NHTSA, Kia Motors recall 2006-2008 Rio models over faulty airbag sensor

June 5, 2012 Omar Rana Compact Sedans, Economy Sedans, Kia Rio

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration and Kia Motors have just issued a recall for 2006-2008 model Kia Rio’s.

As stated in their report, the NHTSA and Kia found that there’s a faulty sensor in the passenger’s seat and that sensor works with the Supplemental Restraint System. If the sensor breaks from fatigue, the passenger airbag will not be able to detect whether there’s a child or passenger present and thus will inhibit the airbag from deploying if needed.

Kia announced that roughly 73,000 unites have been affected and they will begin notifying owners later in July.

Check out the NHTSA press release for full details after the jump.

NHTSA Press Release:

Report Date: June 5, 2012 at 09:39 AM
NHTSA Campaign ID number: 12V244000

Vehicle Make / Model: KIA / RIO
Model Year(s): 2006-2008

Manufacturer: HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC
Mfr’s Report Date: MAY 29, 2012

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE

Summary:
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.

Consequence:
AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WITH A CHILD IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO THAT CHILD.

Remedy:
KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OCS SEAT SENSOR MAT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.

Notes:
KIA’S SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS SC097. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

– By: Chris Chin