Kia America has issued a recall for over 101,000 cars and SUVs due to a potential safety hazard related to the vehicles’ roofs, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The recall was announced after safety concerns were reported to the NHTSA, indicating that the roof molding in the affected vehicles could become loose or detach while driving. The root cause is suspected to be improper installation during the assembly of the vehicles.
Federal safety regulators published the recall notice on Monday, highlighting the risk associated with the potential detachment of the roof molding. According to the NHTSA’s safety recall report, visible lifting of the roof molding or unusual noises while driving are warning signs of the issue.
The NHTSA emphasized that a detached roof molding could pose a road hazard for other vehicles, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Affected Kia Models:
The recall pertains to certain Kia Carnival and Sportage models. The specific details are as follows:
- Kia Carnival: Model years 2022-2024
- Kia Sportage: Model years 2023-2024
A Kia Sportage car displayed during the 20th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in Shanghai on April 19, 2023.
What Owners Should Do:
Owners of the affected vehicles are advised to take the following steps:
- Inspection and Replacement: Dealerships will conduct inspections of the roof molding and will replace or secure it as necessary. This service will be provided free of charge.
- Notification: Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed out by March 15, providing affected individuals with information about the recall.
- Contact Kia Customer Service: Owners can contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. The recall identification number is SC292.
It is crucial for vehicle owners to respond promptly to recall notices and take their vehicles to authorized dealerships for the necessary inspections and repairs to ensure the safety of both the vehicle occupants and others on the road.
Other Vehicle Recalls:
This recall follows other recent recalls in the automotive industry, with manufacturers like Ford, Hyundai, and BMW recalling vehicles for various safety-related issues. These recalls underscore the importance of addressing potential safety concerns promptly to prevent accidents and ensure road safety.
As always, vehicle owners are encouraged to stay informed about recalls and address them promptly to maintain the safety and reliability of their vehicles.