Hyundai's Brake Light Problems Continue, This Time in a Different Model
If you’re concerned that the red glow in the night sky could be distant wildfires, don’t be alarmed — it might just be a bunch of three-year-old Hyundai Elantras.
After the automaker recalled over one million vehicles three years ago to fix defective brake lights switches, a different model has now developed a brake light affliction.
According to a notice posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Hyundai is recalling 64,500 2013 Hyundai Elantras to fix a brake light problem. The vehicles were manufactured between December 1, 2012, and April 30, 2013.
The problem lies with the model’s brake pedal stopper pad, which can deteriorate, “allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released,” the NHTSA stated.
That means the Elantra’s taillights could stay on indefinitely, annoying drivers in following vehicles and leading to unsafe situations on the road. Braking action wouldn’t be signaled to other motorists, leading to the potential for rear-end collisions.
There’s another danger associated with the issue. If the brake switch plunger isn’t retracted, occupants can shift the vehicles out of Park without depressing the brake pedal. That increases the risk of roll away accidents.
According to Car Complaints, Hyundai noticed an unusual increase in warranty claims on certain Elantra models in the second quarter of 2016. The automaker is now issuing recall notices to owners, with the recall itself expected to begin on September 30. Hyundai will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part.
More by Steph Willems
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Slow news day...maybe something of a road going risk like Toyota RAV4 that has it's suspension recalled a couple times, due to poor engineering it finally being replaced!
Any news on solving the non-functioning turn signals on all vehicles used by the over 80's here in Florida?
I think the recall on my son's 11 Sonata was for the opposite issue - the brake light switch wouldn't illuminate. That could also lead to rear-end collisions, *and* the cruise control wouldn't disconnect when the pedal was depressed (if the failure occurred). Imagine having your cruise control stuck on due to a faulty brake switch. As much as I like them, Hyundai/Kia is on a real recall-fest lately. Some of it is just litigation prevention, but some of it is actual problem-solving.
"If the brake switch plunger isn’t retracted, occupants can shift the vehicles out of Park without depressing the brake pedal." This made me smirk as over the weekend I was checking the tire pressures in my Impala (thanks Sajeev!) which, of course, requires a jack and jack stands and to make it easier to do I shifted the column shifter into neutral - I did this by reaching in the window from outside the car without a key in the ignition. It was one of those "people survived just fine for 50 years but now it makes me shake my head" moments.