MyCarTSB

2007 Kia Sorento Airbags Problems

55 owner-reported airbags complaints from NHTSA data

55
Complaints
1
Recalls
4
Crashes
Jan 2008Dec 2007
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Airbags Recalls (1)

RECALLCampaign #11V473000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 SORENTO PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 15, 2006 THROUGH NOVEMBER 27, 2007. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY BE TURNED OFF WHEN AN ADULT IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG IS DESIGNED TO BE TURNED OFF IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES INCLUDING WHEN CHILDREN AND SMALL ADULTS ARE SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THERE IS A CHILD RESTRAINT IN THAT SEAT OR THE SEAT IS NOT OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS), WHICH CLASSIFIES THE OCCUPANT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, MAY MISCLASSIFY AN ADULT PASSENGER AS A CHILD OR CHILD SEAT AND IMPROPERLY TURN OFF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. WHEN THE AIR BAG IS DEACTIVATED THE "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Fix: KIA WILL UPDATE THE PROGRAMMING IN THE SORENTO OCS CONTROL MODULE AT NO CHARGE. THE RECALL REMEDY IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE UNDER SERVICE CAMPAIGN SC076. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-333-4542.

Owner Complaints (55)

criticalAIR BAGS
Filed: Sep 2023

Your passenger seat air bag sensor isn't working properly, which means the air bag may not deploy correctly if someone is sitting in that seat during a crash. This is a safety issue that needs attention from a mechanic or dealership. The fix will likely involve diagnosing and replacing the faulty air bag sensor.

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NHTSA #: 11546947
criticalAIR BAGS
Filed: Nov 2021

Your passenger side airbag does not deploy, whether or not there's someone sitting in that seat. This is a serious safety concern because the airbag won't protect a passenger in a crash. The fix will likely involve diagnosing the airbag system's sensor, wiring, or the airbag module itself to determine why it's not activating.

NHTSA #: 11440016
criticalAIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2020

Your airbag warning light came on while you were sitting in the driver's seat. The airbag system may not be functioning properly, which could prevent the airbags from deploying in a crash. You'll need to have a technician scan the airbag system with diagnostic equipment to identify and fix the underlying problem.

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NHTSA #: 11364482
criticalAIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2019

Your passenger airbag is not turning on or activating. This is a critical safety concern because the airbag may not deploy in the event of a crash, leaving your passenger unprotected. A mechanic will need to diagnose the airbag system to identify whether the issue is with the airbag sensor, wiring, or the airbag module itself.

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NHTSA #: 11251858
mediumAIR BAGS,SEATS
Filed: May 2019

( PASSENGER SIDE ) AIRBAG IS NOT ACTIVATED WHEN A PASSENGER IS IN SEAT. KIA REPLACED THE THE SENSOR AND AFTER RETURNING HOME IT STILL WAS NOT WORKING.KLA TOLD ME THAT SENSE IT HAS BEEN ALREADY REPLACED THERE IS NOTHING ELSE THEY WOULD DO.

NHTSA #: 11209242
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Mar 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V473000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. VANCOUVER KIA (3400 NE AUTO MALL DR, VANCOUVER, WA 98662, (360) 342-9104) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA #: 11186836
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Feb 2018

FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON , I PURCHASED THIS CAR LAST 2016 AND WHEN I CHECKED FOR RECALLS SAID NOTHING PENDING BUT THIS ISSUE ITS BEEN ALWAYS SINCE I BOUGHT IT ,SOMETIMES LIGHT GOES BLINKING,VEHICLE IS IN USE ,CALLED KIA AND THEY SAID THIS CAR WAS ALREADY CHECKED FOR THAT RECALL .RECALL # SC076A

NHTSA #: 11071930
mediumAIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Sep 2017

TAKATA RECALL- I HAVE CHANGE ALL THE BREAK PADS, AND WHEN I PRESS THE BREAK PEDAL I GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR PANEL. I HAVE ALL READY BLEED ALL THE LINE TO GET THE AIR OUT, BUT IT NOT WORKING. THEIR IS NO BRAKE LIGTH ON, AND ON CARS.COM I SEE SOME RECALLS AND THE KIA'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS SC098. PLEASE HELP THANK YOU

