Kia Recalls 8,000 Sorentos over Faulty Rear Brake

Kia, the South Korean auto maker has announced that it would recall around 8,000 Sorento models over improperly machined brake calipers. This improperly machined brake caliper could cause the vehicle to leak brake fluid.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Kia discovered that a number of its new Sorentos were fitted with rear brake calipers that may not have been properly machined.

* The defective brake calipers may lead to a brake fluid leakage that could sooner or later develop into a safety hazard
* If the vehicle loses brake fluid, the malfunction signal on the dashboard would indicate the low brake fluid level which should be attended to immediately
* If the vehicle loses brake fluid, the driver would also experience a smooth feel in the brake pedal
* If the malfunction is not attended to promptly it would lead to reduced braking power increasing the likelihood of a crash

The South Korean car maker, Kia announced that it would conduct a recall for some 2011 Sorento vehicles over brake problems. The recall would cover vehicles that were manufactured during the period from September 14, 2010 to October 4, 2010. It is alleged that the brake defect could affect around 8,000 vehicles that were built during the period cited.

The South Korean car maker recommends that the owners of 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles that were built during the period from September 14, 2010 to October 4, 2010 take the vehicles to their preferred Kia dealership. Kia’s technicians will subject the rear brake calipers in the vehicle to an inspection and replace them if needed. The South Korean car maker is hopeful that not all the 8000 cars may require brake calipers replacements.

The safety recall is expected to begin this December.

Technical service bulletin (TSB) for sticky or unresponsive gas pedal

On Thursday, Kia had also issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) for a potentially sticky or unresponsive gas pedals. The sticky or unresponsive gas pedals have resulted due to faulty springs. The springs are actually designed to push the gas pedal into their original position while driving. However, Kia feels that the sticky or unresponsive gas pedal is not safety-related issue which is why the vehicles are not considered for a recall.