What Type of Brake Light Bulb Is on a 2013 Hyundai Sonata?
The 2013 Hyundai Sonata typically uses a standard incandescent 2357 (or 2357LL) bulb for the rear brake lights on most trims, while models equipped with the optional LED taillight assembly use integrated LEDs that are not simple plug-in bulbs. Understanding which version your car has is essential before buying a replacement.
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Understanding the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Brake Light Setup
The 2013 Hyundai Sonata was sold with two main rear lighting configurations: a conventional halogen/ incandescent-style lamp housing that uses replaceable bulbs and an upgraded taillight design with built-in LEDs. Knowing which system your vehicle uses will determine whether you can simply swap a bulb or need more extensive work if a light fails.
Standard (Non‑LED) Taillight Assemblies
On most 2013 Hyundai Sonata models—especially lower and mid-level trims with regular red plastic lamp housings—the rear brake lights use common automotive bulbs that can be replaced individually. These are the lights that illuminate more brightly when you press the brake pedal, often sharing space in the housing with tail/parking lights and turn signals.
Typical Brake Light Bulb Specification
For Sonatas with traditional bulb-based taillights, the primary stop lamp (brake light) is generally a dual-filament bulb type that supports both running (tail) light and brighter brake illumination. This standardization allows for easier replacement and wide availability at auto parts stores.
The key specifications for the typical brake light bulb on a 2013 Hyundai Sonata with non-LED tails include:
- Bulb type: 2357 (dual-filament) or 2357LL (long-life variant)
- Base type: BAY15d / standard dual-contact offset pin base
- Function: Tail (dim) + brake (bright) in the same bulb on most non-LED housings
- Technology: Incandescent, with optional LED retrofit (aftermarket)
- Location: Rear combination lamp, accessed from inside the trunk
In practice, most drivers will be looking for a 2357 or 2357LL bulb when they walk into an auto parts store and ask for a 2013 Sonata brake light bulb, as this is the commonly cataloged fitment for the non-LED setup.
Center High-Mount Stop Lamp (Third Brake Light)
Beyond the left and right brake lights in the main taillamp assemblies, the 2013 Hyundai Sonata also features a center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL), often integrated at the base of the rear window or into the rear deck.
The third brake light can be configured differently from the main brake lamps:
- Type: Often a dedicated bulb or an integrated LED module, depending on trim and market
- Replacement method: If bulb-based, the unit can usually be accessed from inside the cabin or under the rear deck; if LED-based, it may be a sealed unit requiring module replacement
- Function: Additional brake light for improved visibility and compliance with safety standards
Because the center brake light specification can vary, owners are advised to check the owner’s manual or visually inspect the assembly to confirm whether it uses a replaceable bulb or an LED module.
LED Taillight Assemblies on Certain Trims
Some higher trims or option packages of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata were equipped with LED-style taillights. In these versions, the brake function is often handled by an array of LEDs built directly into the lamp assembly rather than a traditional plug-in bulb.
How LED Brake Lights Differ
Unlike conventional 2357 bulbs, LED-based assemblies are typically not designed for simple “bulb swaps.” Instead, the diodes are soldered onto circuit boards inside the taillight housing.
Key characteristics of the LED-equipped taillight versions include:
- Light source: Integrated LEDs, not a standard replaceable bulb
- Serviceability: If the LEDs fail, the entire taillight assembly (or LED module) often needs replacement
- Appearance: More uniform, modern-looking light signature with multiple small illuminated points
- Longevity: Typically longer life than incandescent bulbs, though failures still occur
Because these LED assemblies are model- and trim-specific, the part numbers differ from the 2357-style bulb and are usually sourced as complete taillight units from Hyundai or reputable aftermarket suppliers.
How to Confirm Which Brake Light Type Your Sonata Has
Even within the same model year, equipment can vary by trim line, region, and options. Verifying what is installed on your particular 2013 Sonata is important before ordering or installing parts.
Quick Identification Steps
You can determine whether your car uses a conventional 2357-style bulb or integrated LEDs with a few simple checks.
Use the following steps to confirm your brake light configuration:
- Visual inspection of the taillights: If you can see a clear, single bulb behind the red lens, it is likely a standard bulb assembly. If you see many small, evenly spaced points of light, it is probably LED-based.