NHTSA #: 11024825
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Sep 2017

I MAY LOVE MY KIA SORENTO BUT WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY DEVICES AND FAULTY AIR BAGS KIA COULD CARE LESS ABOUT ONES SAFETY. I HAVE BEEN PARTS AND SERVICE DIRECTOR FOR CHRYSLER, FORD AND MITSUBISHI AD WHEN THESE COMPANIES HAVE FAULTY AIR BAG COMPONENTS CAUSING LIFE AND DEATH SCENARIOS THEY DO NOT LOOK AT WARRANTY DATES AND MILEAGE. I HAVE THE SORENTO THAT JUST FALLS OUT OF A RECALL QUALIFICATION BY A COUPLE MONTHS AND THEY ARE REFUSING THE REPAIR THE AIR BAG FAULT SAYING MAYBE THEY WILL COVER HALF. WELL KIA FORCES THE REPAIR TO BE A COMPLETE SEAT AS THEY DO NOT HAVE REPAIR PARTS FOR THE AIR BAG SENSOR. WHEN I WAS AT CHRYSLER CUSTOMERS WOULD CALL THE CHRYSLER HOTLINE AND CHRYSLER WOULD DO A DEDUCTIBLE COPAY ON TRANSMISSION FOR ANYWHERE BETWEEN 200-500 FOR CARS OUT OF WARRANTY BY OVER 20K AND MORE THAN A YEAR. WHEN IT CAME TO SAFETY CHRYSLER VERY RARELY EVER CHARGED A DEDUCTIBLE OR COPAY NO MATTER WHAT TIME OR MILEAGE. . . . . . .... .. GUESS AS MUCH AS I LOVE MY KIA SORENTO KIA DOES NOT CARE ABOUT ONES LIFE AND SAFETY WHERE CHRYSLER PUTS THE SAFETY AS NUMBER ONE. NOT SURE I WILL BE RECOMMENDING ANY KIA'S ANYMORE AS THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE LIFE OF THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER. SO WHEN THE AIR BAG DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY AND CAUSES A DEATH KIA WILL BE SEEN IN COURT PAYING OUT A LOT OF MONEY FOR THE DEATH THEY CAUSED. ALSO JUST FOR INFORMATION THE REPRESENTATIVE I HAVE BEEN SPEAKING WITH IS AS POLITE AS A SNAKE AND JUST PLAIN ARROGANT SAYING IT IS MY FAULT FOR THE FAILURE WHEN THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM BUT MY CAR PRODUCTION DATE IS OFF BY A MONTH OR TWO. THIS WILL BE TAKEN LEGAL S THE AIR BAG IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND KIA REFUSES TO ACCEPT FAULT

NHTSA #: 11021024
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jul 2017

PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDS REPLACEMENT. I HAVE BEEN READING MANY OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM WHICH COULD CAUSE THE AIR BAG MAY DEPLOY UNEXPECTEDLY OR NOT EVEN AT ALL. THE DEALER SAID MY CAR DOES NOT FALL UNDER SOME RECALL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM FOR DIFFERENT PRODUCTION DATES. THE DEALER WAS QUICK TO SAY T WOULD COST AROUND $2000.00 TO FIX THIS. CALLED KIA AND THEY SAID IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE THEY WORRY ABOUT. SCARY IT IS AN AIR BAG FAULT. I HAVE BEEN GOING BACK IN FORTH WITH DEALER AND CORPORATE FOR ASSISTANCE BUT THERE IS NO HELP AND I FOUND THIS SITE SEARCHING AND HOPE YOU CAN HELP NOT JUST ME BUT ALL THE OTHERS OUT THERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM

NHTSA #: 11010978
mediumAIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
Filed: Oct 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS JAMMED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

NHTSA #: 10917735
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Sep 2016

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON MY 2007 KIA SORENTO TO HAVE THE CLOCK SPRING REPLACED. PRIOR TO TAKING THE CARTO THE DEALER THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE FRANKLIN TN DEALERSHIP ASSUMING THE LIGHT WAS CAUSED BY THE CLOCK SPRING RECALL. THE TECH INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY THE OCS MAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND IT COULD BE FIXED FOR $2,200+. HE ALSO SAID THAT I DID NOT NEED A CLOCK SPRING. WHEN I CHECKED ON THE CLOCK SPRING RECALL I SEE MY CAR NOW HAS NO RECALLS ACTIVE. WITH THE SAME OCS MAT PROBLEM BEING COVERED ON THE SPECTRA MODEL I FEEL THE SORENTO SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED COVERAGE.

NHTSA #: 10905099
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Apr 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SENSOR MAT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.

NHTSA #: 10855108
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jan 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA #: 10673015
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2014

2007 KIA SORENTO PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG ALARM - DUE TO SEAT SENSOR PROBLEMS OR OTHER PROBLEMS. PROBLEM HAS RECURRED HUNDREDS OF TIMES SINCE PURCHASED NEW. ADVISED BY SERVICE MANAGER OF GREER, SC KIA THAT FAULT WAS DUE TO PASSENGER NOT SITTING PROPERLY IN SEAT WITH FEET POSITIONED PROPERLY BUT ADVISED BY A KIA TECHNICIAN, CONFIDENTIALLY, THAT THIS IS NOT TRUE. PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR WAS ADJUSTED AFTER SEVERAL VISITS BUT FAULT RECURS TIME AFTER TIME WHICH MEANS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. KIA DOES NOT APPEAR TO TAKE MATTER SERIOUSLY. THIS COULD RESULT IN DEATHS. OTHER DEALER REPRESENTATIVES REFERS THE PROBLEM BACK TO SERVICE MANAGER ONLY. NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS: AT LEAST SIX OR MORE - TO LITTLE AVAIL. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS FROM TIME TO TIME. USUALLY THE PASSENGER CAN BOUNCE UP AND DOWN SEVERAL TIMES AND FINALLY GET THE ALARM TO EXTINGUISH SHOWING NORMAL AIR BAG OPERATION FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE. WROTE LETTER TO REGIONAL KIA DEALERSHIP TO NO AVAIL. CALLED KIA HELP LINE TO NO AVAIL. ONLY TOLD TO REFER PROBLEM TO KIA DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER. INCIDENT DATE SINCE TIME OF PURCHASE IN JUNE OR JULY, 2007. GUESSING PURCHASE DATE SINCE IT HAS BEEN A FEW YEARS. STILL OWN VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10629272
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES AND WAS SIMILAR TO THE FAILURE LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V473000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

NHTSA #: 10628169
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.

