Recall Alert: Over 600,000 Kia and Hyundai Vehicles Have Faulty Latches

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you have a Hyundai or Kia vehicle from 2016 to 2020, then you may have a recall. Models such as the Kia Forte, Hyundai Sonata, Rio, Azera, and more now need service to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle safety standards. 

Kia and Hyundai recall due to faulty latches 

2021 Hyundai Sonata | Hyundai

Hyundai and Kia recall 601,232 vehicles due to having faulty interior trunk latches that no longer comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 401, “Internal truck release.” This could make it more difficult to escape from the trunk. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the interior latches could become damaged and stop working. The NHSTA lists the 2016-2018 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2018-2020 Kia Rio, 2017-2018 Hyundai Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and the 2016-2017 Azera as the affected models. 

The trunk latch design may break after prolonged exposure to high temperatures, making the emergency release inoperable. Kia shared that this means the subject vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 401. 

The standard states that in the rare event that a person is inside the trunk compartment, at the same time the latch pawl cracks, the person may not be able to get out of the trunk. The trunk could get dangerously hot with a person trapped inside too. 

What to do if your vehicle is at risk

2021 Kia Forte kicking up dirt
2021 Kia Forte | Kia

You probably don’t want someone to become trapped in your trunk due to this issue, so it’s essential to have your Hyundai or Kia model serviced if it’s affected by this recall. Kia will begin notifying owners on October 5, and Hyundai will start telling owners on October 1. 

But you don’t have to wait that long. You can visit the NHTSA site here and enter your 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN). Your VIN can be found inside the driver’s side door and is usually printed on state registration documents. 

Kia and Hyundai vehicles at risk need to be taken to a dealership. The trunk latches will be replaced for free. We recommend calling ahead of time to schedule an appointment. This way, you may reduce waiting time, and you can learn about what precautions are being taken to protect customers and team members from the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. 

If you have questions about this recall, you can contact the Hyundai Customer Service Department at 10855-371-9460 with recall number 208. You can contact the Kia Customer Service Department at 1-800-333-4542 with recall number SC216. 

How to escape a trunk 

The Kia and Hyundai recall has inspired a bit of true crime information. Because people do get kidnapped in trunks sometimes. I’m sure we’ve all seen a movie about someone being tied in a trunk as the criminal speeds away. 

The first thing you should do is pull the emergency release handle. All American cars manufactured after 2022 are required to have a trunk release inside of the trunk. It may be a glow-in-the-dark handle, but it could also be a cord, button, or handle that doesn’t glow. 

If you have your phone, call the police. Provide information about your location and the type of vehicle you’re in. If the driver has exited the car, exit through the backseat. The middle seat in the second row usually provides access to the trunk. You might be able to push it open. 

Other methods involve pushing out the brake light, using a tool to open the trunk latch, or using the jack to pry open the trunk. You can also bang on the top and make noise to attract attention. Stay safe out there, and get those latches fixed.

RELATED: The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Fails to Disappoint Critics

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Motorcycle Equipment Rules You Should Never Break if You Want to Avoid a Ticket

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Riding a motorcycle is fun, exhilarating, and even relaxing. Before heading out for a ride, it’s important to follow safety protocol and ensure your motorcycle equipment doesn’t violate laws or state requirements. If it is, you could end up with a potentially unsafe setup on your motorcycle, resulting in costly tickets. Follow these if you want to avoid a traffic stop.

Motorcycle safety rules you should never break

Motorcycle equipment rules dictate handlebar position, among other things | Scott Olson/Getty Images

Helmets are a top safety item when going out for a ride on a motorcycle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of motorcyclists wearing helmets decreased from 79.7% in 2019 to 65% percent in 2020. Of the riders who wore helmets in states that require them, about 10% were not compliant with Department of Transportation state requirements. 

Because helmets have been shown to save lives, it’s important to not only wear a helmet when riding on a motorcycle but also be sure the helmet is DOT-compliant. The NTSA defines DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets as those that are at least one inch thick, cover the person’s ears, and have strong, secure chin straps. 

If you’re new to motorcycle riding, take time to familiarize yourself with riding and the feel of your bike beforehand. It’s best to ride and practice in a secluded area or empty parking lot, much the same way many people practice when learning to drive a car.

