Kia Motors and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are announcing a recall of more than 58,000 Kia Spectra sedans sold in certain regions of the United States. The issue: The gas tanks may fall down on the affected vehicles and hit the road.

The recall affects 2004-2007 model year Kia Spectras and were sold in 20 states and the District of Columbia. According to the NHTSA bulletin, the recalled Spectra sedans have fuel tanks that are secured by metal straps that may rust when exposed to road salt. The straps may fail after prolonged exposure to the corrosive salts, causing the gas tank to fall, strike the ground, and potentially create a fuel spill.

Kia will begin notifying Spectra owners affected by this recall in June. They'll be instructed to take their vehicles to dealers where mechanics there will replace the faulty parts with zinc-plated straps.

For more information, consumers can call Kia (800-333-4542) or visit the NHTSA Safer Car website: www.SaferCar.gov.

2004-2007 Kia Spectra Recall (Campaign # 11V256000) [NHTSA]
Kia recalls small cars due to fuel tank problem [Associated Press via Google News]
Kia Recalls Spectra: Fuel Tank Could Fall on the Ground [AutoEvolution]