Following someone who constantly “rides the brake,” as they say, can be a frustrating experience. But if that car ahead of you is a Hyundai, it might not be the driver’s fault: the carmaker recently recalled nearly 305,000 Sonatas because the brake lights might stay on, even when the driver isn’t pressing the pedal. 

Hyundai announced this week that it would recall 304,900 model year 2011 and 2012 Sonata sedans because continuously running break lights can increase the risk of crash.

According to a notice [PDF] posted with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an ongoing investigation by Hyundai found that brake pedal stopper pad material in the affected vehicles can deteriorate allowing the stop lamp switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.

The company says the deteriorated pad can result in the stop lamps illuminating continuously and activation of the engine management system’s brake pedal override feature, among other things.

Hyundai says it is unaware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by the carmaker in January and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with a new part.

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