Kia to Recall Sephia, Shuma, Sportage Models for Seatbelt Defects

SEOUL, July 7, 2004; (Yonhap) -- Kia Motors Corp., South Korea's second-largest automaker, will partially recall 43,488 vehicles because of defective seatbelts, the Ministry of Construction and Transportation said Wednesday.

The recall affects 18,217 Sephia compacts, 18,364 Shuma compacts and 6,907 Sportage sports utility vehicles built between June 1, 1998 and May 31, 2000, the ministry said.