Just under 1,000 Kia Forte models have been recalled due to an issue with the front left steering knuckle.
The recall was issued through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and reveals that the front left steering knuckle may have been cast improperly. Kia says that the steering knuckle was only improperly cast by the supplier on May 13, 2022 and that the correct processes for casting resumed the following day.
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The automaker notes that an improperly cast knuckle can fracture and could result in a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
A total of 939 vehicles are involved in the recall, all of which were manufactured between October 21, 2022 and November 7, 2022. Kia notes that all Forte models produced after November 7, 2022 are equipped with a properly cast front left steering knuckle and do not suffer from the same issue.
Kia will notify all owners of subject vehicles by first class mail with instructions to bring their vehicle to a local Kia dealer. Dealers will then inspect the production lot number on the front left steering knuckle and if the knuckle is identified as being part of the affected production lot, it will be replaced with a new one. Kia will also reimburse owners who have already paid to have the issue fixed.
Dealerships were notified of the recall on December 13, 2022 while owners will be informed on January 12, 2023.
