Hyundai Recalls Vehicles for Defective Hood Latches and Brake Lights
Hyundai Motor America is recalling nearly 600,000 vehicles for defects involving hood latches and parking brake-warning lights. According to a report on Automotive News, there have been no reported accidents or injuries related to either of these issues. The larger of the two recalls, which were made public by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) involves a defective cable for the secondary hood latch, which could corrode and prevent the hood from latching properly.
Details of the Recall
This recall covers 437,000 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport crossovers from the 2013-2017 model years. Hyundai has clarified that the safety risk is applicable only when the hood is not properly closed. A spokesman for the automaker has said a production fix was applied on the Santa Fe in June 2016 to rectify the issue and that Hyundai is looking into why an announcement about the defect was not make earlier. Consumers have reported cases where the hoods came open.
There were also complaints about the hood being stuck closed. According to documents submitted with NHTSA, the problem occurs more frequently in “salt belt” states in the northeastern part of the country where large quantities of salt are applied to roads during the winter season, which can get trapped inside and corrode the hood latch.
The second recall covers 150,000 Sonata and Genesis models from 2015 and 2016. Corrosion was also to blame for an issue with a switch involved in illuminating the parking brake, which could possibly keep drivers from knowing the brake is on while driving. Hyundai identified the problem in May. If the driver operates the vehicle with the parking brake applied without knowing, symptoms could include noise from the parking brake, smoke or smell from driving with applied parking brake. Both recalls are set to begin June 30. Dealers will provide the fixes to consumers free of charge and required by the law.
Understanding Your Rights
If your vehicle has been recalled, it is important that you take it to a dealership at the appropriate time so the necessary repairs can be made. If you are not sure whether your vehicle is included in the recall, visit safercar.gov and type the vehicle identification number or VIN on the site to get that information.
If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a defective automobile, please understand that you have legal rights to seek and obtain compensation for your injuries, damages and losses. You can file an auto product liability lawsuit seeking damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, pain and suffering and emotional distress. An experienced auto defect law firm can guide you through what can be a complex process and help protect your rights every step of the way.