Hyundai/Kia Recall 1.7 Million Vehicles For Rollaway Risk, Brake-Light Problem

WASHINGTON — Hyundai Motor America is recalling 1,059,824 vehicles, including the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, because of rollaway risk and brake lights that may not illuminate, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall also includes the 2007-'09 Hyundai Accent and Tucson; 2007-'10 Hyundai Elantra; 2007-'11 Hyundai Santa Fe; 2008-'09 Hyundai Veracruz and 2010-'11 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

Kia Motors America is recalling 623,658 vehicles, including the 2011 Kia Optima, for the same problem; Hyundai and Kia are sister brands. Other Kia vehicles involved in the recall include the 2007-'10 Kia Rondo and Sportage, 2007-'11 Kia Sorento, 2007 Kia Sedona and 2010-'11 Kia Soul.

"The stop lamp switch in the affected vehicles may malfunction," said NHTSA in its recalls summary for Hyundai and Kia. "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 pushbutton 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 malfunction light to illuminate."

NHTSA said that failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or the 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," it said.

Hyundai and Kia dealers will replace the stop-lamp switch. The Hyundai recall is expected to begin in June. Owners can contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

Kia said it will send an interim notification to owners in May. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification. Owners can contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.

Edmunds says: Hyundai and Kia told federal safety regulators they are waiting for parts to become available for this recall, which accounts for the long delay.