Headlight Housing Condensation

[clemson85]

I noticed the last 2 days that both front headlight housings had condensation along the bottom on the inside. The weather has not changed and has been around 75 degrees. In both instances I had driven home from the gym about a 10 minute ride at around an average of 40 mph. I would think that the housings would be sealed. Any thoughts? Oh my stinger is a 2019 GTS purchased at the end of January 2020 and I have 2,200 miles on it. I am gonna consult with my local dealer as well.

 

[MerlintheMad]

I've read of condensation in the LED headlight assembly before. But is it a faulty assembly or the weather conditions? Humidity and heat? Could this be related to your overheating?

 

[clemson85]

I don’t think it is weather related. Yesterday was 75 degrees and today was 80 degrees. Actually the humidity has dropped some. Enough that I had the a/c off and both front windows down and sunroof open. Very nice weather. Just odd that this just started after 7 month of ownership.

 

[ChaneRZ]

I know Audi headlights have a vent for the moisture to escape. My Q3 has this vent. Never experienced condensation so far.

 

[gclloyd0]

Funny, I just noticed the same thing on my Stinger today and came here to look and see if there was any precedence. Granted, mine is definitely at least partly weather-related - it's been dry and cooler in FL the past couple days and today the front moved back North, causing increased humidity and light rain.

What struck me is just how much fogging there actually was inside the lens. I would think this is a major safety concern if the functionality of the headlights is reduced in wet conditions. I intend to contact the VIP service as well as my local dealership on Monday to see about addressing this as well as several other problems I've been having. I'll try to remember to update with their response.

 

[clemson85]

Thanks. Let me know what they tell you.

 

[TheBusch]

A number of things can cause this, all being weather condition related. The seal around the headlight is probably fine, that rarely goes bad in newer cars. The material used to seal a headlight is similar to what seals your stationary windows. There could be an issue with the rubber pieces that surround incoming bulbs/wires. If the condensation is minor then I would wait and see if it clears naturally. If it continually comes back then you have an issue.

I had a bad seal on a headlight that I put together. It would consistently have condensation under several weather circumstances. My newer car has had some minor build-up on the inside, but it takes perfect conditions like going from direct sunlight to washing off with cold water.

 

[clemson85]

It started last Wednesday and I have had it now in the same headlight areas in the next 3 days I drove it. The condensation accumulates more and more as the car sits at home while the engine bay is cooling down. I don't think it is going away. I am sure the LED headlight assembly on these cars is very expensive and to me this is an initial quality issue with KIA. Just not acceptable for a 45k car with 2,200 miles on it and only been driven for 8 months. Thank you for your input. I do appreciate it and I hope it just happens to me and all the other Stinger owners are good to go.

 

[Ric 'Ochet]

What struck me is just how much fogging there actually was inside the lens. I would think this is a major safety concern if the functionality of the headlights is reduced in wet conditions. I intend to contact the VIP service as well as my local dealership on Monday to see about addressing this as well as several other problems I've been having. I'll try to remember to update with their response.

Anyone get any info on this being a bigger issue? Mine have started to have condensation in them as well...

 

[RedCal]

IIRC it's normal, and not a defect... I'm sure it's posted here somewhere

 

[StingertimeNC]

mine does it too. noticed it the first time I drove it home when purchased. next day it was gone. mine is garage kept and only has a few k miles so I don't see it alot, but, pretty much every time I spray cold water on the headlights. it's like there's a bit of humidity inside the light housing, and the cold water makes it condense on the inside of the lense. it's always gone by the next day. I've never seen any standing water in there. I was thinking there is some sort of vent that allows moisture in and out, and again, cold water on the outside makes it shows up.

 

[clemson85]

Both of my headlights still have condensation after each drive and then cool down. Usually takes 3 to 4 hours for it to take full effect. I asked both of my local KIA dealerships to troubleshoot the issue and they said they could not replicate it. Then after the 2nd dealer visit I asked the service tech how long did you all observe my car after driving it and he said right away. I told him it only shows up when my engine bay is cooling down. I told him I would bring it back one day to show him. I haven't made it back yet. I have about 60 pics of my headlight condensation that I showed both dealers. My engine bay had gotten hot enough to melt the rubber seal on the inside of the hood. KIA replaced it under warranty. Now I see the saga continues and another Federation Orange stinger to boot. Good luck with dealer assistance on this one.

 

[ecko04]

@clemson85 do your best to capture a video of it as opposed to pictures. Sometimes the stealership can use it to justify replacement.

 

[StingertimeNC]

I actually drove the car in heavy rain today and cold temps, like high 30's. forgot to check for condensation until just now. 6 hours later. been in the garage that whole time. no signs of any moisture. seems to happen when it's warmer inside the headlight than the water on the outside.

 

[BlasterJax93]

I will be joining in on this topic. Saw this today. No rain past 3 days and around 50-70 degrees in jersey. Strange. I'll let it sit a few days and check it out before calling dealership

 

[StingertimeNC]

They must be vented somewhere as mine comes and goes. Never seen actual water gathering in there so that’s a good thing.

 

[WRXtoStingerGT]

I haven't seen it yet but I saw a GT-Line parked at a local Acme and when I was admiring it I noticed this... perhaps it is from the cold weather and only temporary?

 

[vipeboy2000]

first i'll say, ours have not fogged up yet that i've seen... However, pretty much all modern headlights are vented now and can have condensation. our bmw's have fogging randomly after a rain or wash and there is a temperature change or humid. as long as you don't see water puddling and condensation constantly, it's probably fine.

 

[WRXtoStingerGT]

first i'll say, ours have not fogged up yet that i've seen... However, pretty much all modern headlights are vented now and can have condensation. our bmw's have fogging randomly after a rain or wash and there is a temperature change or humid. as long as you don't see water puddling and condensation constantly, it's probably fine.

humidity... rain... sudden temperature changes... but as long as there is no liquid/water buildup we are good... okay gotcha!!

 

[BlasterJax93]

Annnnd my headlight condensation has disappeared this morning even though there was Dew from our weather. Strange, lol.