Kia initiates safety recall campaign

MANILA, Philippines - South Korean automaker Kia Motors early this month issued a global recall of about 100,000 of its vehicles over defective wiring. In the Philippines, the recall campaign is to repair wiring associated with interior illumination in two models to prevent heat-related damage. Affected are Soul vehicles equipped with front speaker lights (manufactured between Sept. 7, 2009 and June 8, 2010); and Sorento vehicles (manufactured between Sept. 1, 2009 and July 1, 2010) that are equipped with door trim illumination.

Although the recall affects approximately only nine Souls and 312 Sorentos in the Philippines, Columbian Autocar Corp. (CAC), authorized distributor of Kia in the Philippines, is taking no chances that each and every affected unit is accounted for and the necessary corrective action done immediately to forestall any incidence of harm or injury. There have been no reports of accidents arising from this issue anywhere in the Philippines or worldwide.

Felix J. Mabilog Jr., president and COO of CAC, said that Kia has pulled all stops to make sure that the necessary corrective measures are done on the affected vehicles. “We have already identified the affected vehicles in the country and owners of these cars will be notified via first-class mail beginning Sept. 15 advising them to bring their vehicles to a Kia dealership for the appropriate service action to be performed free-of-charge,” Mabilog added.

Mabilog further ensures the public that its authorized service centers are fully equipped and are already prepared to do the necessary corrective action on the defective wiring of the affected vehicles. Replacement parts have also been made available.

Kia customers may also contact the Columbian Autocar Corp. hotline at 824-9828 if they  have any questions on the issue.