Feds Review Kia SUV Recall

Federal regulators recently opened an investigation into Kia’s recall of more than 137,000 sport utility vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received nearly 50 complaints that Kia’s repairs to Seltos and Soul SUVs did not actually fix problems with piston oil rings. Kia began recalling the vehicles in February, saying that a defect could damage the cars’ engines and cause them to unexpectedly stall or catch fire.

“The complaints allege an ineffective recall remedy, inconsistent results in inspections to determine whether an engine replacement was needed, and the unavailability of recall remedies,” NHTSA said in a public notice.

The recall covers Kia Seltos and Soul SUVs from model years 2021 through 2023. 

NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigation will “evaluate the effectiveness of Kia’s remedy program,” the agency said. Investigators also will seek “to understand Kia’s response to vehicle owners’ complaints of difficulties experienced due to changes to the procedures used to remedy vehicles.”

Meanwhile, the Korean automaker continues to recall cars due to other defects. 

Kia in August said it would recall more than 200,000 Telluride SUVs over door trim that could fall off and create road hazards. More recently, it announced a recall of about 39,000 Sorrento SUVs due to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning defect that could cause fires.

California Kia Owners: Know Your Lemon Law Rights

Sadly, these kinds of recalls and investigations are old hat for Kia and many people who drive its cars. The company and other major auto manufacturers recall millions of vehicles every single year, citing a wide range of defects and malfunctions that put everyone on the road at risk.

The recalls tend to come long after defective cars have left factory floors and dealership lots, sold to unsuspecting buyers. More than 2.5 million vehicles are currently subject to open, urgent recalls, according to data compiled by CARFAX.

Fortunately, car owners and lessors have some valuable rights and protections under the state’s lemon law. Many do not need to wait for a recall to get defective cars fixed.

Formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back vehicles that they are unable or simply refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of recall requests or attempts that must be made before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.