NHTSA #: 10619512
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jul 2014

THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON MY 2007 KIA SORENTO REMAINS ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL FROM KIA MOTORS SC076A AND ALSO FROM NHTSA #11V473000 TO REPLACE THE SENSOR. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HART KIA IN SALEM VIRGINIA TO HAVE THIS RECALL AND ANOTHER RECALL FOR BRAKE LIGHTS REPAIRED. THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE BRAKE ISSUE BUT TOLD ME THAT MY CAR WAS NOT RECALLED FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR AND A NEW SEAT WOULD COST $1,300.00. I CALLED KIA MOTORS AND FILED A CLAIM BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 15, 2006 AND NOVEMBER 27, 2007. KIA MOTORS AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY WOULD PAY FOR THE SEAT ITSELF BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE LABOR. WHEN I ASKED WHY I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A RECALL ITEM I WAS TOLD BY BOTH PARTIES THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR FAULT.I DID NOT MANUFACTURE THE CAR, I PURCHASED THEIR PRODUCT. KIA MOTORS SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PART AND THE LABOR, SINCE THEY INSTALLED FAULTY PARTS WHEN THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED. THEY PAID FOR THE PART AND LABOR ON THE BRAKE RECALL, THEY CAN NOT BE SELECTIVE WHEN REPAIRING RECALLS. THEY MANUFACTURED THE CAR SO THEY SHOULD PAY 100% OF THE REPAIR BILL IT MAKES ME WONDER HOW MANY PEOPLE ACTUALLY HAD TO PAY $1,300.00 FOR A RECALL.. *TR

NHTSA #: 10609600
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jun 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE OCCUPANT POSITION DETECTION SYSTEM SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.

NHTSA #: 10597819
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: May 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 11V473000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

NHTSA #: 10586631
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Dec 2013

TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM COULD NOT DETERMINE WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED AND WOULD ERRONEOUSLY DEACTIVATE THE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V473000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000. DR

NHTSA #: 10557041
mediumAIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
CrashFiled: Jul 2013

TLA* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, IT BEGAN TO RAIN HEAVILY AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY HYDRO-PLANED. THE CONSUMER REGAINED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, BUT IT HYDRO -PLANED AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE HIT AN EMBANKMENT WITH THE FRONT BUMPER SPINNING THE VEHICLE AROUND. THE VEHICLE THEN ROLLED OVER FOUR-SIX TIMES, BEFORE LANDING IN A DITCH. BOTH REAR SEAT BELTS BECAME UNLATCHED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES, SCRAPES AND LACERATIONS TO THE SHOULDER AREA. TWO REAR PASSENGERS ALSO SUSTAINED LACERATIONS. ANOTHER PASSENGER SUFFERED FROM A CONCUSSION AND A BRUISED KIDNEY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SALVAGE CENTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 08/27/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS RELEASE

NHTSA #: 10532905
mediumAIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
CrashFiled: Jul 2013

WE WERE TRAVELING DOWN I-64 AT 6:45 PM AT 70 MPH WHEN A DOWNPOUR BEGAN SUDDENLY MY HUSBAND EASED OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR AND AS WE ENTERED THE RAIN. WE BEGAN TO HYDROPLANE WE SPUN 180 DEGREES. HE REGAINED CONTROL ONLY TO HYDROPLANE AGAIN. THIS TIME HE DID A 360 AND WENT INTO A DITCH HITTING A EARTHEN EMBANKMENT WITH THE FRONT FENDER SPINNING US AROUND AND PUSHING THE REAR OF THE CAR UP THE EMBANKMENT THIS THEN CAUSED THE CAR TO BEGIN ROLLING WE ROLLED AT LEAST 4 TIMES BEFORE SLIDING AT LEAST 100 YARDS DOWN THE INTERSTATE. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. MY HUSBANDS SEAT BELT HELD. HOWEVER, I WAS IN THE BACK SEAT WITH OUR SON AND MY SEAT BELT AS WELL AS HIS RELEASED THROWING US INTO THE CARGO AREA. WE ALL WERE INJURED AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. WHEN WE NOTIFIED KIA THEY ACTED AS IF THIS WAS NO BIG DEAL. *TR

NHTSA #: 10532115
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Apr 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, HER VISION BECAME BLURRED AND SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN DRIVEN OFF INTO A DITCH AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BLOCK. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MAJOR INJURIES TO HER BACK AND SUSTAINED A FRACTURED RIB. THE VEHICLE HAD MAJOR DAMAGES TO THE FRONT END. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000. ..UPDATED 05/23/12 *BF

