Front: buckle assemblyRecall 02V-216 · Kia vehicles
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. recall 02V-216 covers 189,706 Kia vehicles for a front: buckle assembly problem, reported to NHTSA on August 16, 2002.
Source: NHTSA recall 02V216000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.
The risk
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
The fix
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 20, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from June 6, 1994 to June 24, 1998. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.
The investigation behind this recall
- SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MALFUNCTIONNHTSA