, and reverse.

The following steps help ensure that both the installation and the electrical connections are correct and that the car is ready for regular driving.

1. Reattach the trunk liner: Fold the liner back into place and align it around the taillight area and trunk latch.
2. Install clips and screws: Reinstall any plastic clips or screws, pushing or tightening until the liner is snug but not distorted.
3. Test all light functions: With the car powered on, verify tail/running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights using a helper or a reflective surface.
4. Check for warning indicators: Ensure there are no “bulb out” or lighting system warnings on the dashboard, if your Elantra is equipped with such alerts.

If all functions work correctly and the interior is fully reassembled, your taillight replacement is complete and the vehicle is safe and legal to operate.

Important Safety and Legal Considerations

Driving with a faulty taillight is not only unsafe, especially at night or in bad weather, but may also result in traffic citations in many regions. Ensuring your taillights function correctly is both a safety measure and a legal obligation.

The following key points summarize the safety and regulatory aspects you should consider when repairing or replacing a taillight on your Hyundai Elantra.

• Check local regulations: Many jurisdictions require all original lighting functions to operate correctly, including brake lights, turn signals, and rear markers.
• Use correct color bulbs: Rear turn signals must be amber or red, and reverse lights must be white; using incorrect colors can be illegal and confusing to other drivers.
• Avoid mismatched brightness: Extremely bright aftermarket LEDs paired with stock bulbs on the opposite side can create uneven lighting and potential glare.
• Do not bypass safety circuits: Avoid splicing or modifying wiring in ways that disable factory safety features or cause dashboard warnings.
• Address water leaks promptly: Moisture inside the taillight can corrode contacts and cause recurring failures; reseal or replace affected assemblies.

By following these guidelines, you help maintain both legal compliance and road safety, protecting yourself and other drivers from preventable incidents.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Taillight Problems

Regular checks and minor maintenance can extend the life of your Hyundai Elantra’s lighting system and reduce the likelihood of sudden taillight failures, especially before long trips or seasonal weather changes.

The list below provides simple, practical habits that help keep your taillights functioning reliably over time.

• Inspect lights monthly: Periodically walk around the car with the lights on, checking for dim, flickering, or non-functioning bulbs.
• Clean lenses: Wipe dirt and road grime from taillight lenses to keep them bright and visible.
• Watch for condensation: Fog or droplets inside the housing suggest a bad seal; address this early to avoid electrical corrosion.
• Use quality parts: Choose well-reviewed bulbs and assemblies; very cheap components may fail early or fit poorly.
• Check after minor impacts: Even a light bump to the rear bumper can loosen bulbs or crack taillights, so recheck lights after any impact.

These small, regular checks help you catch issues before they become safety hazards or lead to costly repairs and potential roadside stops.

Summary

Replacing a taillight on a Hyundai Elantra typically involves accessing the light from inside the trunk, removing a bulb socket or the entire housing, swapping in the new component, and then reinstalling and testing everything. For most owners, a simple bulb replacement takes only basic tools, while a full assembly swap demands more careful alignment and attention to part compatibility. By confirming your model year, using the correct parts, following methodical steps, and thoroughly testing all rear light functions afterward, you can restore safe, legal visibility and extend the life of your Elantra’s lighting system without a costly visit to the dealership.

How to change tail light in Hyundai Elantra?

You would find a tab right there we’ll have to press and hold that tab. And then pull the plug outwards. Just like that. You notice that circle right there we’ll also need to push it outwards.

Will AutoZone replace a tail light for me?

No, AutoZone does not replace tail lights; it is a parts store that sells the parts and provides assistance to help you do it yourself. While they don’t perform the service, they can provide guidance, and for some simple bulb replacements, an associate might be able to help or offer to lend a tool through their Loan-a-Tool program. For more complex installations, like a full tail light assembly replacement, they can help you find a “Preferred Shop” for installation. 

• DIY replacement: AutoZone stocks all the necessary parts and provides resources like how-to guides and videos to help you replace the tail light yourself. 
• Tool loan program: Their Loan-a-Tool program allows you to borrow tools to perform the replacement. 
• Associate assistance: For straightforward bulb changes, an associate may offer to help you with the process. 
• Preferred Shops: If the job is more complicated, AutoZone can direct you to a “Preferred Shop” in your area that can perform the installation for you. 

How to remove 2018 Hyundai Elantra tail light?

Case. I forgot to film this part but put both nuts back on in reverse. And only spin them for a couple of threads. So that they’re flush with the end of the bolt.

Can I replace my tail light myself?

Yes, you can change a tail light yourself, as it’s a common and relatively easy DIY task for most vehicles. The process typically involves gaining access to the back of the light from inside the trunk, removing the old bulb or assembly, and installing the new one. You will likely need basic tools like a screwdriver or socket wrench, depending on your vehicle’s specific design. 
Before you begin

• Consult your owner’s manual: Your car’s manual will have specific instructions and a diagram to help you locate the fasteners and understand the process for your model. 
• Park safely: Park your car on a flat, level surface and turn off the engine. 
• Gather your supplies: Have the new bulb or tail light assembly ready. It’s also a good idea to have a screwdriver or socket wrench set handy, along with gloves to keep the new bulb clean. 

Step-by-step instructions

1. Gain access: Open the trunk to access the back of the tail light assembly. You may need to remove a plastic cover or push aside carpet to see the internal components. 
2. Disconnect the old light: 
   • For a bulb: Twist the socket counter-clockwise and pull it straight out. 
   • For an assembly: Look for and remove any screws or bolts holding the assembly in place, then disconnect the electrical connector. The connector usually has a clip or lever that needs to be pushed or pulled to release. 
3. Install the new light:
   • For a bulb: Insert the new bulb and twist it clockwise to lock it into place. Some sockets have an alignment pin that needs to be matched with a corresponding hole. 
   • For an assembly: Connect the electrical connector to the new assembly, then align the assembly with the mounting holes and re-secure it with the screws or bolts you removed earlier. 
4. Test and finish:
   • If you removed the battery, reconnect it now. 
   • Turn on your vehicle’s lights to make sure the new tail light is working correctly. 
   • If the tail light assembly was removed, push it firmly into place before re-securing it with fasteners. 
   • Put back any panels or covers you removed.