Before your ride, check your motorcycle to make sure it’s in good working order and the tires are filled to the recommended pressure. When you’re on the road, always use turn signals to indicate where you’re heading, and follow posted speed limits. Don’t drive distracted either, AAA reminds. Always be aware of your surroundings when operating a motorcycle.

Interesting motorcycle equipment rules in these U.S. states

Some motorcycle equipment laws and restrictions are interesting. For example, in Alabama, no person shall operate a motorcycle with handlebars more than 15 inches above the seat, the Alabama Motorcycle Operator Manual states.

And the West Virginia Legislature says that every motorcycle driver and passenger must wear shatter-resistant safety eyeglasses, goggles, or a face shield.

In terms of headlights, there are restrictions on what color they can be, too. Autoblog reports that lights marketed as blue or super-blue are, in fact, very bright white that appears blue. The only legal headlight color in any state is white, so these are acceptable.

When it comes to transporting goods, the Massachusetts Legislature states that no animal can be transported in the cargo area of any motor vehicle, including motorcycles. In other words, you can’t have an animal inside a motorcycle storage box in that state.

Essential motorcycle gear to keep you safe

You always want to follow state laws about operating motorcycles and be safe and smart with your safety gear choices. Whether a state has a rule that requires motorcyclists to wear helmets, they are the most important items you can wear while riding. 

Besides helmets, safety glasses and face shields protect eyes from road debris. Gloves also provide protection for hands in case of an accident. But ensure they’re durable and tight-fitting so that they don’t interfere with operating the motorcycle. 

Other clothing items are also important. Boots aren’t just to make a fashion statement. Stiff boots that go above the ankle protect against some lower-leg fractures. Jackets also protect elbows, arms, and backs. They come in a range of materials and with protective padding.

Finally, you can take additional safety precautions by wearing motorcycle airbag garments such as vests and jackets.

RELATED: What’s the Difference Between a Motorcycle Helmet and an Auto Racing One?

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Car Salesman Kidnapped During a Dodge Challenger Test Drive, Jumped from Trunk

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Being a car salesperson doesn’t exactly sound like the most exciting job in the world. But that isn’t always the case on this fine Superbowl Sunday. When one salesman was working at the Gillman Dodge in Houston, his day didn’t exactly go as planned when someone asked for a test drive in a Dodge Challenger.

The dangers of a Dodge Challenger test drive

A salesman was kidnapped during a Dodge Challenger test drive | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

Dodge Challenger vehicles are quick and fun vehicles that aren’t too hard to get ahold of. 22-year-old Jose Martinez was working at the local Dodge dealership when a man came in and asked for a test drive. The men requested a Dodge Challenger specifically, which Martinez obliged.

According to ABC News, things quickly went downhill after that. “I knew that guy was a little sketch when I first met him. He kept on talking weird, and I thought, let’s go on a quick test drive and come back,” Martinez said. While it was Martinez and the suspect in the Dodge Challenger during the test drive, he noticed two men in a second car. The second car was following the red Challenger as the pair drove around.

Martinez said the car pulled over, and the suspect hit him before he could do anything. After that, the two men in the second car appeared out of nowhere and threw him in the trunk.

The Dodge Challenger was on the run

After finding himself in the trunk of the brand new Dodge Challenger, Martinez realized he had his phone in his pocket. He called 911 from the trunk and set up the “Find my iPhone” app. His manager from the dealership was able to track him and help locate Martinez and the car. “I was in there for like five minutes, and I thought this is not going to happen, so I was already setting up my phone, and I called the cops and let them know what car I was in what description it was.”

At one point, the Dodge Challenger pulled over and stopped moving. Martinez knew enough about the vehicle to know that a button in the trunk would open it from the inside. When the trunk opened, his kidnapper had a gun pointed in his direction. Martinez was able to take the gun and ended up shooting one of the kidnappers. He did not get a good look at who the men were.

The three men drove off in the Dodge Challenger and left Martinez on the side of the road. Unfortunately for the crazy kidnappers, the tracked cell phone was still in the trunk.

A heft sentence was given to the kidnappers

The police followed the Dodge Challenger until it hit another car. All of the men jumped from the vehicle and ran in different directions at that point. The police found Martinez walking along the road nearby and drove him to a local hospital. Fortunately, Martinez photocopied the ID of the kidnapper per policy. At the hospital, Martinez was told his nose was broken in nine places.

