Brand new KIAs recalled over fears the seatbelt housing could explode
Nearly 200 Kia Sorento SUVs have been recalled by the manufacturer after it was discovered that part of the seatbelt housing could explode in the event of an accident.
A warning has been issued to owners of Kia Sorento models from 2020-2022, with around 167 cars affected.
The recall warns that faults in a safety component called a pre-tensioner safety cap could cause the device to explode, propelling metal fragments at high speed toward the occupants of the car.
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Nearly 200 Kia Sorento SUVs have been recalled. Drive
Because of a manufacturing issue, the seat belt pre-tensioner inflator cap may fracture when deployed in the event of an accident.
A seat belt pre-tensioner is part of a system that tightens seatbelts in the event of a crash.
Before their invention, seat belts would simply lock up which allowed for greater movement during a collision.
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The part routinely uses a small explosive charge to deploy in milliseconds, but if it goes wrong, tiny metal particles could be launched at the people the device is meant to protect.
Anyone who owns one of the affected vehicles should immediately contact their preferred Kia dealer to schedule an appointment to have the repair work undertaken, free of charge.
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