Kia to Recall Minivans
Associated Press

05/26/2005 - Kia Motors America Inc. said Wednesday it's recalling more than 37,000 minivans because of possible damage to a rear wheel bearing that could cause a crash.

Kia said a defect might exist on 37,358 Kia Sedona minivans from the 2003-05 model years that have alloy wheels. Company engineers found that moisture can accumulate around the small steel cap that seals the rear hub and bearing assembly on alloy wheels and lead to damage to the wheel bearing.

The company said a failure can occur without warning and cause a crash. The company said it's unaware of any accidents the defect caused. There have been four warranty claims due to the problem, said Kia spokeswoman Rose Krupp.

The majority of the vehicles, more than 26,000, are from the 2004 model year, the company told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.