Hyundai Recalls Sonata Models For Rollaway Danger

Hyundai is recalling about 305,000 of its 2011-2012 Sonata models because the automatic transmission could possibly be moved out of park without pressing the brake pedal.

According to a report in The New York Times, this vehicle defect could allow the car to roll away and cause a collision.

Hyundai has attributed the problem to the stop lamp switch. This is the third time since 2009 that the Korean automaker has recalled vehicles for a malfunctioning brake switch.

Hyundai has said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the problem.

Prior Problems with Brake Switches

Hyundai filed a report to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in which it said that a switch could become stuck, but that the company is still trying to figure out why that is happening.

The automaker said it became aware of the issue after an unusual number of warranty claims were filed related to the problem. Hyundai has had a series of problems relating to brake switches.

In 2013, Kia and its parent company, Hyundai, recalled about 1.7 million vehicles including the 2011 Sonata. In that case, Hyundai said the malfunction of the switch could cause issues with the driver not being able to shut off cruise control by touching the brake.

Also, in 2009, Hyundai recalled about 533,000 vehicles for similar problems with the brake light switch.

The Danger of Rollaways

When a vehicle rolls away it can put vehicle occupants and others on the roadway in grave danger. For example, rollaway vehicles can cause serious injuries or even fatalities involving bicyclists or pedestrians on the roadway. Victims may suffer injuries such as brain or spinal cord trauma, multiple broken bones or crushing internal injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective vehicle or auto part, it is important to preserve the vehicle in its current condition, unaltered, so an expert can thoroughly examine it for defects, malfunctions and design flaws.

Injured victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced auto product liability lawyer who will help hold that negligent automaker or parts manufacturer accountable.

The best auto defect law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.