NHTSA #: 10455640
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Feb 2012

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR IN MY 2007 KIA SORENTO HAS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY EVER SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2009. IT FAILS AT LEAST 50% OF THE TIME WHEN A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT (SOMETIMES >200 LBS.) UPON COMPLAINING TO THE DEALER, THEY CONTINUED TO INSIST THAT THE PASSENGER WAS NOT SITTING PROPERLY IN THE SEAT. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. I KNOW OF NO OTHER CARS WHERE THAT IS AN ISSUE. THE DEALER SAYS TO GET OUT AND BACK IN AGAIN, BUT THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN WHEN YOU ARE ON A BUSY HIGHWAY GOING 65 MPH AND REALIZE THE AIRBAG IS NOT ON. SO, THEN THEY SAY TO LIFT YOUR BUTT UP FOR 10 SECONDS AND THEN SIT BACK DOWN. IT SOMETIMES WORKS, BUT TAKES A FEW TRIES. AND, DO YOU KNOW HOW EMBARRASSING THAT IS TO ASK A GUEST (PARTICULARLY IF A BUSINESS GUEST) TO DO THAT? AGAIN, IT IS JUST SO RIDICULOUS THAT I FEAR OWNERS WILL IGNORE IT THUS PUTTING THEIR PASSENGERS AT RISK. SO, I WAS THRILLED TO SEE THAT THERE WAS FINALLY A RECALL OF THE 2007 SORENTO PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR IN THE FALL OF 2011. FINALLY, THEY ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THEN THE DEALER SAYS THAT MY VIN IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. REALLY??? THIS RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED. I AM TAKING MY CAR BACK AGAIN NEXT WEEK AND IF IT IS NOT REPLACED BY KIA, I WILL BE CALLING THE KIA HEADQUARTERS LEGAL DEPARTMENT TO COMPLAIN. IF YOU CAN HELP GET THIS RECALL EXPANDED SO THAT I AND OTHERS DO NOT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS, I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10448472
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jan 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER AN OCCUPANT WAS POSITIONED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND WEIGHED 115 POUNDS OR LESS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON FIVE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED AND ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE SIDE AIR BAG DETENTION SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR AFTER EACH REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.

NHTSA #: 10445471
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jan 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM COULD NOT DETERMINE WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED AND WOULD ERRONEOUSLY DEACTIVATE THE AIR BAG. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V473000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE) BUT WAS ADVISED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,736 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,325.

NHTSA #: 10443703
mediumAIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
Filed: Aug 2010

KIA SORENTO-2007-FRONT PASSENGER-AIR BAG "IDIOT LIGHT". FOR 2 YRS. TRIPS BACK AND FORTH REGARDING THIS LIGHT TO DEALER. UNABLE TO ASSURE THAT AIR BAG SYSTEM IS REALLY WORKING. LIGHT IS ON WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING IN SEAT AND INDICATES THE AIR BAG IS OFF. SEATS AND SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TO NO AVAIL. THEY JUST TOLD ME TODAY 8-23-2010 THAT THERE IS NO MORE THEY CAN DO. LIGHT IS STILL ON AND THEIR COMPUTER STILL SAYS THAT IT IS WORKING. YOU HAVE MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME THING-IS ANYTHING BEING DONE? EITHER THE LIGHT,SENSOR,AIR BAG OR COMPUTER IS NOT RIGHT. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT OCCURRENCE-DOESN'T MATTER WHEN OR WHO IS SITTING IN THE SEAT, IF THE CAR IS WARM OR COLD. THE SEAT(SENSOR) HAS BEEN CHANGED,COMPUTER HAS DIAGNOSED AND KIA HAS TALKED TO THE TECH'S. THEIR MACHINES ARE NOT TELLING THEM THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG BUT THE SERVICE MANAGERS AND SALES PEOPLE HAVE WITNESSED IT. ARE YOU INVESTIGATING THIS? *TR

NHTSA #: 10351371
mediumAIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Aug 2009

HAD A RECALL ON KIA SORENTO- 2007. A YEAR LATER THEY CALL ME ON IT. I TOLD THEM ABOUT RECALLS WHEN I FIRST RECEIVED THE VEHICLE. THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR IT FIRST. THEN THEY FIXED IT A YEAR LATER AND NOW ONE OF THE RECALLS IS ACTING UP AGAIN. NOW IT IS SOMETHING WITH THE ITU CONTROL ???? SO AFTER THEY DEFAULT ON OUR CONTRACT ABOUT MY PERSONAL INFO THEY HAD EXTRA FINANCE CHARGE BECAUSE I WAS SICK AND HAD A WARRANTY. THEY REFUSED ON THAT TOO! SO THEY REPO MY CAR AFTER I TOLD THEM TO COME AND GET IT. TOTAL OF 4 RECALLS ON A CAR I BOUGHT TWO YEARS AGO. *TR

