In June 2018, over 500,000 Kia vehicles were recalled in the United States, as an electronic glitch may prevent air bags from deploying during an accident. The vehicles affected include 2010-2013 Kia Forte and Forte Koup Sedans, 2011-2013 Kia Optima sedans, and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid sedans and Sedona minivans.
After four people were killed and six were injured, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating Kia and its affiliate Hyundai Motor Corp to look into why air bags had not been deployed during crashes. Kia stated that the air bag control unit may short circuit, as they are susceptible to electrical overstress. This prevents the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners (these pull the driver and passenger back into their seats) from going off, leading to more severe injuries and potential fatalities. When the control unit is damaged, the severity of the crash is often not relayed to the airbags and seat belt pretensioners.
As of June 2018, there was not a remedy for the issue currently. The scheduled owner notification date is July 27, 2018, for which Kia plans to have a remedy by then; but it is not a guarantee. If your vehicle is one of the above models, you are not required to sit and wait for a solution to be found.
At Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center ®, our lemon law attorneys will be able to talk with you and let you know if we can help with your lemon law case. Submit your information with us regarding your Kia vehicle and we will be in touch.