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Kia Rio brake master cylinder can lose braking power

NHTSA campaign 21V936000 · Reported 2021-12-01 · Kia Motors America

high How serious is it? About this label

This is serious because it affects your brakes, and while the notice does not tell owners to stop driving, you should get it repaired right away and treat a pedal that feels soft or travels farther than usual as a reason to stop driving the car.

What's wrong, in plain English

The part that pushes brake fluid to your Kia's brakes, the master cylinder, may have been built with sharp edges inside. Those edges can cut the rubber seal within it, letting the system lose pressure. When that happens your brakes do not work as well: the pedal may sink farther toward the floor than normal, and the car needs more road to come to a stop. A dealer replaces the whole master cylinder with a good one.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your Rio is covered. 2. Contact a Kia dealer or Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 (recall SC223) to schedule the free master cylinder replacement. 3. Ask to be seen quickly, and mention it immediately if the brake pedal already feels low or spongy.

Affected vehicles (2)

2020 Kia RIO
2021 Kia RIO

Who to contact

Kia — official Kia recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-333-4542

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Kia brake recalls: engine fire risk and loss of braking power · all 4 Kia recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.
Safety risk: Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC223.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.