Two of Australia’s top-selling vehicles have been urgently recalled over fears a software issue could cause them to stop suddenly.

The federal Department of Infrastructure on Wednesday announced the recall of 4831 Ford Ranger and Everest vehicles.

The defect, affecting Ford Rangers and Everests sold between 2021-2023, is triggered when battery level drops below a critical threshold.

“Due to a software issue, under certain circumstances if the battery level drops below a critical threshold, the transmission may shift into Park when the vehicle is travelling at speeds below 6km/h,” the recall notice stated.

“This may cause a sudden stop without the rear brake lamps illuminating as intended.

“A sudden stop whilst driving at low speed and the rear brake lamps not illuminating as intended, could increase the potential risk of an accident, causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users.”

Ford will contact affected owners in writing requesting they attend their preferred Ford dealership for a free repair of exit warning system.

While Ford are having problems, Hyundai are having issues of their own with all variants of the 2010-2011 i30.

“The driver’s airbag inflator may rupture in the event of airbag deployment,” the notice read.

“In the event of an airbag inflator rupture, compressed gas and metal fragments may be propelled through the airbag cushion towards the vehicle occupants causing serious injury or death.”

Owners of affected vehicles can contact their preferred authorised Hyundai dealer to have the airbag module replaced, free of charge.