Hyundai Motor and its Kia Motors affiliate are recalling more than 1.8 million vehicles in the U.S. after discovering issues related to brake light switches and air bags, according to three filings made with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Hyundai is recalling certain cars to fix an airbag-related issue, while several Hyundai and Kia models need a faulty brake-light switch fixed.
The Korean automaker is recalling 186,254 Hyundai Elantra cars from model years 2011 through 2013 to fix an issue that could cause a bracket to come loose when a side curtain airbag deploys.
In a statement, Hyundai said it is aware of one minor injury when a customer sustained a cut to his ear after a significant collision.
Dealers will apply adhesive to the car’s ceiling, or headliner, to prevent the bracket from coming loose. Customers can contact Hyundai at 800-633-5151.
The larger recall covers 1,059,824 Hyundai cars and SUVs and another 623,658 Kia vehicles, all from model years 2007 through 2011.
According to the NHTSA, the stop-light switch that spurred the larger recall can malfunction and cause a range of issues. A malfunction can keep brake lights from illuminating when the brake pedal is pressed, prevent drivers from deactivating the cruise control by using the brake pedal, or cause intermittent operation of push-button start.
It can also prevent the driver from shifting out of park, or cause the warning light for the electronic stability control to illuminate.
The problems can increase the risk of crashes or roll-away hazards. Hyundai and Kia each said a malfunction of the stop lamp does not affect a vehicle’s brake performance. Kia added that it is not aware of any injuries.
The recall includes Hyundai Accent cars and Tucson SUVs from model years 2007 through 2009; Elantra cars from 2007 through 2010; Sante Fe SUVs from 2007 through 2011; Veracruz SUVs from 2008 through 2009; Genesis coupes from 2010 through 2011; and Sonata sedans from 2011.
Recalled Kia models include 2011 Optima cars; Rondo crossovers from 2007 through 2010; Sedona vans from 2007; Sorento crossovers from 2007 through 2011; Soul cars from 2010 through 2011; and Sportage SUVs from 2007 through 2010.
Dealers will replace stop lamp switches for free. Kia owners can call 800-333-4542 and Hyundai owners can call 800-633-5151.