Recall 15V759 covers 304,900 2011-2012 Hyundai Sonata vehicles for a deteriorating brake pedal stopper pad. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 304,900 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles because the brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate and leave the brake light switch plunger extended after the pedal is released. That can keep the brake lights on or allow shifting out of PARK without pressing the brake pedal, increasing crash risk; the Hyundai dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The brake pedal stopper pad on 2011-2012 Hyundai Sonata vehicles is a small pad at the brake pedal that helps the brake light switch know when the pedal is released. When the pedal comes back up, the pad contacts the switch plunger, which turns the brake lights off and lets related systems read the pedal position correctly.
On affected Sonatas, the stopper pad material can break down over time. When it deteriorates, the brake light switch plunger stays extended even after the driver's foot is off the pedal. That leaves the vehicle acting as if the brake pedal is still pressed, because the switch is no longer being reset by the pad.
Owners can notice brake lights that stay illuminated after the pedal is released. The traction control warning lamp can also turn on. Those are the warning signs Hyundai identified for this defect.
Who's affected?
Both model years are tied to the same brake-light switch component.
| 2011 Hyundai Sonata | Switch |
|---|---|
| 2012 Hyundai Sonata | Switch |
| Units affected | 304,900 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2011 or 2012 Hyundai Sonata does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
A stuck brake light switch plunger can leave the brake lights on when the pedal is not pressed, so drivers behind you do not get a clear signal when the Sonata slows or stops. It also allows shifting out of PARK without pressing the brake pedal, increasing crash risk. If stop lamps stay on or the traction control warning lamp turns on, schedule service. Repair will be free at any franchised Hyundai dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Hyundai Sonata is included in this recall.
- Wait for Hyundai's remedy notice before scheduling if the repair is not open for your VIN.
- Contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059 with questions and reference recall number 15V759 when you call.
- Ask a franchised Hyundai dealer about the free brake pedal stopper pad replacement, which fixes the deteriorated pad that leaves the brake light switch plunger extended.
- Use extra care until the repair is complete. Confirm the brake lights turn off after parking and keep the vehicle secured in PARK.
What happens at the repair
Once Hyundai opens the dealer repair, a Hyundai technician will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part. Parts and labor will be free under the recall once the remedy is available. If you've already paid for a related repair, Hyundai provides reimbursement under its submitted reimbursement plan. Ask Hyundai customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit repair documentation for review under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 16, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 6, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 11, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| January 11, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 11, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V759?
Recall 15V759 covers 304,900 2011-2012 Hyundai Sonata vehicles with a brake pedal stopper pad that can deteriorate. When that pad fails, the brake light switch plunger can stay extended after the pedal is released. Hyundai dealers replace the pad with an improved part for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Hyundai Sonata is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sonata is included in recall 15V759. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer and ask for the brake pedal stopper pad replacement under recall 136. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost, and Hyundai's recall remedy says dealers replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 15V759?
The safety risk is inaccurate brake-light communication and an unintended shift out of PARK without pressing the brake pedal. If the brake lights stay on, following drivers do not get a clear signal when the Sonata is slowing or stopping. Either condition increases crash risk.
What if I bought my Hyundai Sonata used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. If you bought the Sonata used and never received a Hyundai notice, check your VIN and reference recall 15V759 or Hyundai recall 136 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V759000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-855-671-3059 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V759 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V759000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →