Kia Motors South Africa has announced a safety recall of some 1 288 first-generation Sorento and 887 second-generation Carnival/Sedona models over potential brake failures.

The recall serves to diagnose the ABS printed circuit board (PCB) relay block kit in the junction box, specifically on units built in Korea between 2005 and 2009, and equipped with ABS and electronic stability control.

The Korean firm says there “is a possibility that, over a period of time, oil or water may enter the power supply of the ABS module”. In some instances, this may cause vehicles to experience an “electrical short on the ABS/ESC module, which could affect the vehicle’s braking performance”.

Should the safety inspection find that water or oil has entered the power supply, the relay block kit will be replaced at no charge. Kia says if the vehicle’s ABS warning light comes on prior to the safety inspection, customers are “encouraged to immediately park the vehicle” and contact their nearest dealership.

“Most of the reports about this problem have occurred in the USA and Canada, and no instances of brake failure or engine fire in either of these vehicles are recorded in South Africa,” said Suraiya Naidoo, aftersales director at Kia Motors SA.

“However, the safety credentials of our vehicles and the safety of its owners is a priority for us, and Kia Motors South Africa is therefore taking every precaution necessary to ensure all potentially affected vehicles are inspected and repaired urgently.”

So, exactly which vehicles are affected? Well, the recall applies to 1 288 Sorento models manufactured between 14 December 2005 and 17 December 2009, as well as 887 Carnival/Sedona models built between 10 June 2005 and 14 December 2009. If you’re uncertain about whether your vehicle is part of the recall, you can perform a VIN check on Kia’s website here.

Original article from Car