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Kia Recalls 377,000 SUVs To Fix Shift Lever Problem

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DETROIT (CBSMiami/AP) —  Automaker Kia is recalling more than 377,000 Sorento SUVs throughout the U.S. due to an issue with the transmission that violates safety laws.

The company says the transmission can be shifted out of park when the driver's foot isn't on the brake.

The recall covers Sorentos from the 2011 through 2013 model years. The cars can roll away unexpectedly and cause a crash, Kia says in documents posted Thursday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The problem happens when the gear shift lever is pushed too hard, causing a part in the shifter to crack. It has caused three injuries.

Kia says it began investigating the trouble in August when it got a letter from a lawyer saying that a child moved a Sorento shift lever out of park and the SUV rolled in a parking lot. The child's father stood in front of the SUV and was joined by his son. The son got between the Sorento and a stopped vehicle and suffered a broken leg, according to the documents.

Kia then began investigating and found 54 warranty claims. It decided to recall the SUVs on Sept. 28.

Dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism with improved parts. Owners will be notified starting Nov. 24.

Messages seeking comment were left Thursday morning for a Kia spokesman in California.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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