US: Kia recalls 70000 Optimas to fix shift cables

The Wall Street Journal - Kia Motors Corp. says it is recalling certain Optima cars from the 2006 through 2008 model years because their shift cables may have been installed improperly and could fail during regular driving.

The recall includes 70,115 vehicles built from Sept. 29, 2005 through June 13, 2007. The car maker says it is possible that the shift cable could detach from the shifter assembly, which would leave the driver unable to shift the transmission using the gear lever.

The main threat to safety stems from the fact that if the cable detaches, the gear selector lever can be moved into the “park” position even though the transmission would remain in the last position selected before the cable failed. So the car could, under certain conditions, begin to roll after being parked. This could result in a collision with a person or another vehicle.

In a document filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Kia said it recognized a problem with improperly installed cables in 2007 and changed its manufacturing practices to improve the installation. The company also said cable detachments had been reported on a number of vehicles.

Kia said there haven’t been reports of injuries related to the defect, but the condition warrants a recall because a roll-away accident could occur “under extraordinary circumstances.”

Under the recall, technicians at dealerships will inspect the shift cable and reinstall it if necessary, without charge. The recall is expected to begin this month.