Kia and Hyundai Defective Latches

South Koreas Kia and Hyundai recalled 600 000 cars due to inadequate boot latch.

Some Kia and Hyundai vehicles built prior to 2020 appear to be affected by an issue, necessitating an immediate vehicle recall. Furthermore, the problem should be resolved as quickly as possible so that each vehicle can fulfill the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

What models of Kia and Hyundai appear to be affected?

Kia and Hyundai were forced to recall over 600 000 cars owing to internal boot defective latches since those vehicles no longer met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards number 401. In other words, it may be impossible to avoid a boot.

Which models have been impacted?

• Kia Forte, including Forte Koup, built before 2018.
• Kia Rio produced in the mid-2010s.
• Models of Hyundai Sonata automobiles from the 2017 and 2018 years, including 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.
• Hyundai Accent models produced between 2017 and 2020.
• Hyundai Azera models from 2017 and 2018.

The problem, according to the makers, is due to inadequate boot latch design. After being subjected to high temperatures for an extended period of time, the latch might abruptly fail at any time. It would imply that the emergency boot release is no longer in use.

My vehicle is exposed to risk, what should I do?

If the owner does not want someone to get trapped in the boot of one of the vehicles mentioned above, the car ought to be serviced as soon as possible. When it comes to Kia company, it is to notify owners of affected vehicles at the beginning of October, and so is Hyundai.

In case the owner does not want to wait to be informed about the faulty boot latch by the manufacturer, there is another convenient way to solve the issue. To determine whether a vehicle is impacted, go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website and input the VIN of the car. Kia and Hyundai will fix defective boot locks at no cost.

Tips on how to escape a boot

There is an emergency release handle in the boot of Kia and Hyundai vehicles that ought to be pulled in case a person is stuck inside. Furthermore, all vehicles manufactured after 2022 in the United States are obliged to feature a trunk release inside a vehicle’s boot. It could be a handle glowing in the dark, as well as a button. Depending on the model of the vehicle, a trapped individual can get access to the center seats by pushing them, using a jack, or any other equipment.