Irvine, Calif. — Apr. 04, 2017 — Kia Motors America identified a motor connector issue that could hurt steering in 135 2017 Niro vehicles. Though only 1 percent of this group is thought to have the defect, Kia still asserted that the problem could put vehicle occupants at risk.

The Defect

According to the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, the problem may stem from issues with the affected vehicles’ power steering systems. The defect traces back to assembly faults that may have damaged the motor connectors. This won’t disable steering entirely but could affect power steering, making it more difficult to drive normally.

Owners can look for an electronic power steering warning light as a possible sign that the defect is there. The vehicle production dates ranged from Dec. 23, 2016 to Jan. 11, 2017.

Timeline of Events

• December, 2016: A single supplier assembly line inspection prompted a larger inspection, which didn’t discover any other subsequent examples, according to the official chronology.
• January, 2017: After hearing of the vehicle issues, Kia investigated affected vehicles, began repairing them and started monitoring the resultant data.
• February, 2017: The manufacturer went on to discover further related reports, with the American branch of Kia responding to requests from the main business, despite there being no reports of accidents or injuries.
• March, 2017: Kia decided to conduct a recall and submitted a report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Resolution

The report said that the company stopped producing vehicles with the defect as of Dec. 23, 2016. Still, the report said that dealer notification is still on the horizon, planned for April 4, 2017. Dealer notification is set to follow just three days after. The fix will have dealers replacing the faulty motor with a new, intact connector that doesn’t have the same damage.

Irvine, CA – January 31, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  (NHTSA),  is currently conducting an investigation to see if the remedy offered in this recall was adequate. Please bookmark this page and come back for any updates. You can find more information about why this is happening here or use our free vehicle lookup tool to see if your car is part of a recall.

Irvine, Calif. – March 31, 2017 – Kia Motors America has recalled more than 618,000 vehicles with serious engine defects, according to documentation from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall affects Optima sedans produced between August 2010 and May 2015, as wall as Sportage and Sorento sport utility vehicles produced between December 2010 and August 2013 and April 2011 and February 2014, respectively.

The Defect

Models named in the recall contain engines that suffered damage during the assembly process, leaving them prone to stalling. Metal debris generated at the time of the production of the crankshaft were not removed. Additionally, fabricators left crankpins with uneven surfaces, giving them the potential to restrict oil flow to engine bearings. This raises internal temperatures and erodes the bearings. Together, these defects increase the likelihood of sudden engine failure, putting motorists at risk. No injuries or accidents have been connected to these defects, according to the NHTSA.

Timeline of Events

• In 2015, Kia officials learned that Hyundai had to issue a recall to address problems stemming from Theta engines. Engineers for Kia evaluated models with these engines and reviewed production processes to look for similar problems. No significant issues materialized. Additionally, field and warranty claims remained at normal levels, indicating that Kia vehicles did not exhibit the same defects. Engineers at Kia production facilities in Hwasung, South Korea and West Point, Georgia had implemented line in August improvements to address possible engine issues.
• Between January and April 2016, Theta engine manufacturer Translead reviewed its production processes and discovered minor oil delivery problems. Kia implemented a monitoring program.
• In early May, Kia evaluated field performance data for the Theta engine and observed a slight uptick in claims detailing stalling precipitated by knocking noises. The carmaker decided to extend its warranty program. Over the course of late May and early June, Kia advised customers to take advantage of the program and bring their vehicles in for repair.
• Throughout the rest of the summer and fall, the carmaker continued its outreach program and addressed notification processing issues.
• In December 2016, Kia engineers reviewed more field data and field claims, the latter of which have decreased in volume due to the new warranty program and customer outreach efforts.
• Kia conducted further tests and evaluations throughout December and March 2017. On March 28, the automaker initiated a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

Kia will instruct dealers to inspect engines in affected models and replace them should they show signs of damage. The carmaker intends to reimburse owners for the repairs via its warranty program, updated March 21, 2016. Dealers are expected to receive notification on May 22, while owners will be notified through first-class mail May 25.

Irvine, Calif. – March 31, 2017 – Kia Motors America has recalled a number of vehicles equipped with defective vacuum hoses. The recall affects Cadenza midsize sedans produced between January and March 2017, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The Defect

Affected models include improperly formed rubber vacuum hoses. Because these fixtures, which connect to brake boosters, were not fabricated correctly, they exhibit decreased elasticity and are therefore prone to kinking. When normal vacuum is circulated through these hoses, the flow is partially blocked, making it difficult for drivers to press down upon and operate the brake pedal. This lengthens braking distances, putting owners at risk and increasing the likelihood of a crash. However, no injuries have been connected to this defect.

Timeline of Events

On March 6, Kia motors received a complaint from an owner who had purchased his vehicle in Korea, according to the NHTSA. In the submission, the owner reported having difficulties when braking. The car maker immediately contacted the OEM parts provider that manufactured the vacuum hose assemblies and requested that the company, Hwasung R&A in Korea, review its production records to assess the components mentioned in the complaint. It traced the vacuum hose in the car back to a batch of parts produced Dec. 30, 2016. Hwasung reviewed its fabrication processes and discovered that the hose did not have time to fully form, which could cause kinking. The parts producer had noticed the problem at the time of production and modified its workflows to address the issue.

One day later, Kia evaluated the vacuum hoses at its production facility. During the first round of reviews, no Hwasung-made models from the Dec. 30 group were found. However, another pass showed that the hoses had been installed in Cadenza sedans assembled between January and March 2017. On March 9, the car maker decided to initiate a voluntary recall.

The Solution

Kia has ordered dealers to evaluate the vacuum hoses in affected models and replace them should they belong to the batch produced Dec. 30, 2016. The car maker has pledged to reimburse owners for the repairs via its General Reimbursement Plan. Dealers are expected to receive notification of the recall April 10. Owners will receive notification through first-class mail April 17. Those in need of immediate assistance are encouraged to contact Kia customer service or call the NHTSA safety hotline.