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Clutch recall

Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2019 9:40 pm
by djbobbins
Anyone actually had any physical work done as part of the clutch recall?

I got my letter in late October and it has taken Lex and their preferred garage until recently to schedule the work for 14/01.

Seeing as how the car hasn’t caught fire yet (!) I’m hoping it will last another week or so but i’m curious to know if it is a correct but low probability issue affecting only a small number of vehicles, or something more prevalent??

Re: Clutch recall

Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2019 8:36 pm
by jerrytaff
The problem has existed since the cars were produced. Kia announced the recall in mid August. Although it is a safety recall, apparently there have been no reported incidents; it is simply a precautionary measure, so I wouldn't worry about leaving it a while.

The text of the press release:
Kia Motors (UK) Ltd is recalling certain Kia Niro Hybrid and Niro Plug-in Hybrid models, produced between 1 November 2016 and 11 September 2017 due to a potential issue with the hydraulic clutch actuator (HAC). This is a precautionary measure and part of Kia’s on-going commitment to customer safety and satisfaction.

Kia has identified the need to repair or replace the hydraulic clutch actuator (HCA). In some cases, burrs in the inner hydraulic clutch actuator housing can damage the oil seal, causing oil to leak and accumulate in the phase cap. In extreme circumstances, an electrical short circuit could cause accumulated oil to catch fire. If there is a leak, Kia will replace the hydraulic clutch actuator assembly. If there is no leak, Kia will install new phase caps with additional sealant.

At present there is no evidence of this potential defect causing any injuries or accidents to any customers in the UK, there have also been no reports or complaints of vehicle defects from any Kia Niro Hybrid and Niro Plug-in Hybrid customers relating to this issue.

As a precaution, Kia Motors (UK) Ltd will contact owners with affected vehicles to arrange for the hydraulic clutch actuator to be inspected and replaced or repaired at their local Kia dealership. Not all Kia Niro Hybrid and Niro Plug-in Hybrid models are affected. All affected vehicles will be repaired at no expense to the owner. As always, at the heart of this initiative is Kia customers and Kia’s promise to ensure peace of mind.
This seems to be in marked contrast to other mainstream manufacturers who try to deny problems even after multiple fatal accidents. Try a google search for" xxx deny safety issue", where xxx can be almost any car manufacturer

Re: Clutch recall

Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2019 9:53 pm
by jerrytaff
Although the UK announcement above was in August, the recall was filed by Kia in the States to the NTSA on 20th April 2018 under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V257000.
See https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/KIA/ ... WD#recalls

Digging a bit deeper, it appears that Kia started investigating on 7th December 2017 due to 19 cases of owners worldwide returning the car for warranty work due to warning lights related to the HCA coming on. Apparently 2 of the owners reported seeing flames from the HCA but Kia had difficulty at first in duplicating the fire. When further testing showed that the leak could start a fire under certain circumstances, they immediately issued the recall notice to the NTSA.

Re: Clutch recall

Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2019 9:51 pm
by davethetech
this is due to the hca leaking brake fluid(which is flammable, but not as much as your AC Gas) onto the motor windings causing a potential hotspot. the fix is simple quick and if the dealer had any cause for concern the HCA would be replaced as per the TSB