NHTSA Recall 16V312000
Filed by Kia America, Inc.. Component: Seat Belts. Reported 2016-05-17. An estimated 5,245 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2013 Forte vehicles manufactured September 10, 2012, to October 31, 2012. The screws that hold the front seatbelt retractor retaining plates may not have been properly tightened, and as a result, the seatbelt retractor retaining plates may break in a crash.
Risk
If a retaining plate breaks during a crash, pieces of the plate could strike the occupants, increasing risk of injury.
What the manufacturer will do
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace both front seatbelt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. The recall began July 1, 2016. Kia's number for this recall is SC132.
Manufacturer campaign number: SC132
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.