Hyundai, Kia Interior Trunk Latches
Hyundai and Kia are now in the process of issuing recalls for the interior trunk latches. These recalls will affect 601,232 vehicles from model years 2016 through 2020. This is according to a pair of filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that was recently posting.
Hyundai, Kia Latches are Damaging and not Working
The interior latches may have become damaged and stop working according to the NHTSA filings. Moreover, this would mean that the affected models would no longer comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 401, “Internal trunk release.” Therefore, in high-temperature conditions, a crack can develop in the trunk latch emergency release function. Then if a person gets stuck in the trunk, they would not be able to get out.
Special Models Affected by Recall
2016-2018 Kia Forte, Forte Koup and 2018-19 Rio as well as 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-18 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and 2016-2017 Azera are specific models affecting by these recalls.
Fix for the Interior Trunk Latch
There is a simple fix for the interior trunk latch. Moreover, it does involve your dealer after replacing the interior trunk latch. This recall, just like all the recalls, will, in fact, be performing free of charge. In fact, Hyundai will begin notifying owners of affected vehicles on or around October 1st. Then the Kia will start on October 5th. Moreover, owners can call Hyundai customer service at 855-371-9460 and visit the Hyundai recall page and give recall number 208. Then you can contact Kia’s customer service department at 800-333-4542 and give them recall number SC216.
Sharing Parts and Suppliers
In fact, both Hyundai and Kia do share parts and suppliers. They have issued several recalls in recent years. They include more than 2.5 million vehicles. Those may be at risk of catching fire. For the two brands, Hyundai is the parent company.
