The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·21V622000·Announced 2021-08-09

Kia Recalls 2016-2019 Rio and Forte Models for Trunk Latch Defect

Kia is recalling 2016-2019 Rio and Forte vehicles because a damaged trunk latch may prevent opening from the inside, potentially trapping a person.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (trunk entrapment) where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Kia Motors America is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The recall addresses a defect where the trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the trunk from being opened from the inside. This condition causes the vehicles to fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

The primary risk associated with this defect is that a person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, which increases their risk of injury. No specific number of affected units or reported injuries is provided in the source text.

Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 for more information. Kia's recall number is SC216.

The recalled product

Product
KIA RIO, FORTE
Brand
KIA
Manufacturer
Kia Motors America
Category
Vehicle — Sedan / Hatchback
Hazard
Affected units
253,074

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • RIO
  • FORTE

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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