NHTSA Opens Audit Into More Than 137k Defected Kia Vehicles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an audit query into more than 137,000 Defected Kia America vehicles to review whether the company followed federal rules for identifying and repairing a potential safety defect. The process will examine Kia’s compliance with recall regulations and how quickly it acted to address the issue.
Kia Models Under Review
Based on initial filings, the audit covers several recent Kia models, including:
- Kia Soul (various model years)
- Kia Seltos (various model years)
- Kia Sportage (various model years)
The current total under review is about 137,421 vehicles, although this number could change as the investigation develops.
Reason for the Audit
An audit query is different from a defect investigation. It focuses on whether an automaker met legal requirements for reporting a safety defect, notifying owners, and carrying out repairs.
NHTSA’s review will look at:
- The timeline for Kia’s defect detection and reporting
- Whether NHTSA and customers were notified within the required time frame
- The quality and effectiveness of the recall remedy
- Any delays or missed steps in repair campaigns
The action may be linked to previous concerns about how quickly Kia has handled recalls in the past.
Kia’s Recall Background
Kia has faced several high-profile recalls in recent years, including cases involving engine fire risks and braking system problems. The company, along with its partner Hyundai, has previously been fined for delays in reporting and recalling defective vehicles.
In 2020, Kia and Hyundai agreed to pay a combined $210 million in penalties for not acting quickly enough to address engine defects. That history could be a factor in NHTSA’s decision to carry out a full compliance audit now.
What Happens Next in the Audit
NHTSA will:
- Request internal records, engineering reports, and recall communications from Kia
- Compare Kia’s actions against federal vehicle safety laws
- Decide whether any violations occurred
If the agency finds that Kia failed to meet its obligations, it could order new recalls, impose fines, or require further corrective measures.
Advice for Kia Owners
At the moment, Kia owners do not need to take any action unless a new recall is announced. If NHTSA determines that further repairs or safety campaigns are necessary, owners will be contacted directly by Kia and can also check the NHTSA website using their vehicle identification number (VIN).
Final Thoughts
This audit shows that US regulators remain serious about holding automakers accountable for how they manage recalls. For Kia, the outcome will depend on whether NHTSA concludes the company acted in line with the law.
If shortcomings are found, the result could be costly both in financial terms and in brand reputation.
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