Kia recalls 377,000 Sorento crossovers for transmission glitch

Kia is recalling 377,000 Sorentos because of a transmission glitch that can cause the crossover to roll while parked.

The recall covers the 2011-13 model years, the Korean automaker said in a filing to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Kia said the crossover can roll unexpectedly if the gearshift lever is pressed with too much force, causing the break-shift interlock to chip or crack. That, in turn, can cause the transmission to shift out of park, even if the brakes are not pressed.

The defect has resulted in three injuries, 54 warranty claims and 14 customer complaints, Kia said.

Kia’s regulatory team began investigating in August after it was sent a copy of a letter from an attorney alleging his client’s son climbed into a 2011 Sorrento and shifted the crossover out of park, despite not pressing the brakes or putting a key in the ignition.

The “vehicle began to roll in a parking lot,” according to a document filed with NHTSA. “The father stepped in front of car and the son got out and joined him. Son was between Sorento and stopped vehicle and allegedly suffered a fractured leg.”

Kia will begin issuing recall notices Nov. 24. Dealerships will replace the defective brake-shift interlock with new parts at no cost to owners, Kia said.