Kia Initiates Recall Affecting 100,000+ Vehicles with Roof Molding Concern

Jan 25, 2024 04:05 AM EST

A BLACK KIA SPORTAGE — (Photo : PEXELS/Mike Bird)

Last year in September, while reviewing field reports, Kia detected a growing number of complaints regarding roof molding issues, specifically involving loose or detached roof moldings on Sportage SUVs and Carnival minivans. Kia North America Safety Office shared this information with Kia Corporation in South Korea, where several duplication tests were conducted. The affected vehicles span model years 2022 to 2024 for Carnivals and 2023 to 2024 for Sportages.

Kia's Recall Action

Kia has promptly initiated its initial significant recall of 2024 due to an unusual potential road safety concern involving loose roof molding. The potential causes of the detachable roof moldings include interference from the roof molding retaining clip(s) with excessive roof panel sealer or improper installation during vehicle assembly.

As a result, Kia is initiating a recall, impacting over 101,000 cars and SUVs due to roof-related concerns, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.According to reports, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Kia is conducting a recall of over 101,000 cars and SUVs due to a problem with the vehicles' roofs.

Furthermore, the recall addresses loose roof molding that may have the capability that may detach while the vehicles are in motion. It has been said that a possible root cause is improper installation during the assembly process. Regulatory authorities have observed that indicators of this problem can include "noticeable elevation of roof molding or noise while driving."

According to a report that cited NHTSA's statement, the detachment of roof molding can present a road safety risk to other vehicles, increasing the potential for accidents.

As shared in Autoevolution's article, the Kia Corporation has ultimately opted to initiate a safety recall encompassing all vehicles that could potentially be impacted, including a total of 101,049 vehicles designated for the United States market. Among this group, only a small fraction, approximately one percent or 1,010 vehicles, are estimated to necessitate the replacement of either retaining clips or roof moldings.

These vehicles were manufactured between January 2022 and November 2023 for the 2023 - 2024 model year Sportage and from January 2021 to November 2023 for the 2022 - 2024 Carnival.

Sportage crossovers that could be impacted were manufactured at Kia Georgia in the United States and utilized roof moldings sourced from Wooyoung Industry, a company based in South Korea. In contrast, the Carnival originates from South Korea and uses Saedong roof moldings.

In the United States, the Carnival is among Kia's least successful models, with Kia documenting 43,687 sales. The situation could further deteriorate, as only 5,452 units of the now-discontinued Stinger and 18,879 EV6 vehicles were sold by Kia.

The Solution from Kia

Reports stated that Kia addresses the issue, dealers will examine the roof molding and provide necessary replacement or reinforcement free of charge. Starting from March 15, Kia will commence the distribution of notification letters to vehicle owners. However, for any inquiries before that date, individuals can contact the company at 800-333-4542 (recall number SC292), reach out to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236, or visit their website to verify their vehicle identification number and access additional information.