Is this something everyone should get fixed or only if problems show up?
Some cars may go for a few years before the problem develops, and after that it can be sporadic. Mine did it the first time after a bout a year, then again a few months later, then monthly while the dealer played dumb ("we don't see no problem" after a 5 minuet test). When it started happening weekly, I learned about the switch problems and replaced it myself last summer. It's been fine since, but the problem will probably eventually recur because the switch(es) I bought at the time were not the latest (recall fix) version.
The important thing to know is that when the problem happens, your brake lights may not light up. If there's nobody behind you at the time, or in leisurely traffic, it will hopefully merely be an annoyance (ignition off, then back on again to reset the dash lights). BUT, in the wrong circumstances, it could result in you getting rear ended, or worse.
So, whether or not you decide to get the switch replaced BEFORE the problem occurs sort of depends on how lucky you think you are
Failing to address on a timely basis, or ignoring a safety related recall could also become a legal issue in contrived circumstances.
