Kia is recalling about 140,000 vehicles from model years 2006 and 2007, due to a defect that may case brake lights to malfunction.

In a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Kia explains, "The stop lamp switch in the vehicle may have been damaged in the assembly process.  As a result, the stop lamp switch may malfunction, causing one or more of the following conditions to exist: the brake lights may not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed, or may remain illuminated when the brake pedal is released."  Both conditions could increase the risk of an accident. 

Affected models include:

2006-2007 Kia Amanti

2006-2007 Kia Rondo

2006-2007 Kia Sedona

2006-2007 Kia Sorento

2006-2007 Kia Sportage

Kia dealers will replace the stop lamp switch in all such vehicles, free of charge. Kia dealers will begin contacting owners this month, but those who wish to make their own repair arrangements may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.

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