Kia Carnival Sliding Doors Could Fly Off

Some Kia minivan owners are about to hear about a serious problem with their vehicles.

The Korean auto manufacturer says defective doors on nearly 3,000 Carnival minivans could fly off while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall covers certain 2022 Carnival vehicles produced between July and October this year.

Kia told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that a manufacturing snafu may prevent the doors from latching.

“Certain plastic holders inside the release actuator within the passenger side power sliding door remote controller assembly may have been manufactured out of specification by the supplier,” Kia said in a report filed with NHTSA. “As a result, binding between the drum and holder can cause the latch to intermittently stick in the open position.” 

“If the latch becomes stuck in the open position, the passenger side power sliding door will not latch, and the door can open while driving, increasing the risk of Injury,” Kia added.

Kia told NHTSA it planned to notify all owners of recalled vehicles by mid-December. The company is asking owners to bring their minivans to a local dealer to have defective parts replaced. Kia also said it would reimburse owners who have already paid out of pocket to have the problem fixed.

Car Defects Put Lives at Risk

This is not the first time that Kia has had to recall vehicles over serious defects that make driving hazardous for everyone on the road.

The company said in July it was recalling some 150,000 SUVs and wagons over a piston defect that could cause engine fires. Kia in 2020 recalled more than 140,000 Optima vehicles, saying that faulty fuel hoses could crack and cause cars to burst into flames.

Kia is not alone. Major auto manufacturers commonly recall vehicles over serious safety issues, long after the cars have been sold to unsuspecting buyers.

That is where the California lemon law comes in.

The Song Beverly Consumer Warranty Act requires carmakers to do a variety of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. The law also forces the companies to buy back cars that they cannot or will not fix. That includes compensating the owner for the purchase price, financing fees and other related expenses.

Although a carmaker can instead offer to replace a vehicle, it is up to the owner or lessor to accept or reject that offer. A California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and weigh your options.

How Our Sacramento Lemon Law Firm Can Help

If you are a car owner or lessor who is stuck with a lemon, there is no reason to go it alone. An attorney at Sacramento lemon law firm Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back. 

Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.  Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an attorney at our Sacramento lemon law firm today.