Component
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Manufacturer
KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
What Happened
The sensor mat under the front passenger seat is like a sensitive eye that helps the airbag decide whether to deploy. In some 2006-2008 Kia Rio models, this mat can crack and stop working.
Risk if Unfixed
If the mat cracks, the airbag might not know there's a child in the front passenger seat and will deploy even when it shouldn't. This could seriously injure the child in the seat.
Free Fix
Your Kia dealer will replace the faulty sensor mat for free. You should schedule an appointment as soon as you get the recall notice, and the repair will be done at no cost to you.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 RIO VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 20, 2005, THROUGH DECEMBER 9, 2007. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR MAT CAN EXPERIENCE FATIGUE CRACKING. IF SUFFICIENT CRACKING OCCURS, THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) WILL CEASE TO FUNCTION SUCH THAT THE SYSTEM WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DETECT WHETHER A CHILD PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT AND THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY DURING A CRASH NECESSITATING DEPLOYMENT.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WITH A CHILD IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO THAT CHILD.
Original — Remedy
KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OCS SEAT SENSOR MAT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →