Component
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Manufacturer
KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
What Happened
The front passenger seat sensor in your Kia Rio is a critical part that helps the airbag system decide whether to deploy during a crash. This sensor is prone to cracking and could stop working over time.
Risk if Unfixed
If the sensor fails, the airbag won't know if there's a child in the front passenger seat. In a crash, the airbag could deploy with a child present, which could cause serious injury to that child.
Free Fix
Your Kia dealer will replace the faulty sensor mat with a new one at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as possible to ensure your child's safety.
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 →