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SEATTLE, Washington - South Korean automotive siblings Hyundai and Kia have recalled 1.9-million vehicles in the US to fix brake lights and air bags, the US government has said. While no incidents have been reported in South Africa, Kia might do a voluntary recall.
We are still awaiting comment from Hyundai SA, but here's what's happened so far...
Hyundai US recalled Elantra vehicles from 2011-13 for air-bag problems. The brake light recall affects Kia vehicles from 2007-11, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported.
There have been no reported incidents regarding this issue in the South African market according to Kia SA.
POSSIBLE INJURY
Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea's largest automaker, notified the NHTSA that a support bracket may become displaced when a side airbag deploys, potentially causing a laceration. Hyundai's affiliate, Kia Motors Corporation, is recalling certain Rondo, Sportage , Sorento, Sedona, Soul and Optima vehicles from 2007-12.
A faulty brake-light switch may prevent the brake lights from illuminating or may prevent deactivation of the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal, increasing the risk of the driver losing control of the car.
KNOCK-ON AFFECT
In addition, Kia reported, the problem may affect the start push-button and affect the operation of the brake/transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of park.
Repairs of the affected vehicles will be free of charge, the companies said.
Kia SA was aware of the current situation regarding the brake-light switches on certain models. According to the local automaker, some of the contact points may suffer carbon build up and could affect the brake light’s functionality. This issue relates to the long-term durability of the brake light switch and does not in any way impair the functioning of the vehicle’s brakes or anti-lock braking.
Kia Motors Corporation is sourcing a sufficient quantity of switches to deal with this issue globally.
KMSA is awaiting feedback from KMC head office with regards to the affected vehicles before it can asses the effect on the SA market.
As soon as confirmation is received, locally affected vehicles would undergo a voluntary recall to ensure the quality of all vehicles.
We are still awaiting comment from Hyundai SA, but here's what's happened so far...
Hyundai US recalled Elantra vehicles from 2011-13 for air-bag problems. The brake light recall affects Kia vehicles from 2007-11, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported.
There have been no reported incidents regarding this issue in the South African market according to Kia SA.
POSSIBLE INJURY
Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea's largest automaker, notified the NHTSA that a support bracket may become displaced when a side airbag deploys, potentially causing a laceration. Hyundai's affiliate, Kia Motors Corporation, is recalling certain Rondo, Sportage , Sorento, Sedona, Soul and Optima vehicles from 2007-12.
A faulty brake-light switch may prevent the brake lights from illuminating or may prevent deactivation of the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal, increasing the risk of the driver losing control of the car.
KNOCK-ON AFFECT
In addition, Kia reported, the problem may affect the start push-button and affect the operation of the brake/transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of park.
Repairs of the affected vehicles will be free of charge, the companies said.
Kia SA was aware of the current situation regarding the brake-light switches on certain models. According to the local automaker, some of the contact points may suffer carbon build up and could affect the brake light’s functionality. This issue relates to the long-term durability of the brake light switch and does not in any way impair the functioning of the vehicle’s brakes or anti-lock braking.
Kia Motors Corporation is sourcing a sufficient quantity of switches to deal with this issue globally.
KMSA is awaiting feedback from KMC head office with regards to the affected vehicles before it can asses the effect on the SA market.
As soon as confirmation is received, locally affected vehicles would undergo a voluntary recall to ensure the quality of all vehicles.
