Kia Sorento Recalled Due to Airbag That May Not Deploy

In a recent news release , the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that Kia Motors Corporation is recalling certain models of its Sorento sport utility vehicle due to an issue that could prevent the passenger-side airbag from deploying.

Subject to recall are 10,631 model year 2007 and 2008 Sorento crossover SUVs manufactured from June 15, 2006 through November 27, 2007. The front passenger airbag in the affected vehicles may become turned off when an adult is in the passenger seat due to a malfunction of the occupant classification system (OCS). In the event that a child is in the passenger seat, the OCS disables the airbag. If the OCS malfunctions, it will classify an adult as a child and deactivate the airbag, posing an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

If the passenger air bag is turned off, the “Passenger Air Bag Off” light on the center instrument panel will illuminate.

Kia will update the OCS control module programming free of charge.

As a Charleston auto accident attorney , motorist safety is something that I am very aware of; I encourage owners of the recalled vehicles to arrange to have the airbag system repaired as soon as possible. Because of my experience as a Charleston personal injury lawyer , I know that the effects of a faulty product can range from inconvenience and frustration to injury and sometimes death. I hope that no one has been harmed as a result of the faulty airbag control system.