Kia Sportage, Carnival Recall Issued Due to Risk Roof Molding May Fly Off

More than 850 incidents have been reported involving roof molding detaching from Kia Sportage, and Carnival vehicles.

A recall has been issued for more than 100,000 Kia Sportage and Carnival SUVs, following a number of reports involving incidents where the roof molding loosened and detached from the vehicles while they were in motion.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Kia Sportage and Carnival recall on January 22, indicating that pieces from the roof molding may create a dangerous road hazard for other vehicles, and increase the risk of auto accidents.

The recall stems from an investigation launched last year, following consumer complaints about issues with the front retaining clips coming loose. The manufacturer has determined the problem is with the roof panel sealer, warning that excessive speed increases the risk of the roof molding detaching.

In September 2023, Kia first identified the issue during a routine review of field data, noting the increasing number of incidents involving loose and missing roof moldings. Despite no reported accidents or injuries associated with the recall, Kia has received at least 857 incident reports related to the problem.

Kia Sportage and Carnival Recall

The Kia Sportage and Carnival recall impacts an estimated 101,049 vehicles, including the 2022-2024 model year Kia Carnival, and 2023-2024 Kia Sportage.

Kia expects recall notification letters to be mailed to registers owners beginning March 15, with instructions on how to schedule an appointment with an authorized Kia dealer to receive free vehicle inspection, and replace the roof molding if necessary, free of charge.

For more information on the recall, owners may contact Kia customer services by phone at 1-800-333-4542 and reference recall SC292. They may also contact the NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline by phone at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or visit their website at www.nhtsa.gov.