Kia and Hyundai recall nearly 1.6 million models over faulty brake lamp

Hyundai and Kia in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have issued a recall for nearly 1.6 million models over a malfunctioning brake lamp, which not only is a safety hazard for drivers behind, but the defect apparently can inadvertently prevent the vehicle from disabling its cruise control system. Yikes.

Additionally, the malfunctioning stop lamp can also prevent the car from starting as well as the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock, which keeps the driver from shifting out of park if the brake pedal isn’t depressed. This can also affect the car’s stability control.

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The recall affects a wide variety of models, including the 2007-2009 Hyundai Accent and Tuscon, the 2007-2010 Hyundai Elantra, 2007-2011 Hyundai Santa Fe, the 2008-2009 Hyundai Veracruz, 2011 Hyundai Sonatas, and the 2010-2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

The Kia models affected include the 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, the 2007-2011 Kia Sorento, the 2007 Kia Sedona, the 2010-2011 Kia Soul, and the 2011 Kia Optima.

Kia and Hyundai will begin notifying owners and dealers to replace the defective item free of charge.

I wonder if this is in response to that incident involving a teen and an allegedly out-of-control Elantra not too long ago.

For full details, check out the press releases after the jump.

Report Receipt Date: APR 01, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V113000
Component(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING , SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Manufacturer: Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center Inc

SUMMARY:
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. The stop lamp switch in the affected vehicles may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position or enabling an occupant to move the shifter out of PARK without applying the brake, and causing the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

CONSEQUENCE:
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Disabling the brake-transmission shift interlock could result in a vehicle rollaway.

REMEDY:
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall will begin by June 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai’s recall campaign number is 110.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

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Report Receipt Date: APR 01, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V114000
Component(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING , SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Manufacturer: Kia Motors Corporation

SUMMARY:
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. The stop lamp switch in the affected vehicles may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position or enabling an occupant to move the shifter out of PARK without applying the brake, and causing the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

CONSEQUENCE:
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Disabling the brake-transmission shift interlock could result in a vehicle rollaway.

REMEDY:
Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s recall campaign number is SC098.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

– By: Chris Chin