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Hyundai Tucson Recall 16V842: Trailer Brake Lights May Stay On, Confusing Other Drivers

NHTSA campaign 16V842, reported November 21, 2016, 6,172 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Certain Hyundai vehicles with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness may have a malfunction in the tow hitch module. This can cause the trailer brake lights to stay constantly illuminated, which does not meet federal lighting safety requirements.

If the trailer brake lights remain on while the vehicle is being driven, other drivers may be confused about what you are doing, such as whether you are braking or slowing down. That confusion increases the risk of a crash.

Hyundai will notify affected owners, and dealers will replace the accessory trailer hitch wiring harness free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. You can contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151 and reference recall number 153, and you can check your VIN for open recalls.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 16V842Hyundai Motor America
Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING; TRAILER HITCHES
Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affected vehicles

Hyundai Santa FE2017
Hyundai Tucson20162017