Recall Roundup: Kia to Fix Hood Latch on Sedona Van; Toyota Drivers on the Hot Seat?
During the past week, Hyundai Motor America, Kia Motors America, and Toyota Motor issued recalls of approximately 314,000 vehicles in all. The largest recall is of nearly 220,000 Kia Sedona vans from the 2006-2014 model years. The Toyota recall affects the largest number of different models, some from as far back as the 1988 model year. Details for each safety recall are below, in alphabetical order by car brand.
2016 Hyundai Tucson
Number of vehicles affected: 81,000
Date of manufacture: May 19, 2015 to March 14, 2016
Issue: If the primary hood latch has been released, the secondary hood latch may not hold adequately secure the hood to prevent it from opening while the vehicle is in motion.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch free of charge.
Timing: The recall is expected to begin July 15, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Manufacturer recall number: 145
NHTSA recall number: 16V348000
2013 Kia Forte
Number of vehicles affected: 5,245
Date of manufacture: September 10, 2012 to October 31, 2012
Issue: The screws that hold the front seat belt retractor retaining plates may not have been properly tightened, and as a result, the seat belt retractor retaining plates may break in a crash. If a retaining plate breaks during a crash, pieces of the plate could strike the occupants, increasing risk of injury.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace both front seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge.
Timing: The recall is expected to begin June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Manufacturer recall number: SC132
NHTSA recall number: 16V312000
2006-2014 Kia Sedona
Number of vehicles affected: 219,800
Date of manufacture: June 15, 2005 through April 04, 2014
Issue: The secondary hood latch may bind and remain in the unlatched position when the hood is closed. If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace the secondary hood latch or clean and lubricate the latch, depending on the vehicle's location and the condition of the latch. These repairs will be performed free of charge.
Timing: The recall is expected to begin on July 25, 2016. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.
Manufacturer recall number: SC134
NHTSA recall number: 16V389000
Various 1988-1990, 2005-2012 Toyota Vehicles
Number of vehicles affected: 7,749
Date of manufacture: Recall affects 1988-1990, 2005-2012 model years
Issue: Toyota is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna; 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra; 2006-2008 Camry Solara; 2006-2011 RAV4 and Tacoma; 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser; 2009-2010 Venza; 2010-2012 Prius; 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry; and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed. If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory.
Timing: The recall is expected to begin on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Manufacturer recall number: SET16B
NHTSA recall number: 16V396000
Abstract:
During the past week, Hyundai Motor America, Kia Motors America, and Toyota Motor issued recalls of approximately 314,000 vehicles in all.
