Korean Automakers Recall 478,000 Cars

SEOUL, Korea -- Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp. voluntarily recalled 478,000 cars in the United States to repair a faulty valve used to prevent fuel leaks.

Hyundai is recalling 264,000 Sonata and Elantra models, which represent 66 percent of the automaker's U.S. sales in 2003, reported Reuters. The recall comes on the heels of the Sonata's being ranked highest in initial quality amoung entry midsized cars.

Kia recalled 214,000 Optima and Rio models, which made up 90.1 percent of its U.S. sales last year.