• Hyundai is recalling 38,331 Sonatas from the 2024 model year.
  • The vehicles were equipped with brake light software intended for foreign markets.
  • Under heavy braking, the brake lights flash instead of remaining illuminated.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata received a bold new design and now it’s being recalled over faulty brake lights. In particular, there’s a software issue that could cause the lights to “flash and not illuminate properly.”

The safety recall report says the lights will flash during heavy braking at speeds over 30 mph (48 km/h). This is because the cars were equipped with software intended for overseas markets, where flashing brake lights are required. The mix-up is being blamed on faulty “software selection during manufacturing.”

More: 2024 Hyundai Sonata Arrives In America With Bold Looks And Optional AWD

While it’s better to have flashing brake lights than none at all, the government says an “illuminated condition other than ‘steady burning’ could potentially confuse trailing vehicles … increasing the risk of a crash and injury.”

The recall impacts 38,331 Sonatas from the 2024 model year and the fix is pretty straightforward as dealers will install the correct brake light software. Owner notifications are slated to begin in October and the issue only affects vehicles built between October 18, 2023, and June 12, 2024.

While the recall impacts thousands of sedans, Hyundai said they’re not aware of any crashes, injuries, fires, or incidents related to the brake lights.