Its Recall Mondays: Hyundai, Lexus And Toyota Are In The Hot Seat

1. Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

 

NO. OF AFFECTED CUSTOMERS: 304,900

     

SUMMARY:

 

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.

CONSEQUENCE:

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.

REMEDY:

 

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 11, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 136.

 

 

 

2. MANUFACTURER: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

 

NO. OF AFFECTED VEHICLES: 38,000

SUMMARY: 30,812

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 19, 2012 to October 27, 2015 and 2013-2015 Lexus ES350 and ES300h vehicles manufactured June 18, 2012 to July 6, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a Pre-Collision System (PCS) as optional equipment. In these vehicles, the PCS may unexpectedly activate and apply the brakes when the radar detects a steel joint or plate in the roadway as an object.

CONSEQUENCE:

A vehicle that unexpectedly brakes increases the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Remedy parts for a permanent fix for this issue are not yet available. Beginning November 16, 2015, Toyota sent owners an interim notification and dealers will temporarily disable the PCS. When the improved PCS components are available for the permanent remedy, owners will be mailed a second notification. These repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this campaign are F1V and F2E.