NEWS:   Gov't probing steering problems in 2010 Kia Soul

YAHOO NEWS -- AUGUST 16, 2010 -- The 2010 Kia Soul, a boxy vehicle that has been marketed to urban motorists, is being investigated by government regulators for potential loss of steering control.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday on its website that it had received one complaint alleging complete steering loss. The preliminary investigation covers more than 50,000 vehicles.

The complaint said the steering shaft detached from the steering wheel, leading to a complete loss of steering, and the shaft fell into a position that interfered with the driver's ability to brake.

The government agency seldom opens an investigation based on one complaint but said it was "very concerned about this failure in that it occurred without warning on a new vehicle at low mileage and resulted in a complete loss of steering as well as a compromised brake system."

The owner who filed the complaint had driven the vehicle for two months and had 4,300 miles on it.

John Crowe, Kia Motors America's vice president for service, said in a statement the company was cooperating with the investigation and trying to determine if there was a manufacturing cause to the problem. He said the incident that led to the complaint did not result in an accident or injury.

The South Korean automaker launched the Soul in early 2009 and has posted strong sales for the funky compact wagon, helped by a memorable advertising campaign featuring rapping hamsters dressed in baggy clothes and hoodies.

The Soul was among 27 vehicles from the 2010 model year that received the "top safety pick" award from the Virginia-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Vehicles are selected for providing the best protection in front, side and rear crash tests based on Institute evaluations during the year.

MORE RECALL INFO:    Kia Soul

APRIL 2009  --  Huyndai-Kia is recalling 139,844 MY 2006-2007- Sedona, Sportage, Sorento and MY Rondo and Amanti vehicles. The stop lamp switch in the affected vehicles may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause the brake lights to remain illuminated when the brake pedal is released. A stop lamp switch malfunction may also affect theoperation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature so the transmission shifter would not be able to be shifted out of the park position. It may also cause the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction light toilluminate, and it may not deactivate the cruise control when the brake pedal is depressed. Any of these malfunctions, alone or in combination, may lead to a crash. Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May and June of 2009. Owners may contact Kia"s Consumer Assistance Center at 1-800-333-4542.  09V-130

SEPTEMBER 2008 -- Kia is recalling 6,680 MY 2008-2009 Rondo LX and EX vehicles equipped with a 2.4 liter engine. The fuel pump may not operate properly resulting in not enough fuel getting to the engine. Poor engine starting, engine hesitation and other impairment may result, and the check engine light may illuminate. Unusually severe impairment while driving could expose the driver to the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the fuel pump sub-assembly with an improved part. The recall is expected to begin during October 2008.  08V459

Automakers are recalling 450,000 vehicles.for a range of defects reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Kia Motors Corp. is recalling 74,276 Sedona minivans from 2002 to 2004 model years equipped with power seats because the wiring under the front seats could potentially cause a fire.