Kia recalling Sedona minivans ... again

updated 8:30 p.m. ET July 21, 2005

WASHINGTON - The Kia Sedona is the subject of its second recall notice in three months because of potential problems with a throttle cable that could lead to a crash.

Kia Motors America Inc. said Thursday it was recalling more than 118,000 Sedonas from the 2003-2005 model years because the throttle cable may stick, especially in cold climates with freezing conditions.

The throttle cable connects the gas pedal and the throttle body in the engine. Kia said if water seeped into the throttle cable prior to freezing conditions, it could lead to the cable freezing.

Under these conditions, when the driver takes his foot off the gas pedal, the cable could stick and the vehicle's speed could be maintained, potentially leading to a crash.

Kia said in a statement it began the recall "during the warm summer months to resolve the issue before the affected vehicles are subjected to cold weather conditions later this year."

The recall is expected to begin in September. Dealers will modify a protective sleeve around the throttle cable to prevent water from entering it. Owners will not be charged for the repairs and will be notified by mail. They can contact Kia at 800-333-4542.

In May, the company said it was recalling more than 37,000 of the minivans from the 2003-2005 model years because of potential damage to a rear wheel bearing that could cause a crash. Owners were notified last month and dealers are in the process of inspecting and, if necessary, making repairs.

Kia Motors Corp., South Korea's second-largest automaker, is the parent company of the Irvine, Calif.-based Kia Motors America.

Kia sold 61,149 Sedonas in the United States in 2004, a 20 percent increase from the more than 50,000 minivans sold in 2003, according to Autodata Corp.

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