The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle May "false latch" and expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash.
The risk
In the event of a crash, the seat occupant May not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix
Owner notification began December 20, 2002. 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 | 02V-216 (02V216000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | SC027 |
| Manufacturer | Kia America, Inc. |
| Component | Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly |
| Report date | August 16, 2002 |
| Owners notified | December 20, 2002 |
| Vehicles affected | 189,706 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the seat belts
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 02V-216 repair free?
Yes. Kia dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Owner notification began December 20, 2002. 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.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 189,706 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.