The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The side air bag wire harness for the driver position could be mis-routed, which could result in it being pinched or cut by the seat cushion tilt mechanism.
The risk
Damage to the wire harness could result in the side air bag not deploying in an accident.
The fix
Dealers will check for proper routing of the side air bag wire harness and secure it in place with a plastic tie-wrap. If the wire harness is damaged, it will be replaced. Owner notification is expected to begin during May 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 01V-156 (01V156000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | SC020 |
| Manufacturer | Kia America, Inc. |
| Component | Air bags › Side/window |
| Report date | May 1, 2001 |
| Owners notified | May 11, 2001 |
| Vehicles affected | 16,231 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the air bags
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 01V-156 repair free?
Yes. Kia dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will check for proper routing of the side air bag wire harness and secure it in place with a plastic tie-wrap. If the wire harness is damaged, it will be replaced. Owner notification is expected to begin during May 2001.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 16,231 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.