NHTSA #: 10281407
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Apr 2009

THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR IN THE VEHICLE IS POORLY DESIGNED AND WILL FREQUENTLY DISABLE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG WHILE AN ADULT PASSENGER IS RIDING IN THE PROPER MANNER, AS DISPLAYED BY THE VEHICLES OWNER MANUAL. MOREOVER, THE AIR BAG SENSOR DOES NOT CONTINUOUSLY MONITOR THE PASSENGER AFTER IT HAS DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAG SHOULD BE OFF - THE ONLY WAY TO RESET THE AIRBAG IS TO HAVE THE PASSENGER LIFT THEMSELVES OFF OF THE SEAT (WHILE REMAINING BUCKLED) FOR OVER 2 SECONDS. EVEN TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, REMOVING THE KEY, AND TURNING THE VEHICLE BACK ON DOES NOT WORK VERY RELIABLY - RESETTING THE SENSOR ~35% OF THE TIME. THE AIRBAG SENSOR ON THIS VEHICLE IS A KNOWN ISSUE (TSB# KT2008022001), AND REPEATED CALLS TO SERVICE CENTERS RE-ENFORCE THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAS NO INTENTIONS OF ISSUING A RECALL OR EVEN A SIMPLE SOFTWARE UPDATE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. INSTEAD, THEY INSTRUCT THAT THE SERVICE MEMBERS FIND A 'SUFFICIENTLY LARGE' MECHANIC, INSTRUCT THEM TO SIT IN THE SEAT TO ENSURE THAT THE DEVICE WORKS CORRECTLY. OBVIOUSLY, IF YOU SIGNIFICANTLY EXCEED THE MINIMUM WEIGHT, THE SENSOR WORKS CORRECTLY. HOWEVER, I'VE HAD THE PROBLEM WITH ADULT PASSENGERS WITH WEIGHTS RANGING FROM 120-170 LBS AND CONSIDER IT TO BE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY FLAW WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10263991
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Feb 2009

THE SENSOR FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS NOR WORKING RELIABLY. MOST OF THE TIME IT EITHER DOES NOT DETECT MY WIFE AT ALL, OR, WHILE I AM DRIVING, IT SUDDENLY SIGNALS THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS OFF, EVEN THOUGH SHE IS STILL SEATED. WHEN IT DOES NOT DETECT HER, THE SIGN 'PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF' IS LIT. THERE IS NO PROBLEM WHEN I (210 POUNDS) SIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, ONLY FOR MY 148 POUND WIFE. I AM AFRAID THAT OUR 2007 SORENTO WILL NOT BE CAPABLE OF PERFORMING A POSSIBLY LIFESAVING ACT IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. AS A PASSENGER, SHE IS UNPROTECTED. A FRIEND OF OURS HAS A 2008 SPORTAGE THAT ALSO HAS A SENSOR FOR THE AIR BAG IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION AND THERE IT WORKS EVERY TIME MY WIFE GETS IN THE CAR. WE HAVE VISITED OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES; HAVING THE PROGRAM REFLASHED THREE TIMES AND EVEN THE SEAT CUSHION WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE WITH A NEW SENSOR. UNFORTUNATELY, THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER RESOLVED. OUR DEALERSHIP INFORMED US AFTER OUR LAST VISIT THAT THEY HAVE DONE ALL THEY CAN DO. *TR

NHTSA #: 10259657
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Dec 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATES WHILE THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY FOUR TIMES; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO ORDER A PART FOR THE THIRD TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,634 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 9,654. UPDATED 01/09/09. *LJ UPDATED 01/09/09*JB

NHTSA #: 10250419
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2008

ATTEMPT TO FIX AIRBAG SYSTEM MODULE AND SEATBELT ASSY FAILED THREE TIMES BY AUTHORIZED KIA DEALERSHIPS (03/08/08, 09/22/08, 10/01/08). VEHICLE WAS SOLD TO ME BY AUTHORIZED KIA DEALER AS A PRECERTIFIED USED CAR WITH MANUFACTURER WARRANTY WITH 12000 MILES ON 09/05/08. KIA MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED OF FAILED ATTEMPTS ON 10/02/08 & HAVE BEEN ASKED TO PURCHASE OR REPLACE THE VEHICLE UNDER CA CIVIL CODE(S) 1792, 1794. *TR

NHTSA #: 10244590
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2008

I LEASE A 07 KIA SORENTO WITH 8700 MILES ON IT. THE PROBLEM THAT I CAN'T GET RESOLVED THROUGH THE DEALER OR WITH KIA'S CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK. THEY SAY WE LIKE TO COMPLAIN, BUT I DON'T WANT TO TAKE A CHANCE OF BEING IN AN ACCIDENT AND HOPE THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY. THIS IS A VERY BIG SAFETY ISSUE! THE 1ST TIME MY HUSBAND (WHO HAS WORKED AS A MECHANIC FOR 15 YEARS) TOOK IT TO THE DEALER HE WAS TOLD WE WEREN'T THE ONLY ONE COMPLAINING BUT AS SOON AS THE SEAT SOFTENED UP IT WOULD START TO WORK. 10 MONTHS LATER IT STILL ISN'T WORKING. THE SECOND TIME WE TOOK IT BACK THEY SAID THERE WASN'T ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. THE SERVICE REPORT SAYS THE SWITCH IS "FICKLE" BUT THEY DON'T CALL THAT A MALFUNCTION. HOW DO I KNOW THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY IF THE LIGHT SAYS IT IS TURNED OFF? THEY SAID WE NEED TO MOVE AROUND IN THE SEAT BY BOUNCING ON IT, SITTING BACK IN THE SEAT MORE, MOVE THE SEAT FORWARD OR BACKWARDS TO FIND THE RIGHT SPOT FOR THE AIRBAG TO WORK. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO AND IT DOESN'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE ANYHOW! THE 3RD TIME WAS TO A DIFFERENT DEALER BECAUSE THE CAR BECAME INOPERABLE DUE TO A MAJOR ELECTRONIC PROBLEM AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THEY HAD MY CAR FOR ALMOST 2 WEEKS AND SAID THEY FOUND SOME CODES AND REPLACED THE SWITCH. IT STILL ISN'T WORKING. I WAS GOING DOWN INTERSTATE WITH MY 160 LB SON AND AN HOUR INTO THE TRIP WE NOTICED THE AIRBAG SWITCH SAID AIRBAG TURNED OFF. I HAD TO PULL OVER TURN THE CAR OFF, HAVE HIM GET OUT, TURN THE CAR BACK ON, HAVE HIM GET BACK IN, BEFORE THE AIRBAG WOULD TURN ON. I WAS IN THE CITY FOR AN APPT. THIS WEEK AND BEFORE I LEFT THE HOSPITAL PARKING LOT, THE AIRBAG SWITCH TURNED TO OFF. WE HAD TO SHUT THE CAR OFF, AND RESTART IT. THE SWITCH WOULD SAY AIRBAG TURNED ON, DRIVE 15 FEET, AND NOW SAYS OFF. TURN CAR OFF, GET OUT, RESTART CAR, GET IN AIRBAG ON, DRIVE 20 FT, AIRBAG OFF. WE DO THIS 3 OR 4 TIMES BEFORE SWITCH SAYS AIRBAG ON AND STAYS ON. CAN YOU PUT PRESSURE ON THEM TO HELP US OUT? *TR

