The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has revealed in a recent report that Kia Motors America is recalling 377,000 of it's Sorento crossover SUVs because of a transmission glitch that can cause the vehicle to move despite being parked.
The recall applies to the 2011-2013 Sorentos, which can roll unexpectedly if the gearshift lever is pressed with too much force, causing the brake-shift interlock mechanism to chip or crack, reported USA Today. When this occurs, the transmission can shift out of park, even if the brakes are not pressed.
While no deaths have been reported so far, the defect has resulted in three injuries, 54 warranty claims and 14 customer complaints, Kia said, according to Automotive News.
Kia first became aware of the issue in August when they were received a letter from an attorney claiming that his client's son climbed into a 2011 Sorento and shifted the crossover out of park, despite not putting a key in the ignition or touching the brakes.
The "vehicle began to roll in a parking lot," according to a document filed with the NHTSA. "The father stepped in front of car and the son got out and joined him. Son was between Sorento and stopped vehicle and allegedly suffered a fractured leg."
Kia will begin issuing recall notices Nov. 24 and said on its website that it will replace affected mechanisms at no cost to its customers. In the meantime, the company recommends engaging the parking brake firmly and ensuring that the gear shift is positioned securely in park.
