The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, the steering tie rods may have a manufacturing flaw that affects the metallurgy.
The risk
If the rod cracks or fails, loss of vehicle steering control may occur which could result in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the steering rack assembly, which includes the tie rod components free of charge. Owners were notified by telephone on april 8, 2005. An additional letter was sent to owners who had not taken their vehicles in for repair. This letter was mailed may 20, 2005. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.
Contacts
Kia recall no. Sc-047. Customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Kia dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 05V183000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.