Hyundai and Kia have issued a recall order for about 600,000 vehicles to replace defective trunk latches. Heat can damage the latches, leaving the trunk stuck in the closed position and rendering the emergency release inside the trunk inoperable.
Cars included in the recall:
- 2016 – 2018 Kia Forte
- 2018 – 2019 Kia Rio
- 2016 – 2018 Hyundai Sonata and Sonata Hybrid
- 2018- 2020 Hyundai Accent
- 2016-2017 Hyundai Azera
The defect is in the latch that holds the trunk in place and can cause the trunk to lock shut. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration considers this a safety issued because children sometimes trap themselves inside vehicle trunks. Since model year 2002, all vehicles sold in the U.S. have had glow-in-the-dark emergency releases inside their trunks. A damaged latch can make the release useless.
The company is not aware of any injuries caused by the defect. Technicians discovered it after a customer reported that their trunk would not open. Owners might notice difficulty in opening the trunk as the problem develops.
Dealers will replace the trunk latch with one “produced with improved material increasing its resistance to thermal contraction.” The repair is free.
Millions of cars face safety recalls every year, and not every model makes it back to the dealership for repairs. Find out if your car is subject to any safety recalls at our recall center.
