Kia finds Venga model fault

A fault with the design of the new Kia Venga has been uncovered during testing by safety authority EuroNCAP. Kia has announced this morning that as a result of the potential problem with the function of the front seatbelts, it has suspended the delivery of 450 vehicles intended for customers.

As the new hatchback model has only just gone on sale, just four cars have been delivered. The carmaker has already contacted the owners of the affected models.

During crash testing, the EuroNCAP discovered that a design flaw meant that there was a risk that the lower section of the front seatbelts in the Venga model could become damaged by contact with the lower seat mounting rail, preventing the seat belt from working properly.

Across Europe only 1161 cars destined for or delivered to customers are affected by the recall and no complaints have been received from customers.

Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd., said : "The protection of our customers is our top-most priority and we will undertake whatever action is required to ensure that.

"We immediately suspended deliveries and have asked our dealers to carry out the modification which involves fitting a protective sleeve to the belts and takes around 15 minutes.

"Our factory production process has been changed to incorporate the fitting of the modified sleeve. We have already contacted the four customers who had taken delivery of their Vengas and we have carried out the modification on their cars," he added.

The news comes after the safety authority released details of the crash test results for five new models including the Venga. Subject to new, more rigorous crash testing, the Venga actually still achieved a high overall score at four stars out of five along with the Nissan Cube and SEAT Exeo. The Verso achieved a five star rating while the Citroen Nemo only scored three stars.

For 2010, the carmakers will be subject to new stricter rating criteria, with the bar to achieve five stars raised across three areas of safety protection; child occupant, adult occupant and pedestrian safety.

Any customers with concerns about the Venga however should contact Kia’s Customer Services on 0845 601 7521.

Author: Faye Sunderland, March 3rd, 2010
Filed under: Kia | 2 Comments »

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