Category Archives: Kia

News about Kia automobile manufacturer. News about Kia recalls, technical service bulletins (TSB), and problems regarding Kia vehicles.

2020-2021 Kia Rio Spongy Brake Pedal And Increased Stopping Distance

Posted on by

A small number of 2020-2021 Kia Rio vehicles may have been built with brake master cylinders that are not designed to manufacturer specifications. Kia will be contacting the owners of the affected vehicles starting January 11, 2022. The letter will have information describing the problem and how owners can get repairs done.

Kia first became aware of the defect in October 2021 when the supplier of the brake master cylinder notified them of a brake-related complaint in a Hyundai vehicle. Because this vehicle uses the same brake master cylinder as certain Kia Rio vehicles an investigation into the problem was opened for both Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent vehicles.

Based on a review of supplier quality control records and Kia’s vehicle production records, vehicles produced before 7/2/2021 could be equipped with improperly machined brake master cylinder bodies.

According to the defect report, the master cylinder body may have been machined with a sharp edge that could contact and damage the oil seal in the master cylinder. A damaged oil seal can impair vehicle braking functions, such that the driver may experience a hard or spongy brake feel, longer brake pedal travel, and extended stopping distances.

All owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by first class mail with instructions to bring their vehicles to a Kia dealer. Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder with a new one. Kia’s number for this recall SC223 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-936.

This problem also affects certain 2021 Hyundai Accent vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal and result in reduced braking performance. Hyundai’s recall number is 213 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-937.

Don’t live with a Lemon. If you are having problems with your vehicle and have questions about your rights and the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 888-395-3666.

Kia Stinger Engine Compartment Fire

Posted on by

Some 2019 Kia Stinger vehicles equipped with 3.3L T-GDI engines and manufactured between June 21, 2018 to July 9, 2019 could experience an engine compartment fire. There have been six (6) fire related customer complaints and no known crashes or injuries related to this problem.

According to the defect report, these vehicles could experience an engine compartment fire in the area of the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU). Kia is still investigating possible causes and are asking drivers to watch for signals that a fire could occur. This includes the illumination of warning lights on the instrument panel, including tire pressure, ABS and MIL lights. Other signs include a burning or melting odor and smoke from the engine compartment. Owners should park their vehicles outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall is repaired.

The fix for this defect is still under development and is expected to begin October. Kia’s recall number is SC196 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-518.

2020 Kia Stinger Difficult Steering

Posted on by

A small number of 2020 Kia Stinger owners will be returning to their dealerships to fix a problem affecting steering. The vehicles involved are equipped with 2.0L Turbo-GDI engines.

According to the safety report, a machine calibration issue may have resulted in an insufficient number of balls used within the Rack Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Assembly . Over time, the balls could become fatigued and fracture, allowing pieces to get stuck in the steering rack. If this happens drivers will notice difficulty steering or a complete loss of steering.

Kia dealers will correct the problem by replacing the MDPS Assembly. Kia’s number for this recall is SC193 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V422.

Kia Stinger Electrical Short

Posted on by

Kia Motors will be asking the owners of certain 2018 Stinger cars to return to their dealerships to repair a problem affecting the electrical system of their vehicles. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, a wire harness within the engine on the passenger side could contact a burr on the fender body panel, causing insulation damage and a potential short. The short could generate sufficient heat that it could result in an engine fire. Drivers will be alerted of a problem through an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp or the activation of “limp home mode”.

Dealers will inspect the wiring harness for damage and replace it as necessary. A fender plug and wire harness cover will be installed to prevent future damage. Kia’s number for this recall SC170 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-754.

Hyundai & Kia Hybrid – Clutch Actuator Leak

Posted on by

The Hyundai Motor group will be contacting the owners of certain 2017 Hyundai Ioniq and 2017 Kia Niro hybrids regarding a problem affecting the propulsion system.

According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the subject vehicles may be equipped with a hydraulic clutch actuator with burrs along the inner housing. Over time, these burrs could cause damage to the inner oil seal and allow oil to accumulate in the phase cap area. This accumulation could result an electrical short and an increased risk of fire. If a short exists, drivers will be alerted through an illuminated HEV warning light.

Dealers will inspect the HCA caps for leaked oil and replace the HCA assembly as needed. For more information: Hyundai owners can call 1-855-371-9460. (Hyundai’s recall number is 176 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-260.) Kia owners can call 1-800-333-4542. (Kia’s recall number is SC163 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-257.)

2017 Kia Sorento Engine Crankshaft Failure

Posted on by

Kia will be asking the owners of certain 2017 Kia Sorento vehicles, equipped with 3.3L engines, to return to their dealerships to repair an improperly heat treated crankshaft. According to the defect report, an improperly heat treated crankshaft will produce a cyclic knocking noise from the engine that may result in the illumination of the engine warning lamp. If these warnings are ignored and the vehicle continues to be driven, the crankshaft could fail, the engine vehicle could stall and, under certain conditions, a fire may occur.

Dealers will inspect the crankshaft and replace the engine sub assembly as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s number for this recall is SC153 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-586 .

2016 Kia Optima Driveshaft Noises & Loss Of Power

Posted on by

Kia Motors will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 Kia Optima‘s, regarding a problem affecting the right front axle driveshaft. Insufficient welds at the wheel end of the shaft may result in driveshaft cracks. During acceleration from a stopped position, the crack could completely separate, resulting in a loud noise and loss of motive power. If the driver fails to engage the parking brake under these conditions the vehicle could unexpectedly roll away.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the front axle driveshaft replaced. For more information about the problem, owners are asked to contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s number for this recall is SC139 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-705.