NHTSA #: 10240311
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jul 2008

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS INTERMITTENTLY ON MY 2007 KIA SORENTO. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN A NORMAL SIZED PERSON IS SEATED PROPERLY, BUT THE AIRBAG SENSOR INDICATES THE AIRBAG IS NOT ACTIVATED. PREVIOUSLY, IF I RESTARTED THE CAR WITH THE PASSENGER SEATED THE ISSUE WAS CORRECTED, BUT I HAVE SINCE ENCOUNTERED TIMES WHEN RESTARTING THE CAR DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO TWO KIA DEALERSHIPS AND CONTACTED KIA CORPORATE, BUT WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO HELP ME. *TR

NHTSA #: 10234685
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jul 2008

2007 KIA SORENTO PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATES OFF WITH ADULT IN FRONT SEAT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10234196
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Apr 2008

AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT ON PASSENGER SIDE OF 07 KIA RIO WAS ON AFTER REPAIRS FROM AN ACCIDENT. TOOK TO KIA OF CONYERS FOR DIAGNOSIS. ALMOST A MONTH LATER, MY CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT WAS A WARRANTY ISSUE WHICH I AM REPORTING IN CASE MORE PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. SAFETY IS MY MAIN CONCERN. *TR

NHTSA #: 10225345
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Apr 2008

WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 35 MPH, HIT BRAKES BUT WAS UNABLE TO AVOID FRONTAL COLLISION IN KIA SPECTRA RENTED FROM ALAMO. THE CRASH WAS HEAD ON. THE KIA'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS WEARING A SEATBELT. ALAMO HAS BEEN COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE, SO NOTHING FURTHER CAN BE LEARNED ABOUT THE CAR. I HAVE PICTURES TAKEN AT THE SCENE WITH A CELL PHONE CAMERA CLEARLY DEPICTING THE FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10223642
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Mar 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD NOT DIM. THE CONTACT SWITCHED PLACES WITH THE PERSON IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, BUT THE LIGHT STILL WOULD NOT DIM. THE DEALER STATED THAT HE HAD TO WAIT FOR A TECHNICIAN WHO SPECIALIZED IN AIR BAGS. THE CONTACT WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPAIR WAS STILL NOT COMPLETED. WHEN THE REPAIR WAS FINISHED, THE CONTACT TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND THE FAILURE STILL CONTINUED. THE TECHNICIAN THEN STATED THAT IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED AND THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A RENTAL VEHICLE. THE SALES DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT TO RETURN THE RENTAL BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT REPAIR HIS VEHICLE, AND WOULD NO LONGER PAY FOR THE RENTAL. HE CALLED KIA AND THEY ISSUED CASE NUMBER 1421419. THE REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT HE WOULD INVESTIGATE THE SITUATION AND THEN NOTIFY THE CONTACT. THE KIA REPRESENTATIVE CALLED BACK AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PROPER TOOLS. THE CASE WAS ESCALATED TO THE SUPERVISOR. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,400. UPDATED 03-19-08 *BF UPDATED 03/19/08 *TR

NHTSA #: 10220294
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jan 2008

PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT DOES NOT GO OFF EVERY TIME A PASSENGER IS SITTING IN SEAT.WHICH WILL NOT LET AIR BAG DEPLOY.*CN

NHTSA #: 10213408
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Dec 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHEN THE PASSENGER IS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT, THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED AND THE SYSTEM INDICATES THAT THE AIR BAG IS OFF. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE AIR BAG SENSOR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AND THEY WILL REPLACE THE BOTTOM OF THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE CONTACT WAS GIVEN A 2008 SORENTO AS A LOANER VEHICLE AND IT HAS THE SAME FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE LAW REQUIRED THEM TO INSTALL A NEW AIR BAG SYSTEM FOR CHILDREN. THEY ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE PROGRAM AND HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. UPDATED 01/29/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE 2 OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME DEFECT. UPDATED 01/29/08 TR

