Campaign 22V-304

Bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss…

Defect summary

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.

Consequence

Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.

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.nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file, campaign 22V304000. Text as published by NHTSA.

Vehicles covered

2 product lines are covered

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA about steering on these vehicles: 17, of which 4 involved a crash, fire, injury or death. Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Vehicles covered by campaign 22V-304
Make	Model	Model years	Complaints on this component
Kia	Forte	2021 to 2022	12
Kia	RIO	2021 to 2022	5

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls and complaints files. Equipment, tire and child-seat campaigns list products, not vehicles.

Investigation

No NHTSA investigation is linked to this recall

Most recalls are started by the manufacturer. This one lists "Manufacturer" as its origin.

Before the recall

3 service bulletins on this component came first

Distinct manufacturer communications on the same component group, make, model and model year in the 24 months before the report date.

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications file.

Service bulletins

24V-422 Jun 7, 2024
Circuit board in the motor-driven power steering assembly may short circuit, resulting in a loss of power steering assist
22V-906 Dec 8, 2022
Due to a manufacturing error, the front left steering knuckle may crack, which can result in a loss of steering control
20V-422 Jul 22, 2020
Component within the Rack Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, possibly resulting in the…
18V-656 Sep 21, 2018
Cowl crossbar that connects to the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) steering column may be improperly welded, allowing the steering column to…
17V-608 Sep 29, 2017
Pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly
17V-159 Mar 10, 2017
Affected vehicles may have a damaged Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) connector resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance