A malfunctioning switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate
of ConsumerAffairs
Kia Motors Corporation is recalling about 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles.
The stop lamp switch in the affected vehicles may malfunction, which could cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal.
Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position or enabling an occupant to move the shifter out of PARK without applying the brake, and causing the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Disabling the brake-transmission shift interlock could result in a vehicle roll-away.
Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch free of charge.
Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.