Kia recalls high-end Soul and Sorento models

HOT on the heels (if you will excuse the phrase) of Ferrari’s global recall of its 458 supercar due to instances of cars catching fire comes news that Kia has also recalled top-end Soul and Sorento models due to a potential fire risk.

The voluntary recall involves 85,000 vehicles worldwide, including 1056 in Australia – most of them (1029) Sorento SLi and Platinum models featuring door trim illumination.

Only 27 examples of the Soul 3 (Cubed) model have been recalled in Australia, indicating the poor sales for the premium Soul variant that led to it being discontinued here earlier this year.

Designed to be a funky youth vehicle, the Soul 3 had what Kia Australia spokesman Kevin Hepworth described as “beat box lighting”, which enabled the car’s speakers to flash in time with music.

The cause of the problem appears to be wiring harnesses that may have been improperly soldered.

Replacement wiring loom components have arrived in Australia and the formal recall notice is expected to be lodged on Wednesday, with owners being contacted directly by Kia Australia.

Rectification work will take about 30 minutes in the case of the Soul and about one hour for affected Sorento SUVs.

Mr Hepworth said there have been no instances of incidents or accidents in relation to the recalled models in Australia.

Production changes have already been made by Kia and new components will be fitted to vehicles in stock before they are sold in Australia.

Globally, the recall involves about 36,000 Souls built between September 2009 and June 2010, and 33,000 Sorentos built in the same period. Also affected are some models not sold in this country – 8900 Cadenza large sedans and 8000 Borrega/Mohave large SUVs.