According to the Houston Chronicle, William Young received 15 years for his participation in the event. He was aggravated robbery using a deadly weapon and agreed to testify against his co-defendant. William Gardner was the one who asked for the test drive.

Initially, Gardner asked for a drive in the Dodge Hellcat. Gardner promised 24-year-old Young a new car if he helped participate. Martinez made a full recovery but doesn’t go on Dodge Challenger test drives anymore.

RELATED: 6 Used Cars That Cost More Than New Cars

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5 Best Compact Luxury SUVs of 2021 According to U.S. News

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Shopping for a compact luxury SUV doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, U.S. News & World Report recently revealed its picks for the best compact luxury SUVs of 2021. And these five models? They ranked at the top of the list.

The 2021 Audi Q5 is one of the best compact luxury SUVs

There’s a lot to like about the 2021 Audi Q5. U.S. News awarded it with an 8.2/10 overall score. Though, it’s no surprise as to why. This year’s new Audi Q5 is available with several different powertrains, including a fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain. It also comes stocked with standard safety features and is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. This year’s new Q5 comes standard with all-wheel drive too. 

Those aren’t the only reasons U.S. News lauded included this year’s model among its picks for the best compact luxury SUVs of 2021, either. As it turns out, the interior of this compact luxury SUV is just as enticing. Its seats are comfortable, and its second-row is large enough for adults. “There are also some state-of-the-art features available, such as the Audi Virtual Cockpit, which is a 12.3-inch digital display that replaces a traditional gauge cluster,” U.S. News added. 

“The Audi Q5 distinguishes itself from other luxury SUVs.”

U.S. News & World Report

These models are tied for the second spot on U.S. News’ list

The 2021 Volvo XC60, 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC, and the 2021 Acura RDX are the second-best compact luxury SUVs of 2021. In fact, the organization gave all three compact luxury SUVs an 8.4 overall score. First, however, let’s talk about the 2021 Volvo XC60. According to the organization, the new Volvo XC60 is a comfortable SUV that offers a maximum of 63.3 cubic feet of cargo space. It also features an easy-to-use infotainment system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC, on the other hand, has “nimble steering and easy maneuverability.” It’s also available with several different engine options under the hood. U.S. News added that the GLC boasts one of the most lavishly appointed interiors of its class. It’s adorned with premium materials and offers features like a large 10.2-inch touch screen.

As for the 2021 Acura RDX? According to U.S. News, it’s one of the most affordable compact luxury SUVs of its class. It starts at $38,400 and, at its highest price, will have you spending $46,200. It’s also a sporty small SUV that offers sharp handling and refined ride quality. It’s standard with plenty of features, too, including a Wi-Fi hot spot and a panoramic moonroof. Even better, its interior offers more space than several of its competitors.

The 2021 BMW X3 is the best compact luxury SUV of 2021

BMW X3 | BMW

The 2021 BMW X3 landed the top spot on U.S. News’ list. According to the organization, this year’s new X# is the best compact luxury SUV of 2021. The organization gave this year’s model an 8.5/10 overall rating. This new BMW SUV also ranks as the best luxury crossover SUV and the best luxury SUV with two rows. 

It’s no surprise that the 2021 BMW X3 ranked as the best compact luxury SUV of 2021. It’s available with a range of engines, including a plug-in model with an estimated 17 miles of all-electric range. It also offers “spry handling with a serene ride,” U.S. News reports.

The BMW X3’s interior will be sure to please too. In fact, it not only offers a wealth of passenger space, but the X3’s cargo capacity maxes out at an impressive 62.7 cubic feet. The 2021 BMW X3 also offers a long list of people-pleasing features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.

“The 2021 BMW X3 ranks at the top of the luxury compact SUV class thanks to its spacious interior, easy-to-use features, strong engine performance, and poised handling.”

U.S. News & World Report

What is the best compact luxury SUV to buy?

If you’re in the market for a new small luxury SUV, the 2021 BMW X3 makes for a great pick. And if it’s not quite your style? U.S. News’ picks for the best compact luxury SUVs of 2021 features plenty of additional options worth checking out.

RELATED: The Best Luxury Electric SUVs According to U.S. News

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