How to Replace the Brake Light on a 2013 Hyundai Sonata

To replace the brake light on a 2013 Hyundai Sonata, you typically access the bulb from inside the trunk, remove the tail light assembly by undoing a few fasteners, twist out the bulb socket, swap in a new bulb (commonly type 2357 or 1157 depending on trim and market), then reinstall everything securely and test the light. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide, plus safety tips and troubleshooting advice.

Understanding the Brake Light Setup on a 2013 Hyundai Sonata

The 2013 Hyundai Sonata uses combined tail/brake light assemblies mounted on the rear corners of the vehicle. When you press the brake pedal, the same bulb that acts as a tail light gets brighter to serve as a brake light. Most North American 2013 Sonatas use a dual-filament incandescent bulb, though some trims and markets may use a slightly different bulb spec or have an LED high-mounted third brake light.

Why Replacing a Brake Light Matters

A burned-out brake light is more than an inconvenience: it’s a safety hazard and can result in a traffic stop or citation. Working brake lights are crucial for drivers behind you to react in time, especially in heavy traffic or poor weather. Fortunately, replacing a bulb on a 2013 Sonata is a straightforward DIY task that most owners can complete in 15–30 minutes with basic tools.

Tools, Parts, and Safety Precautions

What You’ll Need

Before starting, it’s useful to gather all tools and parts to avoid interruptions during the replacement process. Below are the most common items needed to replace the brake light bulb on a 2013 Hyundai Sonata.

• Replacement bulb (commonly a dual-filament bulb such as 1157 or 2357; confirm in owner’s manual or by checking existing bulb)
• Flathead screwdriver or trim removal tool (for trunk access covers or clips)
• 10 mm socket and ratchet (or wrench) for the tail lamp mounting nuts
• Clean gloves or paper towel (to avoid touching bulb glass with bare fingers)
• Dielectric grease (optional, to protect connections from corrosion)
• Flashlight (helpful if lighting in the area is poor)

Having these items at hand helps ensure you can complete the job smoothly, avoid damaging interior trim, and install the correct bulb type on the first attempt.

Safety First

Even though brake light replacement is a low-risk task, you’re working around electrical components and potentially in a tight space near a roadway or garage door.

• Park the car on a flat surface and set the parking brake.
• Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
• Switch off the lights and ensure the brake pedal is not pressed.
• Open the trunk fully and secure it, ensuring it won’t close accidentally.
• If you’re working near traffic, use hazard lights and position the vehicle safely.

These precautions reduce the chance of electrical issues, accidental movement of the vehicle, or injury while you work on the brake light assembly.

Step-by-Step: Replacing the Brake Light Bulb

1. Access the Tail Light Assembly from the Trunk

To reach the brake light bulb, you must first expose the rear side of the tail light assembly from inside the trunk. This process involves moving or removing light trim pieces that cover the tail lamp mounting area.

1. Open the trunk and locate the tail light area on the side where the brake light is out.
2. Look for a fabric or plastic trunk liner panel behind the tail light assembly (on the interior side of the trunk wall).
3. Carefully pull back or remove the liner. Some Sonatas have plastic push-pin clips or small plastic covers that you may gently pry off with a flathead screwdriver or trim tool.
4. Set any clips or covers aside in a safe place, so you don’t lose them.

Once the liner is pulled back, you will see the rear of the tail light housing and the wiring harness, setting you up for removing the assembly itself.

2. Remove the Tail Light Assembly

Although some vehicles allow direct access to bulbs without removing the entire assembly, many 2013 Sonata trims require you to loosen the tail light unit to comfortably twist out the bulb socket.

1. Identify the tail light mounting nuts (usually two or three 10 mm nuts) accessible from inside the trunk.
2. Use a 10 mm socket and ratchet (or wrench) to carefully loosen and remove these nuts. Be sure not to drop them into hard-to-reach areas.
3. With the nuts removed, move to the outside of the vehicle and gently pull the tail light assembly straight back. It may be snug due to alignment pins, so apply even, steady pressure rather than prying at an angle.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector if needed by pressing the tab and pulling the plug straight out. On some cars you can leave the harness connected if there’s enough slack.

