If your VIN is in recall 21V622, Kia will replace the trunk latch assembly for free at a franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 253,074 2016-2019 Rio and Forte vehicles because a damaged trunk latch can block the inside trunk release, violating the safety rule for internal trunk releases. A person in the trunk can be trapped and injured, and Kia dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The trunk lid latch on the 2016-2019 Kia Rio and Forte is the lock assembly that holds the trunk closed and releases it when commanded. Inside that latch is a pawl, a small locking piece that catches and releases the trunk mechanism. The internal trunk release depends on that pawl moving cleanly when someone pulls the release handle from inside the trunk.
On affected vehicles, heat can create a crack in the trunk latch pawl. Once the pawl is damaged, the latch can bind instead of releasing. That can stop the trunk from opening from the inside, which is why the recall involves the internal trunk release safety standard.
An owner can notice the trunk failing to open or close intermittently. If the trunk latch acts inconsistently, that is the warning sign to mention when calling a Kia dealer.
Who's affected?
Covers Rio and Forte cars across the 2016-2019 model years, all tied to the trunk lid latch.
| 2019 Kia Rio | Latch |
|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Rio | Latch |
| 2018 Kia Forte | Latch |
| 2017 Kia Forte | Latch |
| 2016 Kia Forte | Latch |
| Units affected | 253,074 |
Not every 2016-2019 Kia Rio or Forte is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A faulty trunk latch can trap a person inside the trunk compartment, increasing injury risk. Intermittent trouble opening or closing the trunk is the warning sign to take seriously. Keep people out of the trunk area, secure the trunk before driving, and schedule the latch replacement soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2019 Kia Rio or Forte is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free trunk-latch assembly replacement that restores the internal trunk release.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. Reference recall number 21V622 when you call.
- Keep people, especially children, out of the trunk until the repair is complete.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions and reference Kia recall SC216.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician replaces the trunk latch assembly so the internal trunk release can open the trunk from inside as required. The replacement parts and labor are free under recall 21V622. Kia's General Reimbursement Plan covers documented repair expenses already incurred for this defect. Bring receipts or repair invoices to the service desk, or contact Kia customer service to start the reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 9, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 30, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| September 30, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 5, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 5, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 10, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V622?
Recall 21V622 covers 253,074 2016-2018 Kia Forte and 2018-2019 Kia Rio vehicles with a trunk latch that can become damaged and stop the trunk from opening from the inside. That fails the internal trunk release standard and can trap a person inside the trunk, increasing injury risk. Kia dealers replace the trunk latch assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2019 Kia Rio or Forte is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Kia is included in recall 21V622. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the trunk latch assembly replacement. Reference recall number 21V622000 or Kia recall number SC216 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Kia's remedy states that dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly free of charge. Federal recall law also requires the recall repair to be performed at no cost at any franchised Kia dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V622?
The risk is that a damaged trunk latch can prevent the trunk from opening from the inside. A person inside the trunk compartment can become trapped, increasing the risk of injury. The free dealer repair replaces the trunk latch assembly.
What if I bought my Kia Rio or Forte used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Rio or Forte is included, then contact a franchised Kia dealer and reference recall number 21V622000 or Kia recall number SC216.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V622000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V622 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V622000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →