How Hyundai Recalls Directly Affect Kia

Posted by RT Ben on July 31st, 2019

Over the last couple of years, the South Korean Car manufacturer Kia has experienced a number of problems with some of its vehicles prompting mass recalls. Recently, the U.S National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been receiving complaints about engine fires. So far, only one death has been reported but over 100 people have been injured in the U.S alone. This recall has not quite spread to the rest of the world but as more incidents happen and are recorded in other countries the number of cars that might need to be recalled and repaired will rise. 

These non-crash fire incidents are said to affect over six million Kia and Hyundai vehicles manufactured since 2015 but only 2.4 million vehicles have been recalled. So far, the Kia models that are affected are the Kia Soul, Kia Optima and the Kia Sorento. This is a problem that has been going on for a while and safety regulators are seriously leaning on the car manufacturer to get these cars off the roads and repaired. The problem might not just be limited to the engine but it is expected that it could affect other vehicle components and systems. Owners are being advised not to attempt any repairs themselves using Kia workshop manuals, and instead return cars to their nearest dealership. 

This would not be the first massive recall for Kia. Various Kia models have been recalled for problems ranging from Oil leaks to faulty sliding doors.

Over a year ago, 27,029 Kia Niro Hybrid SUVs were recalled over a faulty Hydraulic Clutch Actuator where a leak from the inner seal oil could have caused an electric short, resulting in fire.  

The 2017 Kia Sportage with a trailer hitch fitted had a faulty module that could cause the brake lights to be on all the time. 10,212 of these vehicles were recalled and so far only 62% have been repaired.

 The 2017 Kia Sedona Model has power sliding doors that may have a problem reversing automatically. 106,428 cars were recalled for repairs. 

The Kia Sorento 2016 model SUV has an acceletor assembly component soldered improperly. This could result in the vehicle being unable to accelerate which increases the risk of crashing. 12,361 cars were recalled in July 2016.

The latest Kia recall may not even be the worst of all. More than 340,000 Kia Souls manufactured in 2015 and Kia Soul EV SUVs were recalled for a fault in the steering system where the pinion plug could allow the steering gear to separate. 

 Kia makes quality cars that are reasonably safe. People love them for their price and quirky design and they will continue to love Kia regardless of the problems it has had over the years and truth be told, compared to other car brands with a litany of manufacturing and system faults, Kia has managed to keep theirs relatively low.

Unfortunately for Kia being partnered with Hyundai means that when there is a problem with Hyundai cars, Kia is also implicated by association. This means that when Hyundai cars come under scrutiny and criticism, Kia is also dragged along and oftentimes someone, somewhere will find fault with one or more Kia models.