The problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
The risk
If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
The fix
Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 18V-363 (18V363000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | SC165 |
| Manufacturer | Kia America, Inc. |
| Component | Air bags › Air bag/restraint control module |
| Report date | June 1, 2018 |
| Owners notified | September 28, 2018 |
| Vehicles affected | 507,587 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the air bags
- 2010 Kia Forte airbag problems 41
- 2011 Kia Forte airbag problems 35
- 2012 Kia Forte airbag problems 37
- 2013 Kia Forte airbag problems 16
- 2010 Kia Forte Koup airbag problems 1
- 2011 Kia Forte Koup airbag problems 1
- 2012 Kia Forte Koup airbag problems 1
- 2013 Kia Forte Koup airbag problems 2
- 2011 Kia Optima airbag problems 31
- 2012 Kia Optima airbag problems 48
- 2013 Kia Optima airbag problems 62
- 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid airbag problems 4
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 18V-363 repair free?
Yes. Kia dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 507,587 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.