After removing the assembly, you will have clearer access to the bulb sockets on the back of the tail light, making the actual bulb replacement easier and reducing the risk of damaging components.

3. Identify and Remove the Brake Light Bulb

The tail light housing contains multiple bulbs: tail/brake, turn signal, and reverse. The brake light bulb is typically in the central area of the assembly and is often a dual-filament bulb.

1. Inspect the rear of the tail light and look for the bulb socket closest to where the brighter red section is when lit; this is usually the tail/brake bulb.
2. Grasp the bulb socket and twist it counterclockwise (typically about a quarter-turn) to release it from the housing.
3. Pull the socket straight out, exposing the bulb.
4. Remove the bulb by gently pushing in (if it’s a push-and-twist type) and turning counterclockwise, or simply pulling straight out if it’s a push-fit design.

With the old bulb removed, you can verify the bulb type by reading the markings on the base, ensuring you purchase or install the correct compatible replacement.

4. Install the New Brake Light Bulb

Installing the new bulb correctly ensures bright, reliable illumination and reduces the likelihood of electrical issues. Handling and seating of the bulb are important to longevity and function.

1. Compare the new bulb with the old one to confirm matching base type and filament arrangement.
2. If using a standard incandescent bulb, avoid touching the glass with bare fingers; use clean gloves or a tissue to prevent skin oils from shortening bulb life.
3. Insert the new bulb into the socket, aligning tabs or pins correctly, then push and twist clockwise (for bayonet-style) or push firmly straight in (for wedge-style) until it’s secure.
4. Optionally apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the socket contacts to help prevent corrosion and ensure a good electrical connection.
5. Reinsert the bulb socket into the tail light housing, aligning the tabs, and twist clockwise until it locks into place.

Once the new bulb is installed and the socket secured in the housing, you’re ready to reassemble the tail light and confirm that the repair worked.

5. Reinstall the Tail Light Assembly

Properly reseating the tail light assembly protects the bulb from moisture and ensures the lens aligns with the body lines of the car, preserving both function and appearance.

1. If you unplugged the wiring harness earlier, reconnect it now, ensuring the connector clicks securely into place.
2. Align the tail light assembly with its locating pins and body opening, guiding it gently into position without forcing it.
3. From outside the vehicle, press the assembly evenly so it sits flush with the body panel.
4. Return to the trunk and reinstall the mounting nuts by hand first to avoid cross-threading, then tighten them with the 10 mm socket. Snug them firmly but do not overtighten, as excessive force can crack the housing.

Once secured, the tail light should sit evenly against the car’s body with no visible gaps, indicating a proper fit that helps keep water and dust out.

6. Replace the Trunk Liner and Interior Trim

Reattaching the interior trim not only tidies the trunk area but also helps protect wiring and the back of the tail light assembly from damage.

1. Fold the trunk liner or trim panel back into its original position over the tail light access area.
2. Reinstall any plastic clips, covers, or fasteners removed earlier, making sure they snap or seat securely.
3. Press the liner flat so it doesn’t interfere with trunk cargo or catch on stored items.

With the interior trim restored, the trunk area should look unchanged from its original condition, and the installation work will be fully concealed.

Testing the New Brake Light

Testing the brake light after installation is essential to confirm the bulb is working properly and that no wiring or connections were disturbed during the process.

1. Close the trunk securely.
2. Turn the ignition to the “ON” position without starting the engine, or start the engine if required by your vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Ask a helper to stand behind the vehicle, or position the car near a reflective surface (like a garage door) so you can see the lights in reflection.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal and confirm the replaced side illuminates brightly, matching the other brake light in intensity and color.
5. Check tail lights, turn signals, and reverse lights to ensure nothing else was inadvertently disturbed.

If the new bulb lights correctly and matches the opposite side, your brake light replacement is complete and the vehicle is safe and legal to drive.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

When the New Bulb Still Doesn’t Work

If the brake light remains out after replacing the bulb, the problem might lie elsewhere in the electrical system or bulb seating.

