have recalled over 600,000 vehicles. A trunk latch shared by both brands is prone to cracking, which then can prevent the trunk from being openable from the inside.

The automaker is concerned that if children are left unattended in the vehicle, the broken latch could prevent them from escaping, an especially dangerous scenario during extreme temperatures.

40 warranty claims are linked to the faulty latch, but so far no related injuries have been reported. Owners can contact the manufacturer or use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) campaign numbers 21V619000 and 21V622000 for more info.

A few Kia and Hyundai models have faulty trunk hatches.

More details on Hyundai and Kia’s joint recall

Consumer Reports

says six models are part of the recall: Hyundai’s Accent, Azera, Sonata, and Sonata Hybrid, and Kia’s Forte, Forte Koup, and Rio. All of the models related to the recall were made between 2016 and 2020.

In high temperatures, the trunk latch can crack, causing the emergency interior release to fail. If someone is in the trunk when the crack occurs, they could be trapped inside—an extra scary scenario during hot weather.

Upgraded parts were introduced in 2017, but not to every model. The recalled vehicles will have their latches replaced by the heat-resistant, steel-reinforced latch to remove the hazard. Owners are expected to receive notification by mail on October 1, 2021.

MORE: Recall Alert: Hyundai's Popular Sante Fe Faces Risk of Fire

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How a car recall works

Recalls are common occurrences in the auto industry. Participating in them is easy—and it’s free. Evading them can be extremely dangerous. If you discover that your vehicle is part of a recall, you should have it examined as soon as possible.

The NHTSA makes it easy to find out if your car is part of a recall. Simply insert your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the government organization’s website and it will connect you to any info about recalls related to your car.

If you contact your auto dealer, they can also provide you with the same information. They will also inspect and repair any recall-related issues free of charge.

Other ways to avoid paying for breakdowns

MORE: NHTSA Released a User-Friendly Recall Lookup Dashboard

Recalls and warranties cover a lot of the mistakes made by automakers, but they aren’t 100% air-tight. There will always be a risk that your car has an unknown flaw.

Adding

mechanical breakdown insurance

to your policy can further protect you from unexpected defects in your car. While it’s not for everyone, mechanical breakdown insurance is usually cheaper than extended warranties, and it covers the same types of issues, (i.e. any engine failure not caused by regular wear and tear or an accident).

The best prices for mechanical breakdown insurance can be found by shopping with

Jerry

. A licensed broker that offers end-to-end support, the Jerry app gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and even cancels your old policy for you. On average, Jerry customers save $879 a year on car insurance.

Hyundai Kia Recalls

Written By

Andrew Koole · Expert Insurance Writer

"B.A., English Literature, MedAndrew Koole is an insurance writer who specializes in writing automotive news articles. Andrew’s mission is to create informative and instructional content car owners can use to reduce costs, master repair skills, and learn more about the automotive industry. Andrew has published over 600 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from automaker history to car insurance deductibles. Before joining Jerry in 2021, Andrew split his time between freelance writing in the entertainment and travel industries and creative writing in poetry and fiction. His writing is featured on a variety of arts and travel websites, including his own Ponytail Press.

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