WASHINGTON, March 14 (UPI) -- Korean automaker Kia is recalling more than 70,000 Optima vehicles due to defective automatic transmissions, a U.S. regulatory agency said Monday.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said model year 2006-2008 Optimas made Sept. 29, 2005, through June 13, 2007, were involved in the recall due to problems with a shift cable that "may have been installed incorrectly," the NHTSA said.

Tension in the cable could cause it to detach, which causes the transmission to malfunction.

If that occurs, putting the transmission in "park" would not prevent the car from rolling, which could have dire consequences, the agency said.

Consumers can call 800-333-4542 for information.

Dealers have been instructed to inspect and replace the shift cable free of charge