Kia Recalls ’97 Sportages

Kia Motors America said Thursday it is recalling all 1997 Sportage sport-utility vehicles sold in the United States so it can repair a potentially faulty power door lock system.

Company officials said the problem would not cause doors to spring open, but could cause a locked door to inadvertently unlock.

Kia said it is sending notices to owners of 23,493 Sportages made from July 26, 1996, to Aug. 12, 1997. Owners will be asked to bring their vehicles to a Kia dealer for free repair, expected to take about 30 minutes.

Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. of Seoul.