Kia is recalling more the 500,000 vehicles sold in the United States because of an electronic issue that could prevent airbags from deploying in a crash.
The glitch, which also prompted Hyundai to recall thousands of its vehicles earlier this year, has already been linked to four deaths.
Kia Airbag Recall Affects 507,000 Forte, Optima, and Sedona Vehicles
The Kia recall affects around 507,000 vehicles, including:
- 2010-2013 Kia Forte sedan
- 2010- 2013 Forte Koupe
- 2011-2013 Kia Optima sedan
- 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid sedan
- 2011-2012 Kia Sedona minivan
According to Kia, the vehicles’ airbag control unit could be susceptible to electrical over-stress, which may cause it to short circuit.
This could prevent the front airbags and seat belt pretensioners – which pull the driver and front passenger firmly back into their seat – from deploying during a crash.
Faulty Hyundai, Kia Airbags Implicated in 4 Deaths, 6 Injuries
In April, Hyundai recalled more than 580,000 vehicles for the same issue, including:
- 2011-2013 Hyundai Sonatas
- 2011-2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrids
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating a half-dozen front-end collisions in which airbags in Hyundai and Kia vehicles failed to deploy.
Four people died tragically in those accidents and six were seriously injured.
Four of the crashes involved 2011 Hyundai Sonatas, while two involved 2012 and 2013 Kia Fortes.
The rare, off-center high-speed collisions occurred between 2012 and 2017.
Fiatt Chrysler Recalled 1.4 Million Vehicles for Similar Issue in 2016
The airbag control module under investigation was built by German auto parts supplier ZF-TRW. In March, the company indicated that it was cooperating with the NHTSA’s investigation.
In 2016, Fiat Chrysler recalled 1.4 million cars and SUVs because of a similar problem with airbag deployment. The airbag control modules in those vehicles were also manufactured by ZF-TRW.
Kia, Hyundai Offer Affected Vehicle Owners Loaners Until Airbag Fix is Ready
Hyundai and Kia are working with ZF-TRW to come up with a fix for the faulty airbag control computer.
Both automakers have indicated that they will offer loaner vehicles to owners who request them.
Kia and Hyundai owners can check the NHTSA’s website to find out if their vehicle has been recalled.
Contact Our Undefeated Automobile Recall Lawyers for a Free Consultation at 1-888-603-3636 or by Clicking Here
Our Undefeated Automobile Recall Lawyers are investigating injuries and deaths that may be related to the Kia and Hyundai airbag recalls and will post an update should new information become available.
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If you or someone you love was hurt due to a defective Kia or Hyundai airbag, call 1-888-603-3636 or Click Here to send us a confidential email via our “Contact Us” form.
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