2001 Kia Magentis

On certain vehicles operated in areas of heavy road salt usage (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador), road salt can collect in the rear portion of the side members of the subframe and may result in internal corrosion leading to thinning or perforation of the subframe steel.  The corrosion may ultimately lead to separation of the lower control arm at the forward mounting point to the subframe.  When separation occurs, in most cases, the movement of the arm will cause the axle to pull out of the transaxle and the vehicle will no longer have drive power to the wheels.  In extreme cases, the wheel can also rotate off its designed axis and make contact with the fender or the wheel well.  Both outcomes could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing property damage, personal injury or death.  Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front subframe assembly.  Should the subframe not require replacement, drainage holes will be added, as well as treatment with rust-proofing material to arrest the corrosion process.