South Korean automaker Kia Motors has been ordered to recall about 2,597 units of its Sorento sport utility vehicle (SUV) in the United States due to faulty seat belts, according to a recall order issued by US regulator the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), reports Yonhap News Agency. The latest recall affects Sorento SUVs produced between 23 October and 10 December 2014. In a statement, the NHTSA said, "The affected vehicles have a front passenger seat belt whose buckle latch assembly may prevent the front passenger from fastening the seat belt." Kia plans to notify the owners of the affected models and replace the faulty seat-belt buckles free of charge starting on 18 August.
Significance: Kia sources the Sorento SUV from its West Point plant in Georgia, US, in completely built-up form, according to IHS Automotive data. Recalls are gaining traction in the US as the NHTSA grows increasingly vigilant, as do local car buyers, who are now better aware of their rights and vehicle safety standards. Kia is no stranger to recalls in the United States. Earlier this year, more than 200,000 units of the Soul model produced by the brand were recalled in the country in March, about 86,880 Forte sedans were recalled in January, and about 7,700 units of the Sportage SUVs were recalled earlier this month. About 12,000 units of Kia's Sorento SUV were also recalled in March due to a defective accelerator pedal.
