Irvine, Calif. — September 26, 2016 — A bad weld in some 2016 Kia Sorrento vehicles could leave occupants at risk of crashing. Just 1 percent of the total recalled population is estimated to have this defect, according to the Part 573 Safety Recall Report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
That report also stated that 7,901 of these vehicles could potentially see a weld break and impact both vehicle performance and safety. The source traced the problem back to supplier Hwashin America Corporation, which oversaw the improper welding process that left an assist arm bracket disconnected from the vehicle’s rear crossmember. Owners may be able to tell that their vehicle has this problem if they hear “a popping or clunking noise” from the breaking tack welds.
To prevent this problem from happening in the future, the supplier reportedly used an air pressure valve and limit sensor to correct the welding process. The vehicles addressed in this recall make up two distinct ranges of production years: one between May 29 and Nov. 16, 2015, and the other spanning Jan. 14 and Feb. 11, 2016. Dealers can replace the crossmember assembly as needed, the report added.
A July 21 safety bulletin from the manufacturer urged owners to locate their nearest Kia dealer and have a professional inspect the assembly. The bulletin said that the inspection alone (without the replacement) would require approximately one hour to complete.
Owners who have already paid to treat this issue could potentially be eligible for reimbursement under Kia’s General Reimbursement Plan, the statement added. The original report listed the dealer notification date as July 15 and the owner notification date as July 21.
