US: Kia recalls 377,062 Sorento vehicles over transmission issue

Kia Motors America is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured 19 October 2009 to 31 January 2013. In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever, the brake-shift interlock mechanism may chip or crack allowing the transmission being able to be shifted out of 'Park' without the brakes being depressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, 'Theft Protection.'

Without requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing it to roll, which may result in a crash.

Potential number of units affected: 377,062

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin from 24 November.

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