• Check the fuse: Consult the owner’s manual for the brake light fuse location in the fuse box. A blown fuse will need to be replaced with one of the exact same amperage rating.
• Inspect the socket: Look for corrosion, burns, or bent terminals in the bulb socket that could prevent good contact.
• Verify bulb seating: Remove and reinsert the bulb to ensure it is fully seated and properly aligned.
• Test another bulb: A new bulb can be faulty; try swapping sides or using another new bulb to rule this out.
• Wiring issues: If multiple lights on the same side are out, there may be a wiring harness problem requiring professional diagnosis.

High-Mounted Third Brake Light Notes

The 2013 Sonata also uses a high-mounted center brake light at the top of the rear glass or on the rear deck. In many trims, this unit uses multiple small bulbs or an LED strip.

• If a single center bulb fails and others still work, you may replace an individual wedge bulb (if serviceable) following similar steps but accessing it from inside the cabin or under the rear deck.
• If the center light is an LED module and it fails, you often must replace the entire assembly rather than individual LEDs.
• Replacing the third brake light typically requires removal of trim panels around the rear window or inside the rear deck, so consult the owner’s manual or a repair guide.

Understanding whether your third brake light is bulb-based or LED-driven helps you decide whether it’s a feasible DIY project or better left to a shop.

Tips for Choosing Replacement Bulbs

While standard incandescent bulbs work fine, you may consider upgraded options to improve visibility or longevity for your 2013 Sonata’s brake lights.

• OEM-equivalent incandescent bulbs: These match the original brightness and color and are generally the simplest, most reliable choice.
• Long-life bulbs: Labeled as “long-life” or “extended life,” these may last longer but can be slightly dimmer.
• LED replacement bulbs: Provide brighter light and longer life, but must be compatible with your car’s socket and electronics. Some may require resistors to avoid hyperflash or warning lights, though brake lights usually pose fewer issues than turn signals.
• Quality brands: Choose reputable brands (e.g., Philips, Sylvania, OSRAM) to reduce the risk of early failure or inconsistent brightness.

Selecting bulbs from trusted manufacturers and verifying compatibility with your Sonata model year helps maintain safety, visibility, and reliability on the road.

Maintenance and Legal Considerations

Keeping your brake lights in working order is both a safety responsibility and a legal obligation in most regions. Regular checks can prevent violations and reduce the risk of rear-end collisions.

• Periodic checks: Inspect all exterior lights, including brake lights, at least once a month or before long trips.
• Routine inspections: Many inspection stations and dealerships perform quick light checks during service visits; take advantage of these.
• Legal compliance: In many jurisdictions, driving with a burned-out brake light can lead to fines or failed safety inspections.
• Proactive replacement: If one bulb fails, consider replacing the matching bulb on the opposite side, as they often age at similar rates.

By treating your lighting system as a critical part of regular vehicle maintenance, you improve your own safety and that of other road users while avoiding potential legal trouble.

Summary

Replacing a brake light on a 2013 Hyundai Sonata is a manageable DIY project: access the tail light from inside the trunk, remove the assembly, twist out the brake light socket, swap in a correct replacement bulb, then reassemble and test. Using proper tools, following basic safety steps, and verifying bulb type ensures a smooth, reliable repair. Regularly checking all brake lights—including the high-mounted third light—helps you stay visible, compliant with local laws, and safer every time you drive.

Is there a recall on 2013 Hyundai Sonata brake lights?

A1: Some Sonata vehicles may experience inoperable brake lights due to melting/deformation of the rear combination housing lamps. Q2: What are the affected vehicles? A2: Affected vehicles include certain 2011-2014 model year Sonata (YF) vehicles produced 12/11/2009 – 05/21/2014.

Can I replace my brake lights myself?

Replacing your car’s brake light is a straightforward task you can manage yourself. However, before jumping in, be sure to look at your car’s owner’s manual. It helps by giving you a diagram of where everything is, making the brake light replacement process even easier.

What kind of brake light bulb do I need for a 2013 Hyundai Sonata?

2357R

How to replace a 2013 Hyundai Sonata brake light?

Now that dark gray that’s the bulb holder for the stop light bulb just twist it left and out it. Comes. Now once that is out the way to get the bulb out is just press it down twist it left and out it.