Recall Updates: Kia's Optima Defective Parking Brakes and VW's Mininvan Engine Stalls

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):

KIA / OPTIMA 2006-2008

Manufacturer: HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC

Mfr's Report Date: MAR 03, 2011

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V153000 PE10046

NHTSA Action Number: PE10046

Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

Potential Number of Units Affected: 70,115

Summary:

KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 OPTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2007. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SHIFT CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, CAUSING TENSION IN THE CABLE. IF PRESENT, THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE CABLE TO DETACH FROM THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY'S DOWEL PIN PREVENTING THE TRANSMISSION FROM BEING SHIFTED. THE SHIFT LEVER CAN THEN BE MOVED INTO THE PARK (P) POSITION WHILE THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION IS STILL IN THE LAST USED GEAR BEFORE DETACHMENT.

Consequence:

IF THE DRIVER LEAVES THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE VEHICLE CAN ROLL INJURE A PERSON IN ITS PATH OR CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SHIFT CABLE AND REINSTALL IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNER MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Notes:

KIA'S SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS SC088. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):

VOLKSWAGEN / ROUTAN 2010

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

Mfr's Report Date: MAR 01, 2011

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V151000 N/A

NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Potential Number of Units Affected: 12,612

Summary:

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 ROUTAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2009 THROUGH JUNE 2010. SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE INADVERTENT IGNITION KEY DISPLACEMENT FROM THE RUN TO ACCESSORY POSITION WHILE DRIVING CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF.

Consequence:

AN ENGINE SHUTTING OFF SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIN MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Notes:

VOLKSWAGEN SAFETY RECALL NO. 28G1/U8. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .