Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
Risk if Unfixed
Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
Your vehicle's Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect a child restraint system in the front passenger seat, which is a critical safety feature.
Risk if Unfixed
If there's a crash and a child is in the front passenger seat, the air bag might not deploy correctly, increasing the risk of injury to the child.
Free Fix
Kia will replace the OCS/ODS unit for free at a dealership, and they'll contact you when it's time to schedule the repair.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Telluride, K5, and Forte vehicles. The Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect the presence of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
In the event of a crash, deployment of the front passenger air bag, with a child in that seat, can increase the risk of injury to the child.
Original — Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCS/ODS unit, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC207.
