Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Kia, in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has initiated a significant recall impacting more than 100,000 Sportage and Carnival vehicles.
The central issue prompting this recall revolves around the roof molding. According to official documents filed with the NHTSA, the roof molding in these affected vehicles may unexpectedly detach from the car, posing an elevated risk of accidents.
Kia Roof Molding Recall Summary
| Recall Details | Affected Vehicles |
| Recall ID | 24V-025 |
| Manufacturer Name | Kia America, Inc. |
| Affected Component | Roof Molding |
| Affected Models | 2022-2024 Carnival; 2023-2024 Sportage |
| Submission Date | January 18, 2024 |
| Manufacturer Recall No. | SC292 |
| Population | 101,049 vehicles |
| Estimated Percentage with Defect | 1% |
The roof molding, a critical component that contributes to the structural integrity of the vehicle, plays a vital role in maintaining vehicle safety. In certain instances, it may become dislodged, creating a potential road hazard for other vehicles sharing the road. The consequences of a detached roof molding can be severe, significantly increasing the likelihood of a crash.
Owners of affected vehicles should remain vigilant for any signs of trouble. Common symptoms include:
- Visible Lifting of Roof Molding: Keep an eye out for any noticeable gaps or irregularities in the roof molding
- Unusual Noise While Driving: If you hear unexpected noises related to the roof area, it could indicate a problem
2024 Kia Roof Molding Recalled Vehicles
Kia is recalling over 100,000 Sportage and Carnival models due to a roof molding problem. The recall encompasses vehicles from the 2022 to 2024 model years and is estimated to impact approximately 1 percent of the recalled vehicles.
- Approximately 40,426 Sportage vehicles manufactured between January 12, 2022, and November 29, 2023, at the Kia Georgia factory
- Affected Vehicles: Around 60,623 Carnival vehicles produced between January 5, 2021, and November 24, 2023, at the Kia Autoland Gwangmyeong factory in Korea.
Investigation into Structural Issue
Documents filed with the NHTSA reveal a critical concern related to the roof molding in certain vehicles. The issue stems from the roof molding becoming loose or detaching from the vehicle. There are two primary factors contributing to this problem:
- Interference with Retaining Clips: The roof molding retaining clips may interfere with the excessive roof panel sealer, compromising their effectiveness.
- Improper Installation: During vehicle assembly, incorrect installation of the roof molding can also lead to detachment.
Kia initially became aware of this issue in September. However, the unique nature of the problem posed significant challenges for investigation. Most trim pieces were lost due to detachment, making it difficult to conduct a thorough inspection.
To understand the root cause, Kia intentionally installed roof molding incorrectly on a test vehicle. The results were alarming: at speeds of around 90 mph (145 km/h), the improperly installed molding came off. This experiment confirmed that both interference with retaining clips and improper installation could lead to detachment. In January 2024, the company announced a recall to address the structural issue.
2024 Kia Roof Molding Fix
Owners of affected vehicles will receive official notifications by mail in March. If you are concerned about your vehicle’s status, you can verify whether it falls within the recall range by checking the NHTSA recall website. Here’s what affected owners need to know:
- Inspection at Kia Dealerships: If your Sportage or Carnival is impacted, bring it to a Kia dealership. There, trained technicians will thoroughly inspect the roof moldings. If necessary, they will repair or replace them at no cost to you. Kia recognizes its legal obligation to address recalls promptly.
- Contact Kia Customer Service: Sportage and Carnival owners can reach out to Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Arrange for a local dealer inspection, and if required, have the roof molding replaced or secured without any charges.
- Notification Process: All owners of the affected vehicles will receive instructions via first-class mail. These instructions will guide you to the nearest Kia dealer for the necessary inspection.
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