More Airbag Problems Arise at Kia
No one wants to have to use an airbag, but everyone wants to be able to rely on in in the event of an impact. Unfortunately, airbags are not always ready to function safely.
In 2019, an investigation told us that an airbag control module produced by U.S.-based ZF-TRW, which is believed to be in some 12.3 million cars in the U.S. and about 1 million in Canada, could be subject to electrical overload during an accident, preventing it from proprely functioning, thus preventing the airbags from deploying.
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Some Kia models were among them, namely the 2013 Forte, 2013 to 2019 Optima and 2014 Sedona. The Korean automaker is now dealing with a similar problem, again.
According to a recall notice issued by Transport Canada at the end of January, a defect in the airbag control module could cause the airbag warning light to come on. If this happens, the airbag system may not function properly and the airbags may not deploy in an accident.
The proper solution is to update the airbag control module software. If the airbag light is on due to diagnostic code B1620, the dealer must replace the affected control module.
The models affected by this new recall are the 2017 to 2018 Forte (including the Forte Koup), the 2017 to 2019 Sedona as well as the 2017 to 2019 Soul (including the Soul EV). More than 58,000 units are affected in Canada.
If you're considering the purchase any of these vehicles, make sure the update has been conducted and no other recalls are outstanding.
