Kia Recalls Over 300,000 Cars Due to Trunk Latch Issue
In a recent announcement, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that Kia will be recalling 319,436 cars to address a potential trunk latch problem. The faulty latch can crack, preventing the trunk from being opened from the inside of the vehicle.
The models affected by the recall include the 2016-2017 Rio, the 2016-2018 Optima, as well as the 2017 and 2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in hybrid vehicles. Kia’s spokesman, James Bell, confirmed that there have been no reports of injuries or deaths related to this issue.
According to the NHTSA, federal auto safety regulations mandate that trunks must be operable from the inside. The cracked base of the trunk latch poses a risk as it may trap a person inside the compartment, potentially causing injury. The NHTSA recall division chief, Alex Ansley, stated in a letter to Kia’s Chief Safety Officer, J.S. (Jurassic) Park, that this recall aims to minimize the risk to vehicle owners.
Owners of the affected vehicles have until October 19 to bring their cars to Kia dealerships. The faulty trunk latch will be replaced free of charge to ensure the safety and functionality of the trunk compartment.
Kia owners are encouraged to reach out to their local dealerships or visit the company’s website for more information on the recall and the necessary steps to have their vehicles fixed. It is crucial to address this issue promptly to avoid any potential risks or inconveniences while using the trunk.
The NHTSA and Kia are working together to ensure the safety of Kia owners, and the company is committed to resolving this matter efficiently. Kia passengers can be reassured that the necessary precautions are being taken to rectify the trunk latch problem promptly.