In a recent development, Kia America, Inc. has initiated a recall of several of its models manufactured between 2016 and 2018 due to a concerning issue that has come to light. The focus of concern is an unexpected glitch that hinders the opening of the trunk from the inside, potentially putting individuals at risk of being trapped within the trunk space, the company has revealed.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration dispatched a letter addressing this issue to Kia’s vice president and chief safety officer. The letter highlights a problem associated with the “Internal Trunk Release,” which has prompted Kia’s proactive action.
Affected by this recall are a range of models, including the 2016 and 2017 Kia Rio, the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Kia Optima, as well as the 2017 and 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The underlying concern, as indicated by the safety notice, arises from the potential for the trunk latch base to crack, thus obstructing the internal release mechanism. This situation raises non-compliance issues with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401.
Owners of the implicated vehicles are strongly advised to promptly contact Kia dealers for a resolution. The company is committed to replacing the problematic trunk latch without imposing any charges on the owners. In a response received from Alex Ansley, the chief of the Recall Management Division at the Office of Defects Investigation Enforcement, Kia America, Inc.’s proactivity in notifying the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the recall is acknowledged. The recall, as per legal mandates, will be conducted in line with Federal regulations.
For further information and clarification, Kia customer service is readily available for assistance. Additionally, vehicle owners are urged to reach out to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit the official website at www.nhtsa.gov.
Concerns Over Fire Risks Add to the Recall Woes
In a double blow to the Korean automaker’s reputation, Kia and Hyundai Motor Group have also recently declared a recall of 113,000 vehicles in North America, citing the potential for fire hazards. This augmentation of concerns has cast a shadow over the companies’ operations.
The recall primarily affects approximately 52,000 Hyundai vehicles and nearly 40,000 Kia vehicles in the United States, with an additional impact of 11,000 Hyundai vehicles and 10,700 Kia vehicles in Canada. The root cause of the recall relates to the electronic controllers within the oil pump assembly, which has the potential to overheat and pose fire risks.
Owners are set to receive notifications in September regarding their vehicle’s eligibility for the recall. In a bid to rectify the issue, dealers will meticulously inspect the electric oil pump controller and replace it if deemed necessary, Hyundai and Kia announced in a joint statement.
In light of these developments, Hyundai has issued a warning to vehicle owners, advising them to avoid driving their vehicles if they detect any unusual burning or melting odors. Instead, they are being directed to have their vehicles towed to the nearest Hyundai dealer for thorough inspection and resolution, thus emphasizing safety as a top priority.
As these recalls unfold, the companies are striving to navigate the challenges and uphold their commitment to customer safety and satisfaction.
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