Kia Motors Corp has asked its U.S. dealers to inspect and fix potentially faulty accelerator pedals on the new version of its Optima sedan.
The South Korean automaker said Optima models made between October 16 and November 24 could have sticky or unresponsive accelerator pedals because of a glitch with the spring designed to push the pedal back into position while driving.
The result would be an accelerator pedal that is "noisy" or has "unsatisfactory ... responsiveness while driving," Kia said in a repair notice to dealers. A copy of the technical service bulletin was obtained by Reuters.
Auto manufacturers use such notices to alert dealer repair operations to potential problems when the companies determine that there is no safety-related issue that would require a recall.
Kia has sold 135 of its 2011 model-year Optima sedans. The just-released model of the mid-sized sedan was redesigned to compete against the likes of the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord.
A Kia spokesman had no immediate comment.
