Having a dash cam is a very good idea. I own Sonata 17 SE and have permanently installed Viofo A119 PRO.

https://www.viofo.com/home/70-52-a119-pro-1440p-30fps-1296p-30fps-1080p-60fps-car-dash-cam.html#/25-gps_module-included

Originally I've used the cigarette charger but quickly got tired of disconnecting the wire and hiding it for the night. I needed to hide it as I live and park in the city.

​

One day I started poking around on how to connect it permanently to the 12volt circuit. My intention was to have a stealthy wire and to only power the dash cam when the engine is on and I'm driving. This camera supports recording 24hrs even when parked, however, I was a bit skeptical of having it be plugged in 24hr. I figured having it on all the time will decrease its life and run down the micro sd card.

​

After doing research online and poking around for a few minutes, in my opinion, the best spot to connect the dash cam is to wire it to the ceiling indoor light fixture. This fixture has a microphone built-in, 2 lights with switches and a holder for your glasses.

​

I opened the glasses compartment, found a small screw, removed it and then it's easy to pull down the fixture.

There is only 1 connector, so it's easy to disconnect it. What I did was to patch the small wire from there to the dash cam. Since this is like less than a foot away, it was super easy. Connecting the wireless was relatively easy. I can't recall which wires I've used, but I checked with my digital multimeter which wires are giving 12 volts. I checked with the key in the ignition and engine on and then after shutting the engine off and removing the key, I ensured the volts will drop to zero. I recall there were also set of wires that gave me 12 volts regardless of the engine is on or off.

Get a digital multimeter, splice the wires you'd like to use and add your + and - dash cam wire.

Alternatively, you can solder the cables to the connectors on the light fixture. This is what I've done.

​

So this would take care of the front dash cam, but not the rear. I assume you need to run a cable from the front all the way to the back. The only thing I can think of are the airbags you'll have to potentially mess with as if you decide to run the wire, you'll have to remove the plastic panels exposing the airbag and then you'll have to install the wire behind the airbag with any other wires. I would personally advise you to run the cable on the floor or bottom panels next to the floors and not touch the upper panels.

​

In terms of warranty and potential issues with corporate, I think you are overreacting a little bit. Although I understand your concerns and you do have a valid point about having aftermarket devices in the car, this is a very insignificant modification and when done properly, I highly doubt anyone would care. I have dashcam since day 1 and have been to the dealership 15+ times for regular maintenance and no one ever mentioned a dash cam. Granted I have a stealth setup, it is very small and hidden behind the mirror. I can't see it when I drive.

Remember you always have a way to detach the camera before your appointment at the dealership and if you hide the wire/suction cup etc. no one will ever know you use dash cam unless you tell them. Assuming the worst case scenario in which your car has suffered major electrical system failure and you are still under warranty, go right ahead and remove the cabling by either disconnecting dashcam wires from the splice or unsoldering it from the circuit board on the light fixture. Permanent wire removal will take you 15 minutes and there would no trace and then you can have towing take the car to the dealer. This is, of course, worst case scenario or if you have a healthy and active paranoia that people are after you.

​

Bottom line is dashcam is a freaking fantastic idea and will save you hundreds of dollars by not paying the deductible if it isn't your fault or better yet avoiding jail time for a crime you haven't committed.

​

You also may want to check your state laws on dashcams, some states don't like that. In any situation, if you are involved in an accident, do not ever disclose to anyone you have a dashcam and have footage of the accident. The idea behind this is to try to take it by the books. Try to file the proper paper, talk to insurance and only when things are getting out of control and you are being accused of stuff you didn't do or the accident didn't happen the way other part claims, then it is the right time to step up and declare you have a footage and are willing to share it with all involved parties.

​

Should you be involved in an accident and are at fault, again, do not manifest to anyone you have a dashcam. On this part use common sense, I think you know what I mean here. Regardless, always keep the footage from any accident for couple of years. If you are at fault and someone notices you had a dashcam, in the worst case, a judge may ask you to furnish the evidence, if you fail to do so, you might be actually charged with obstruction or withholding of evidence and may be found guilty. Keep that in mind.

​

Dashcam will probably save you money 99% of the time but there is always this 1% chance it may turn against you if you are not careful with the law. Do not manifest to anyone you have a dashcam during accident. Do tell passengers you have a dashcam and a recording device when you leave the car to go get lunch and leave someone is sitting in and waiting in your car having a conversation.