Hyundai-Kia is recalling more than 400,000 vehicles for four separate safety glitches.
Kia is recalling 97,884 Sedona minivans for a second time for a corrosion issue. The recall covers certain 2006-12 Sedonas built between June 15, 2005, and Aug. 12, 2012, that were originally sold in or currently registered in one of 27 “salt states.”
The states include Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.
Kia said corrosion of the front lower control arms may occur as a result of prolonged exposure to road salt and a lack of regular cleaning of the vehicle underbody as provided in the owner’s manual.
Corrosion of the lower control arm can lead to vibration or noise, and could break.
Kia is not aware of any injuries or accidents as a result of corrosion.
Certain Sedona models were recalled for the same reason in 2013, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall database.
The recall is expected to begin July 25, NHTSA said. Owners can take their vehicles to a Kia dealership, where the front lower control arm will be inspected and replaced at no charge.
The front lower control arms will be replaced or receive an additional anti-corrosion coating and Kia said it will reimburse owners for repair expenses already incurred.
In a separate recall, Kia is recalling 219,800 Sedonas built between June 15, 2005, and April 4, 2014, for a possible faulty secondary hood latch.
Kia said corrosion may create mechanical binding that could cause the secondary hood latch to remain in the open position when the hood is closed.
“Under these circumstances, if the hood is not properly and fully closed to the lock position, the hood may open while driving and obscure the driver’s vision, increasing the risk of an accident,” the company said.
The recall is also expected to begin July 25.
Kia will replace the secondary hood latch or clean and lubricate the latch, depending on the vehicle’s location and the condition of the latch, for no charge, NTHSA said. Kia is also recalling certain 2013 Fortes built between Sept. 10, 2012, and Oct. 31, 2012 for possible improperly tightened seat belt retractor screws.
The recall covers 5,245 Fortes.
Kia said the screw holding the seat belt retractor’s retaining plate may not have been properly tightened because of a parts supplier’s error.
“In the event of an accident, the plate can break and potentially come in contact with an occupant, thereby increasing the risk of injury,” the company said.
Kia became aware of the issue when a customer -- using social media -- reported that a metal piece from the seat belt assembly got lodged in a child’s leg during a crash, according to a chronology of the recall on NHTSA’s website.
The recall is expected to begin June 30, 2016. Kia dealers will inspect and replace both front seat belt assemblies, as necessary, for no charge, NHTSA said.
Kia’s corporate sibling, Hyundai, is also recalling a crossover with a defective secondary hood latch.
Hyundai is recalling 81,000 Tucsons from the 2016 model year and built between May 19, 2015, and March 14, 2016, for a possible faulty secondary hood latch.
According to NHTSA, if the primary hood latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch cannot secure the hood, the hood may unexpectedly open while driving.
A Hyundai spokesman said in an email that drivers will be warned via visual and audio warnings if the hood is not properly latched.
The recall is expected to begin on July 15, 2016. Hyundai dealerships will replace the secondary hood latch for free.
