Kia America has issued a recall for more than 100,000 vehicles due to a potential safety hazard with the roof moldings. The affected models are the 2022-2024 Kia Carnival and the 2023-2024 Kia Sportage. The roof moldings may become loose or detach while driving, creating a road hazard for other vehicles and increasing the risk of a crash.
The roof moldings are decorative pieces that run along the edges of the roof panel. They are not essential for the vehicle’s operation, but they may enhance its appearance and aerodynamics. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the roof moldings may have been improperly installed during the vehicle assembly, or they may interfere with the roof panel sealer, which is a material that prevents water leakage. As a result, the roof moldings may lift or rattle while driving, and eventually come off the vehicle at high speeds.
How did Kia discover the issue?
Kia became aware of the issue in September 2023, when it received several complaints from owners about the roof moldings. However, the investigation was challenging, as most of the detached moldings were lost and could not be inspected. Kia conducted a test on a vehicle with intentionally incorrect roof molding installation, and found that the molding could come off at speeds of around 90 mph (145 km/h). Kia also analyzed the production records and found that some vehicles may have excessive roof panel sealer, which could interfere with the roof molding retaining clips.
What is Kia doing to fix the problem?
Kia has decided to recall 40,426 Sportages and 60,623 Carnivals in the U.S. to inspect and replace or secure the roof moldings as necessary. The recall is expected to begin on March 15, 2024. Kia will notify the owners by mail, and the dealers will perform the service for free. Kia has also improved its assembly processes and developed additional training to ensure that the roof moldings are properly installed. Owners who paid for repairs out of pocket will be reimbursed by Kia.
What should owners do if they have a recalled vehicle?
Owners of the recalled vehicles should contact their local Kia dealer to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. They should also listen for any noise or signs of roof molding lifting while driving, and avoid driving at high speeds until the issue is resolved. Owners can also contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 or visit the NHTSA website at www.nhtsa.gov to check their vehicle identification number (VIN) and get more information about the recall.