Kia Motors recalls 18,147 vehicles in China

Kia Motors Co. and its Sino-South Korean joint venture, Dongfeng Yueda Kia Automobile Co., have recalled 18,147 vehicles sold in China on Monday due to faulty wiring in the interior lighting panels that might catch fire, China's quality watchdog announced.

The recalled vehicles included 7,231 Sorento autos manufactured between Sept. 1, 2009 and July 1, 2010, 1,635 Borego autos produced between Sept. 4, 2009 and June 25, 2010 and 9,281 Soul sedans manufactured between Sept. 23, 2009 and Aug. 6, 2010, according to a statement on the website of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ).

The faulty wiring in the lighting system could spark and develop into a fire in worst-case scenarios, the statement warned.

The recall is part of Kia's worldwide recall, and the automaker promised to repair the faulty wiring at no-charge, said the statement.

Owners may contact the auto manufacturers at hotline numbers, 400-8822-060, or 800-8828-5985, or contact the AQSIQ.

Source: Xinhua