Kia is recalling more than 253,000 coupes and sedans due to trunk latch concerns. Affected vehicles include model-year 2016-18 Forte sedans; model-year 2016-18 Forte Koup coupes; and model-year 2018-19 Rio sedans. Manufacturers have determined that in high temperatures, a thermal crack can develop in the pawl of the trunk latch which could cause the trunk’s interior emergency release to fail.
Kia will begin notifying owners on Oct. 5. Owners can call the automaker at 800-333-4542 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236 to learn more.
To fix the problem, dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly.
Vehicle manufacturers are legally required to repair any recalled issues or replace the defective part for free under the Highway Safety Act of 1970. If the dealership refuses to fix the problem or attempts to charge you for the repair, contact the manufacturer immediately.
Lemon Law Group Partners can assist car owners if they encounter any problems during the recall process with the manufacturer. Our attorneys deal directly with the manufacturer on the client’s behalf to quickly resolve the problem. In many cases, the attorneys get paid directly from the manufacturer so the client does not have to pay any attorneys’ fees to obtain legal counsel. For more information and a free consultation call 888-668-8581.
