The problem
Kia is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 rio vehicles, manufactured from February 20, 2005, through December 9, 2007. The front passenger seat occupant sensor mat can experience fatigue cracking. If sufficient cracking occurs, the occupant classification system (ocs) will cease to function such that the system will not be able to detect whether a child passenger is in the seat and the airbag will deploy during a crash necessitating deployment.
The risk
Air bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child.
The fix
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ocs seat sensor mat, free of charge. The recall began on July 26, 2012. Owners May contact Kia consumer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 12V-244 (12V244000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | SC097 |
| Manufacturer | Kia America, Inc. |
| Component | Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive |
| Report date | May 31, 2012 |
| Owners notified | July 26, 2012 |
| Vehicles affected | 72,568 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the air bags
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 12V-244 repair free?
Yes. Kia dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ocs seat sensor mat, free of charge. The recall began on July 26, 2012. Owners May contact Kia consumer assistance center 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 72,568 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.