Kia issues Sportage, Carnival recall over defective roof molding

Kia Sportage, Carnival vehicle recall overview: 

• Who: Kia America recalled 101,049 of its model year 2022-2024 Carnival and model year 2023-204 Sportage vehicles. 
• Why: Kia issued the recall over concerns the vehicles were manufactured with defective roof molding that can loosen and detach, increasing the risk of a crash. 
• Where: The recall affects certain Kia Carnival and Sportage vehicle owners nationwide.

Kia America issued a recall of more than 100,000 of its model year 2022-2024 Carnival and model year 2023-2024 Sportage vehicles over concerns they were manufactured with defective roof molding that could loosen and detach. 

The Kia recall involves 101,049 Kia Sportage and Carnival vehicles, with the automaker estimating 1% of the recalled vehicles contain the defect at issue. 

Kia said it is concerned the defective roof molding could create a road hazard for other vehicles in the event of a detachment, increasing the risk of a crash. The defect can occur due to improper installation or from interference of the roof molding retaining clip(s) with excessive roof panel sealer.

Kia dealers won’t charge to inspect, replace or secure roof molding on recalled vehicles 

The automaker plans to remedy the issue by having its dealers inspect the roof molding of the recalled Kia vehicles and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Kia expects to mail recall notification letters to affected vehicle owners by March 15, 2024. 

Individuals with more questions about the recall can contact Kia by phone at 1-800-333-4542, or contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236 or through its website. 

Kia and Hyundai recalled more than 1.7 million of its vehicles in September over concerns a short circuit in their hydraulic electronic control units could cause an engine compartment fire. 

Are you affected by the roof molding recall? Let us know in the comments.

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