Kia Spectra recalled in the U.S. for fuel tank problems

The recall involves 58,322 Kia Spectra models built from November 7, 2003, to March 6, 2007, and affects cars that are sold in states which uses heavy road salt to melt ice in wintery conditions. The states are Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

Kia, in a statement to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], explained that due to prolonged exposure to salt, the fuel tank straps which hold the tank may rust and the tank can fall to the ground, causing a fuel leak and possibly a fire.

Kia said that its dealers will replace the fuel tank straps and attaching hardware with new zinc coated parts, with the service being performed free of charge. The automaker told the NHTSA that safety recall is expected to begin during June 2011.