Another recall for a low-volume electric car: 2015 Kia Soul EV tall wagons–as well as a much higher number of 2014 and 2015 Soul gasoline models–are being recalled to replace fragile accelerator pedals.
The pedals in the affected cars can break, making it difficult for the driver to control the vehicle’s speed and increasing the risk of loss of control or an accident.
DON’T MISS: 2015 Kia Soul EV: First Drive Of Newest Electric Car
The fracture-prone pedals were manufactured by South Korean supplier Donghee Ind. Co., Ltd.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determined that the unsupported part of the pedal is likely to bend and break when “excessive” force is applied.
The agency’s report claims this is most likely to occur while the vehicle is stationary, presumably from forceful pushing of the accelerator pedal when the driver tries to pull away from a stop.
2015 Kia Soul EV First Drive – Portland – November 2014
To correct the problem, Kia dealers will add extra rubber underneath the pedal stopper.
The recall is expected to begin March 24, and Kia will notify owners of the affected cars directly.
There will be no charge for the service visit or the additional part.
RELATED: 2015 Kia Soul EV: Estimated 93 Miles Of Range, Priced Under $35,000 Or $249 A Month
Affected Soul and Soul EV models were built between July 21, 2013 and January 8, 2015.
All vehicles to be recalled were registered in the U.S.
That encompasses 208,858 vehicles, although it’s likely only a small portion of those–perhaps 1,000 or so vehicles–are Soul EV electric cars.
DC fast charging 2015 Kia Soul EV
Soul EV production began last July, and the car has only been on sale in the U.S. since last fall, through just 17 dealers in California.
Unexpectedly high demand has led Kia to accelerate plans to sell the Soul EV in other states, though it hasn’t yet released the details of those plans.
Kia refuses to release sales data for the Soul EV despite repeated requests from media.
MORE: Kia Soul EV A Big Hit In CA; Sales To Expand Sooner Than Planned
Unofficial reports indicate the company may be selling 50 to 150 a month.
Meanwhile, owners can contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542 and refer to recall #SC116.
In addition, information on the recall can be found at the NHTSA’s Safercar.gov website under ID number 15V123000.
_______________________________________________
Follow GreenCarReports on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.
View original article at : “https://www.greencarreports.com//news/1097249_2015-kia-soul-ev-electric-car-recalled-for-fragile-accelerator-pedal”
