The problem
On certain vehicles equipped with an advanced air bag feature, the occupant classification system (ocs) installed in the right front seat of the vehicle May misclassify a child restraint seat (crs) as an adult. This May occur if the crs is installed after an adult has been seated in the right front seat. If there has not been a 'key on' ' key off' cycle with the right front passenger seat empty prior to installation of the crs.
The risk
The possibility of misclassification of a crs as an adult May allow the right front airbag or side impact airbag to deploy in a crash and could result in injury to the right front occupant.
The fix
Dealers will reprogram the vehicle's ocs electronic control unit (ECU) to remove the feature that May cause the crs to be recognized as an adult. The recall began on October 31, 2005. Owners May contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 05V-431 (05V431000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | SC-053 |
| Manufacturer | Kia America, Inc. |
| Component | Air bags |
| Report date | September 21, 2005 |
| Owners notified | October 31, 2005 |
| Vehicles affected | 73,641 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Plus 1 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the air bags
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 05V-431 repair free?
Yes. Kia dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will reprogram the vehicle's ocs electronic control unit (ECU) to remove the feature that May cause the crs to be recognized as an adult. The recall began on October 31, 2005. Owners May 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 73,641 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.