Hyundai and Kia recalled about 38,000 Tucson and Sportage SUVs to fix a possible problem with the stability-control system, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says.
According to the agency, the vehicles' electronic stability program can become too sensitive and set itself inaccurately.
If that happens, the system could cause the engine to lose power and apply brakes to only one of the wheels. That could cause a crash.
Information on the NHTSA's Web site said dealers will reprogram the control unit, starting on April 3.
Anyone with questions can call NHTSA at (888) 327-4236.