US Regulator Opens Probe Into Over 137,000 Kia Vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Friday said that it is opening an audit into 137,256 Kia vehicles.

The probe is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of a recall issued by the automaker earlier this year after the agency received multiple complaints.

Kia America issued a safety recall in February concerning certain Model Year (MY) 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The firm noted that the vehicles may contain incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings, which may, over time, damage the engine, causing a loss of motive power or an increased fire risk.

The company’s remedy for the recall included an inspection to determine whether an engine replacement was necessary. However, NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigation's recall division received 47 complaints from April 29 through June 27 regarding the recall remedy. These complaints alleged an ineffective recall remedy, inconsistent results in inspections to determine whether an engine replacement was needed, and the unavailability of recall remedies.

The U.S. auto safety regulator said that the probe will also examine Kia’s response to vehicle owners’ complaints of difficulties experienced due to changes to the procedures used to remedy vehicles.

Kia is a South Korean automaker under the Hyundai Motor Group, with other brands including Hyundai Motor Company and Genesis. Earlier this month, Kia America said that it delivered total sales of 71,123 units in July, marking a 12% increase over the same period last year.

In the seven months through the end of July, Kia America reported sales of 487,634 vehicles, primarily led by its Sportage SUV and K4 or Forte vehicles.

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