Hyundai issues recalls for faulty brake switch, loose bracket

Hyundai is recalling 186,254 Elantra vehicles from model years 2011-2013 to replace a support bracket on the headliner. Hyundai says the bracket can be dislodged during a side-curtain-airbag deployment and could injure the driver.

In a crash in May, an occupant’s ear was cut when the driver’s side curtain airbag deployed. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration opened a preliminary investigation in June. No other injuries have been reported.

Hyundai will notify dealers and owners before May, when the replacement part will be available. The company will replace the bracket free of charge.

Owners can contact NHTSA at 888-327-4236, or Hyundai’s customer service line at 800-633-5151.

In a separate filing last week, Hyundai and Kia recalled about 1.7 million cars to replace a faulty switch that can prevent brake lights from illuminating.

Hyundai says the bad switch also affects the cruise control and prevents the car from shifting out of park.

The Hyundai vehicles affected in that recall include the 2007-2009 Hyundai Accent and Tucson, the 2007-2010 Elantra, 2007-2011 Santa Fe, the 2008-2009 Veracruz, 2010-2011 Genesis coupe and the 2011 Sonata.

Kia vehicles recalled are the 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, 2007-2011 Soul and 2011 Optima.

Owners will be contacted in June.

By Jake Lingeman