The problem
Certain Mini vans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 209, "seat belt assemblies." the second and third seat belt buckle anchor bolts do not comply with the standards.
The risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant May not be properly restrained.
The fix
Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle anchor bolts. Owner notification began February 24, 2003. 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 | 03V-017 (03V017000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | SC023 |
| Manufacturer | Kia America, Inc. |
| Component | Seat belts › Rear/other |
| Report date | January 22, 2003 |
| Owners notified | February 24, 2003 |
| Vehicles affected | 21,248 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the seat belts
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 03V-017 repair free?
Yes. Kia dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle anchor bolts. Owner notification began February 24, 2003. 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…
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 21,248 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.