The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·13V114000·Announced 2013-04-01

Kia Recalls 980,377 Vehicles for Stop Lamp Switch Malfunction

Kia is recalling 980,377 vehicles from 2007-2011 because a stop lamp switch malfunction may prevent brake lights from illuminating or disengaging cruise control, increasing crash risk.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (stop lamp switch) that can lead to unintentional movement or failure to brake, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'structural vehicle defect' or 'significant injury/property-damage reports' (implied by crash risk).

Plain-English summary

Kia Motors Corporation is recalling 980,377 vehicles, including model year 2007-2010 Rondo, 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento, and Sportage, 2010-2011 Soul, 2008-2011 Optima, 2010 Forte, 2007-2009 Amanti, and 2009 Borrego. This recall expands a previous campaign from April 2013 by adding 356,719 vehicles to the original 623,658.

The affected vehicles may have a malfunctioning stop lamp switch. This defect can cause the brake lights to fail to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or prevent the driver from deactivating cruise control by pressing the brake pedal. Additionally, the malfunction may interfere with the push-button start feature, prevent the shifter from moving out of the PARK position, or cause the Electronic Stability Control malfunction light to illuminate. If the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may move out of PARK without the brake being applied, potentially leading to unintentional vehicle movement.

Owners will receive an interim notification in May 2013. When parts become 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 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
KIA OPTIMA, SEDONA, SPORTAGE, SOUL
Brand
KIA
Manufacturer
Kia Motors Corporation
Category
Vehicle — Lighting / Electrical
Hazard
Affected units
980,377

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (9)

  • OPTIMA
  • SEDONA
  • SPORTAGE
  • SOUL
  • SORENTO
  • RONDO
  • FORTE
  • BORREGO
  • AMANTI

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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