The defect
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
The risk
If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to rearward following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 136.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by MFR
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Hyundai Sonata | 2011, 2012 |
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Sonata | 2011 | 3,378 | 14 |
| Hyundai Sonata | 2012 | 1,558 | 8 |
Other exterior lighting recalls in 2015
23 of the 863 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2015 concerned the exterior lighting; Hyundai Motor America filed 205 campaigns in all.
| 15V861000 22 Dec 2015 | Ford Motor Company |
| 15V777000 20 Nov 2015 | Polaris Industries, Inc. |
| 15V630000 7 Oct 2015 | Volvo Trucks North America |
| 15V575000 16 Sept 2015 | Vermeer Manufacturing Company |
| 15V566000 8 Sept 2015 | Hyundai Motor America |
| 15V520000 17 Aug 2015 | BMW of North America, LLC |
| 15V519000 14 Aug 2015 | General Motors LLC |
| 15V511000 12 Aug 2015 | Pierce Manufacturing |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2015