Sorento hybrid that bursts with a muffler when it’s cold

Input 2021.01.21 14:00

Owner “problems with design”… Kia punches a hole in the muffler

Controversy is arising as Kia is taking measures for the phenomenon of freezing and bursting of the Sorento hybrid muffler by drilling a hole and draining water. If the muffler blows, the noise increases and the engine power may decrease. Kia said, “It is a normal measure, not a temporary measure,” and said, “In the case of a vehicle that needs to be replaced, replacement work is also in progress.”

According to industry sources on the 21st, when the temperature of the Sorento Hybrid is lowered, condensate accumulates in the muffler and freezes and bursts. In particular, it is known that the shorter the mileage and less frequent driving, the more the water accumulates and freezes, which intensifies this phenomenon. In fact, a number of articles have been posted on internet clubs where vehicle owners are active, stating that the muffler exploded due to the recent cold wave.

Accordingly, Kia Service Center AutoQ notified vehicle owners that it will take measures to “add a center/rear muffler silencer condensate drainage hole” by July 5th for vehicles produced from March 3 to December 31 last year. . It is to make a hole in the muffler to prevent it from bursting due to freezing.

However, consumers are protesting, saying, “Isn’t it necessary to replace the muffler?” If the muffler bursts, it is inevitable to go to the service center to receive a perforation because it interferes with operation, but the fact that there is such an abnormality in a vehicle less than a year old from the factory is that the design is wrong from the beginning or is it a part with a problem. Some say that if you drill a hole, there is a possibility of corrosion.

A Kia official said, “It is optional whether or not to make a hole in the muffler when designing a vehicle.” “As some problems were discovered in winter, the Sorento Hybrid, which is released from January, is equipped with a muffler with a hole.”

He added, “What AutoQ is working on the muffler of the old vehicle is doing the same process in the same location as the vehicle that is currently being shipped,” he said. “In the case of vehicles that are judged to need replacement, replacement work is also underway.” .

The muffler processing process is Kia’s own service check. Regarding the recall, the Korea Transportation Safety Authority’s Automobile Safety Research Institute said, “Just because the muffler freezes and bursts does not mean that you are unconditionally recalled,” and “determined whether it does not comply with safety standards and whether it interferes with safe operation, through various investigations and deliberations. I will do it.”