Sorento, the most popular model in Korea
Recently, a major flaw was discovered, making headlines.
In the event of a frontal collision, a fire may occur.
It is the most popular among all cars sold in Korea. Kia Sorento. Even the controls in Santa Fe, which underwent a complete change last year, don’t work. Cumulative sales from January to November last year were 1,11 units, which clearly represents the gap with Santa Fe (8,5,710 units). Since this is a category of car, there is bound to be more demand for family use rather than single person use.
But what happens if a serious, life-threatening defect is discovered in the vehicle in which you are transporting your precious family members? Until it is repaired, driving will be uncomfortable. Not long ago it became known that a recall had been carried out on Sorento vehicles due to the possibility of this defect. Fortunately, not all specifications are affected.
Substructure pushed back
Touching a fuel line causes a fire
According to local media such as Carscoops, first broadcast in the United States, it has been confirmed that there is a possibility of fire in the event of a collision in Sorento vehicles sold in the American market. To be exact, this is an issue with the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) specifications, and it is said that complex factors in the chassis design led to the possibility of a fire.
There are reports that the front subframe could be pushed rearward in the event of a frontal collision. As a result, the steering rack is pushed outward, affecting the fuel line, potentially causing line damage and fuel leakage. Fortunately, there have been no reports of damage such as fire or injuries due to these issues. Indeed, this is a defect confirmed during the new car safety testing process for the 2026 model year change model.
Only applicable to Sorento PHEV
Domestic sales specifications are no problem.
As a result, Kia has decided to recall 2024 4 specification Sorento PHEVs produced between April 2, 2024 and October 10, 17. The good news is that this does not apply to non-PHEV specifications, such as hybrids and diesel engines. internal combustion sold in Korea. This was influenced by structural differences in the power steering system.
Sorento petrol, diesel and hybrid specifications are equipped with the C-MDPS system, in which the engine is mounted on the steering column. On the other hand, the PHEV specification in question uses the R-MDPS method, in which the motor is directly connected to the steering rack. Although it is superior to C-MDPS in handling and performance, it takes up space around the steering rack and crash safety is also affected.
PHEV launched in Korea this year
“Resolve the fault first, then put it back.”
Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Group plans to relaunch its PHEV range in the domestic market in the long term. These include the Santa Fe and Kia Sorento from Hyundai Motor Company, and are known to be equipped with a newly developed PHEV system. The system can travel more than 100 km on electricity alone when fully charged. The domestic launch of the Sorento PHEV is expected to take place this year.
Although this recall case may raise concerns, since it is an important specification, it is expected that improvements will be made before the national launch. Netizens who heard the news said: “The classic hybrid Sorento is also popular in Korea. » “I’m glad it was discovered during the crash test.” “Fix everything and release him.” They left reactions like “We did all our own crash tests, but we couldn’t find it.”
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