NHTSA #: 10213071
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Dec 2007

ON NOVEMBER 17, 2007 I PURCHASED A KIA SORENTO SUV. SINCE THAT DATE, THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG IS DISABLED ALL OF THE TIME WHEN MY WIFE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. OTHER ADULTS WHO WEIGH MORE WILL ALLOW THE LIGHT TO GO OUT, BUT NEVER FOR MY WIFE. I RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE WHO INFORMED ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO. I CONTACTED KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY INDICATED THAT A REGIONAL WARRANTY REP WILL LOOK AT IN JANUARY, BUT IF HE SITS IN THE SEAT AND THE LIGHT GOES OUT, THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY WILL DO. MY WIFE IS AN AVERAGE ADULT WHO WEIGHS ENOUGH THAT THE AIRBAG DISABLING FEATURE SHOULD TURN OFF WHEN SHE SITS IN THE SEAT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10212064
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Dec 2007

I BOUGHT A NEW 2007 KIA SORENTO ON 11-1-07 FROM BANNER KIA IN MANDEVILLE, LA. WITH MY WIFE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT (125 LBS.) THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAG IN INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIANS SUPPOSEDLY FIXED THE PROBLEM. ENROUTE HOME THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THE DEALER THEN SUPPOSEDLY RECALIBRATED A SENSOR AND THE LIGHT STAYED OUT. NOW MY DAUGHTER WHO WEIGHS 117 LBS WILL NOT PUT THE LIGHT OUT TO PUT THE AIR BAG IN SERVICE. HAVE YOU HAD SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON KIA VEHICLES? I AM BEGINNING TO THINK THAT THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIANS ARE NOT CAPABLE IN MAKING MY VEHICLE SAFE. ANY SUGGESTIONS? *TR

NHTSA #: 10210475
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Nov 2007

WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE THE PASSENGERS AIRBAG REMAINS IN THE OFF POSITION WHEN MY WIFE IS SEATED AS A PASSENGER, BUT WHEN I RIDE AS PASSENGER THE AIR BAG IS ON. (SOME TIME IT WORKS AND OTHERS IT DOES NOT). *TR

NHTSA #: 10210416
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Nov 2007

PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG OFF LIGHT ILLUMINATES EVEN WHEN A GROWN ADULT IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. THE OWNERS MANUAL STATES, AND THE SERVICE DEPT AT THE DEALERSHIP AGREE THAT IF A 150 LB ADULT IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THE OFF LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED, THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY. THE ADULT CAN BE SITTING STRAIGHT UP IN THE SEAT WITH FEET IN THE FLOOR IN FRONT OF THEM AND THE OFF LIGHT IS ON. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THEY CANNOT FIX THIS, IT IS A PROBLEM. THE CORP. OFFICE SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY THE SENSORS ARE NOT PROPERLY LOCATED. WHAT GOOD IS THE AIRBAG IF IT WON'T DEPLOY WHEN NEEDED? *TR

NHTSA #: 10208998
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Nov 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN AN OCCUPANT WAS IN THE SEAT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE OCS "OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM" MALFUNCTIONED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEATS AND SENSORS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,600.

NHTSA #: 10208491
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Nov 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE, WHICH INDICATED THE AIR BAG WAS OFF. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE SENSORY MODULE AND THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SEAT. TEN DAYS LATER, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THEY STATED THAT TEN PERCENT OF THEIR VEHICLES WERE HAVING THE SAME FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 117.

NHTSA #: 10207765
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Nov 2007

2007 KIA OPTIMA PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL NOT IN GAGE WIN IN SET . DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME . AIR BAG LIGHT TELLS YOU WHEN IT IS NOT ON. KIA HAS REPLACED SET DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM . BEEN TOLD BY KIA THAT NOT SITTING IN THE SEAT RIGHT. IT HAPPENS WITH ALL TYPES OF PASSENGERS, BUT DOSE NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME . KIA HAS SAID THAT WE NEED TO HAVE SEETING LESSENS. WE HAVE VIDEO TAPES AND PICTURES OF THIS, PLUS WITTNESS OF THIS HAPPING . I FEEL I AM DRIVING A UNSAFE CAR . PLEASE HELP ME . *TR

NHTSA #: 10207638
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2007

THE AIRBAG ACTUATION SYSTEM IS DESIGN DEFECTIVE, AT LEAST FROM MY POINT OF VIEW, IN THAT IT DOES NOT ALWAYS BECOME ACTIVE , WHEN A PASSENGER IS SITTING IN IT. I HAVE HAD PASSENGERS FROM 105# TO 315#, AND SOMETIMES THE SYSTEM IS ACTIVE AND SOMETIMES NOT. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY KIA SERVICE THAT THE 8" BLADDER IN THE SEAT, WHICH ACTIVATES THE SYSTEM FOR DEPLOYMENT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, IS SENSITIVE TO WHERE AND HOW THE PASSENGER SITS IN THE SEAT. IF THEY DON'T SIT IN JUS A CERTAIN MANNER, THE SYSTEM DOES NOT ACTIVATE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ITEM AND HAS AN IMMEDIATE URGENCY TO HAVE KIA REMEDY THIS. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT AND THE BAG DOES NOT DEPLOY FOR THE PASSENGER DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, I MOST DEFINITELY WILL BE IN COURT WITH KIA. *TR

