Kia Recalling Sorento Crossovers for a Transmission Issue

Kia is recalling over 419,000 Sorento Crossovers in the U.S. and Canada for an issue with the transmissions.

Kia's own regulatory team began investigating in August after receiving a letter from an attorney alleging the clients son was able to shift the parents 2011 Sorento out park without pressing the brakes or putting the key in the ignition. A document filed with the NHTSA stated that the "vehicle began to roll in a parking lot."  "The father stepped in front of the car and the son got out and joined him. Son was between Sorento and stopped vehicle and allegedly suffered a fracture leg."

In a statement from Kia "The crossover can roll unexpectedly if the gearshift lever is pressed with too much force, causing the brake-shift interlock to chip or crack. That, in turn, can cause the transmission to shift out of park, even if the brakes are not pressed".

There have been 3 injuries, 14 customer complaints and 54 warranty claims. Beginning in November Kia will be issuing recall notices, the brake-shift interlock will be replaced by Kia with new parts at no cost to the customer.

The recall is for Kia Sorento Crossover's model years 2001 through 2013.