- Check your owner’s manual: Look under “Bulb Replacement” or “Exterior Lights.” If the manual lists a rear stop lamp bulb type (e.g., 2357), you have a replaceable bulb. If it indicates “LED” or mentions dealer service only, you likely have an LED assembly.
- Remove the access panel in the trunk: Behind the taillight, if you find a twist-out bulb socket, you have a conventional bulb system. A sealed connector without a socket usually indicates LEDs.
- Contact a Hyundai dealer or parts site: Provide your full VIN; they can confirm whether your specific vehicle uses 2357 bulbs or an LED taillight assembly.
By taking these steps before purchasing parts, you reduce the risk of buying the wrong component and can plan for either a simple bulb swap or a more involved assembly replacement.
Choosing a Replacement Bulb (If You Have the 2357 Type)
Once you confirm that your 2013 Sonata uses standard bulbs, you have a few choices for replacement, including OEM-equivalent incandescent bulbs or aftermarket LED upgrades designed to fit the same socket.
Incandescent vs. LED Replacement Options
While the car originally uses incandescent 2357 bulbs in its non-LED versions, many owners consider LED retrofit bulbs for brightness and longevity. Each option has trade-offs that should be weighed before purchase.
Here are the main replacement options and considerations for a 2357-style brake light bulb:
- Standard 2357 bulb: Matches OEM performance, widely available, inexpensive; typical choice at auto parts stores.
- 2357LL (Long Life): Similar brightness to standard 2357 but designed to last longer, useful for drivers who want fewer replacements.
- LED retrofit bulb (2357 equivalent): Brighter and quicker to illuminate, often longer life, but may require load resistors or be more sensitive to housing design; quality and beam pattern vary by brand.
- Brand selection: Established brands (e.g., Philips, Sylvania, OSRAM, or reputable LED manufacturers) generally offer more consistent quality and color output.
For most owners focused on simplicity and reliability, a standard or long-life 2357 incandescent bulb remains the most straightforward plug-and-play choice for the 2013 Sonata’s non-LED brake lights.
Summary
The 2013 Hyundai Sonata most commonly uses a 2357 (or 2357LL) dual-filament incandescent bulb for its rear brake lights in standard, non-LED taillight assemblies. However, some trims are equipped with LED taillights, where the brake function is handled by integrated LEDs, not user-replaceable bulbs. To be certain, owners should inspect their taillights or consult the owner’s manual or a dealer with the vehicle’s VIN. Once confirmed, replacing a conventional 2357 bulb is a simple, low-cost maintenance task, while LED-equipped models may require full taillight or module replacement if a brake light fails.
Which bulb is in the 2013 Hyundai Sonata?
Hyundai Sonata (2011-2013) Bulb Size Chart
| Headlights (High Beam) | H7 |
|---|---|
| Tail Light (Inner) | T10 (194 168) |
| Interior Door Light | T10 (194 168) |
| License Plate Light | T10 (194 168) |
| Map Light | DE3175 (31MM) |
What bulb does a Hyundai Sonata use?
The 9005 high beam 9005 low beam halogen headlight bulbs combo kit are fully compatible with Hyundai Sonata 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 .
Are the brake light and tail light the same bulb?
Yes, the brake light and tail light are often the same bulb but with two separate filaments or circuits, so they have different functions. The tail light uses one filament that is always on when your headlights are on, while the brake light uses a second, brighter filament that only activates when you press the brake pedal. Some vehicles, however, have separate bulbs for each function.
How it works
- Single bulb, dual function: In many cars, a single bulb with two filaments is used. The lower-wattage filament acts as the tail light, and the higher-wattage filament acts as the brake light.
- Separate bulbs: Other vehicles have a separate bulb for the tail light and another for the brake light within the same light assembly.
- Diagnostic clue: If your tail light is working but the brake light isn’t, it often indicates that one filament on the dual-filament bulb has burned out, and the bulb needs to be replaced, explains Reddit users.
- Third brake light: Modern vehicles also have a separate, center high-mounted stop light (CHMSL), which is a brake light only and does not function as a tail light.
What kind of brake light is on a 2013 Hyundai Sonata?
From the factory, the Hyundai Sonata 2013 brake light bulb type is an incandescent style with a filament across two terminals. When it receives power, resistance causes the filament to glow white-hot, illuminating the brake light through a red lens.
