Three Used Cars With Unusual Turn Signal Problems

In partnership with Otogo.ca

When was the last time you checked if your car’s headlights, taillights and turn indicators were working properly? Many motorists take them for granted and never even think about them ... until one day they find themselves practically invisible and pulled over on the side of the road by a police officer who spotted the problem.

Turn signals are essential to communicate your intentions to other drivers on the road. They must remain visible at all times, function properly and must not confuse other drivers. However, this is not always the case. For example, Hyundai and Kia have just announced a recall concerning an intermittent problem with some of their vehicles, a problem that could cause the turn signals to activate in the opposite direction. In other words, when the driver uses the right turn signal, the left turn signal could activate.

Photo: Marc-André Gauthier

More than 30,000 2015-2017 Hyundai Sonata sedans and approximately 5,800 2015-2017 Kia Sedona vans are affected by this recall in Canada. Owners will need to take their vehicle to a dealership to have the smart junction box software updated. If you are currently shopping for either of these models, make sure the repairs have been conducted.

On the other hand, some MINI brand cars find themselves in a curious situation, specifically Countryman models equipped with the Union Jack taillights. The left light shows the left half of the flag and the right one shows the right half. This is a great original idea from the design team, but the execution raises questions.

Why? Because the lines in the flag are the actual turn signals, and if you want to turn left, for example, the lights form an arrow that points ... to the right! The same is reversed on the other side. In this case, nothing can be done. However, if you follow one of these MINIs on the road, don't be confused by its rear indicators when it wants to change lanes!

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