Kia Motors Recalls 320,000 Units Including Optima in the U.S. for Trunk Lock Defect

Kia Motors is recalling approximately 320,000 vehicles, including the Optima, in the United States due to a defect in the trunk lock mechanism.

On the 21st, the red light is on at the traffic signal in front of the Hyundai-Kia Motors headquarters in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

On the 31st (local time), according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Kia Motors America has decided to recall certain 2016-2018 Optima models, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid models, and some 2016-2017 Rio vehicles. The total number of vehicles subject to the recall is 319,436.

These vehicles have been found to have a cracked trunk latch base, which may prevent the trunk from being opened from the inside. There is a risk that a person could become trapped inside the trunk. This constitutes a violation of federal motor vehicle safety standards.

As a result of this recall decision, dealers who sold the affected vehicles must replace the trunk latch base part free of charge for vehicle owners. Recall notification letters will be sent to vehicle owners on October 19.

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