The defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.
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 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
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC158.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by MFR
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Kia Forte | 2012, 2013, 2014 |
| Kia Forte Koup | 2012, 2013, 2014 |
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Forte | 2012 | 292 | 4 |
| Kia Forte | 2013 | 195 | 5 |
| Kia Forte | 2014 | 444 | 3 |
| Kia Forte Koup | 2012 | 14 | 4 |
| Kia Forte Koup | 2013 | 16 | 4 |
| Kia Forte Koup | 2014 | 1 | 2 |
Other service brakes, hydraulic recalls in 2017
23 of the 810 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2017 concerned the service brakes, hydraulic; Kia Motors America filed 82 campaigns in all.
| 17V846000 28 Dec 2017 | Forest River, Inc. |
| 17V843000 26 Dec 2017 | Newmar Corporation |
| 17V839000 22 Dec 2017 | MV Agusta USA, LLC |
| 17V823000 20 Dec 2017 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) |
| 17V817000 18 Dec 2017 | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. |
| 17V812000 15 Dec 2017 | Ducati North America |
| 17V811000 15 Dec 2017 | Piaggio Group Americas. Inc. |
| 17V769000 30 Nov 2017 | Hyundai Motor America |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2017