Kia recalls a number of models for brake pedal issue

Kia has announced through its dealership chain that it is launching a recall campaign for a number of models, including the Kia Carnivel (2006 – 2007 model), the Kia Soul (2010 – 2011), the Kia Sorento (2007 – 2011) and the Kia Sportage (2007 – 2010). The reason for the recall is the preventive replacement of the electric contactor of the breaking pedal. Kia has announced a couple of thousands vehicles in Europe are being recalled for this reason.

The automobiles which have this flaw can develop a number of malfunctions because of the intermittent operation of the brake pedal contactor. Some of the flaws that can show up include the braking lights which won’t turn on or off. Another malfunction that can appear, but only depending on specific levels of equipment on the Kia models, is the ESC light on, the malfunction of the Cruise Control system, the malfunction of the START button, not being able to move the gear shifter from the P position in the automatic gearbox. In Europe, there were no accidents caused by one of these flaws until now, but the South Korean automaker is looking to fix it before that is a case.

All of the costs of the recall will be supported by Kia Motors Company, without any financial involved from the customer side. Starting this month, owners of the vehicles that might be affected by the above mentioned flaws will be informed, by letters, to take their car to the nearest Kia authorized service unit. The entire operation of replacing the contactor lasts about 45 minutes on average, depending on the exact model.