Kia has issued a recall for approximately 320,000 vehicles, which includes models such as Rio and Optima cars, due to a potential issue with the trunk latch base that could lead to cracking. This crack in the latch base may result in the trunk being unable to open from the inside.
The recall encompasses specific vehicles, including Rio, Optima, Optima Hybrid, and Optima Plug-in Hybrid, totaling 319,436 units. This information is in accordance with a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Increasing the potential risk of injury
According to the NHTSA report, the recalled vehicles do not meet the requirements set by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, thus leading to the recall action.
The report from NHTSA further highlights that individuals inside the trunk could become trapped due to this issue, thereby increasing the potential risk of injury.
To determine if their vehicles are affected by the recall, car owners can consult USA TODAY’s automotive recall database or utilize the search function on NHTSA’s database for the latest recalls. The NHTSA website also offers the option to search for recalls using the vehicle identification number (VIN) of a specific vehicle.
By October 19, Kia will dispatch notification letters to owners regarding the recall. Affected customers can then take their vehicles to Kia dealerships, where the trunk latch base subassembly will be replaced without any cost, as stated by the NHTSA. The recall pertains to several models, including the 2016 to 2018 Optima midsize car, the 2017 and 2018 Optima hybrids and plug-ins, and the 2016 and 2017 Rio small car.
A person becoming trapped within the trunk
As indicated in documents published on Thursday by U.S. safety regulators, Kia acknowledges that the trunk latch base has the potential to develop cracks, leading to possible failure to open from the inside. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration emphasizes that this defect could result in a person becoming trapped within the trunk.
Kia is initiating a recall for approximately 320,000 vehicles in the United States due to an issue that could hinder the opening of the trunk from the interior.
The affected vehicles include the Optima midsize car spanning from 2016 through 2018, Optima hybrids and plug-ins from 2017 and 2018, and the Rio small car from 2016 and 2017.
In documents made available by U.S. safety regulators on Thursday, Kia acknowledges that the trunk latch base is susceptible to cracking, potentially leading to an inability to open the trunk from the inside. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has raised concerns that an individual inside the trunk could find themselves trapped due to this problem.