NHTSA #: 10207076
mediumAIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
Filed: Sep 2007

OUR 2007 KIA SORENTO HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SYSTEM. THIS IS MY WIFE'S CAR AND I RIDE AS A PASSENGER. WHEN I RIDE 75% OF THE TIME THE AIR BAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF, THIS TELLS US THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM IS NOT ON. WE HAVE NOTICED MANY THINGS THAT WILL CORRECT THIS AND ALSO MAKE IT HAPPEN. ONE THING IS IT NORMALLY HAPPENS AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN LEFT OFF FOR AWHILE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT MAY GO OFF ARE YOU START THE CAR BUT WHEN YOU SHIFT IT INTO GEAR IT POPS ON. YOU CAN ALSO GET IT TO COME ON SOMETIMES WHEN YOU REMOVE YOUR SEAT BELT. YOU CAN SOMETIMES CORRECT THE PROBLEMS BY SHUTTING OFF AND RESARTING THE CAR. NOW THIS IS A VERY ANNOYING PROBLEM AND A ERRATIC ISSUE. BEING A AUTOMOTIVE TECH AND A ELECTRONIC TECH I CAN SEE HOW THE KIA DEALER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HELP WITH OUT SEEING THE PROBLEM. THE KIA DEALER HERE IS REALLY NO HELP AS WHEN WE TOOK IT IN THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID "SHOW ME THE PROBLEM" BUT OF COURSE WE COULD NOT REPRODUCE IT AT THAT TIME. WE HAVE SINCE HAD THE CAR FOR A FEW MONTHS AND HAVE TAKEN NOTICE OF HOW THE PROBLEM IS SHOWING UP. WE HAVE NOT TAKEN IT IN AS WE HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE IN THE KIA TECHNICAL STAFF AS TO THERE CAPABILITIES OF REPAIR. I SHOULD SAY WE FIRST BOUGHT A 06 SORENTO AND HAD IT IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR 5 WEEKS OUT OF THE 7 WEEKS, WE OWNED IT AND TRADED IT IN FOR THE 07 TRYING TO GIVE KIA A CHANCE TO REDEEM FOR ALL THE PROBLEMS BEFORE. *TR

NHTSA #: 10201724
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2007

I HAVE A 2007 KIA SORRENTO THAT WAS PURCHASED PARTLY BECAUSE OF THE 5 STAR SAFETY RATING. HOWEVER, IN MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEACTIVATION SENSOR DESIGNED TO DEACTIVATE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WHEN THE SEAT IS OCCUPIED BY A CHILD ALSO DEACTIVATES THE AIRBAG MORE THAN 50% OF THE TIME WHEN AN ADULT OCCUPIES THE SEAT. I HAVE REPORTED THIS ISSUE TO MY DEALER 3 TIMES AND THE SERVICE MANAGER TELLS ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO BECAUSE THERE IS NO "FIX" FROM THE FACTORY. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT HE IS NOT AWARE OF ANYONE ELSE HAVING THIS PROBLEM ( I DOUBT THAT) AND THAT KIA WAS NOT PARTICULARLY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WAS A "SECONDARY PROTECTION DEVICE" WHICH WAS NOT REALLY NECESSARY TO PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IF THE OCCUPANT WAS WEARING HIS/HER SEAT BELT. I CALLED KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY BASICALLY "BLEW ME OFF" SAYING THAT KIA WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM IN "DUE TIME". HOW CAN KIA ADVERTISE A 5 STAR SAFETY RATING WHEN IN FACT THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS SENSOR ISSUE AND ARE NOT WILLING OR ABLE TO FIX IT? APPEARS TO ME THAT THERE IS SOME FALSE ADVERTISING GOING ON AND REALLY WE HAVE ABOUT A 2 STAR SAFETY RATING! *JB

NHTSA #: 10201075
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2007

PURCHASED A NEW 2007 KIA SORRENTO ON 3/30/07. LEFT THE DEALERSHIP WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBACK DISCONNECT LIGHT ON WITH AN ADULT SITTING IN THE SEAT. HAVE TAKEN THE CAR INTO TWO DIFFERENT DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENTS AND THEY HAVE REFUSED TO ADDRESS THIS SAFETY ISSUE. REPORTED PROBLEM TO KIA USA CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN OTHER THAN REFER US TO ANOTHER DEALER FOR SERVICE. A SERVICE MANAGER I SPOKE WITH SAID THIS WAS A "KNOWN PROBLEM" WITH THE 06 AND 07 SORRENTO BUT THAT THE COMPANY COULD NOT "REPRODUCE A HARD ERROR". THE SERVICE MANAGER WENT ON TO TELL ME THAT THERE ARE SENSORS IN THE SEAT CUSHION AND SEAT BACK AND THAT A PASSENGER HAS TO SIT IN THE SEAT IN A PARTICULAR WAY IN ORDER FOR CONTACT TO BE MADE PROPERLY. THE MANAGER WENT ON TO SAY THAT HE HAD SEEN A LOT OF 06 AND 07 SORRENTO'S WITH THIS PROBLEM AND WAS WAITING ON KIA TO TAKE ACTION. OTHER THAN PURSUE THE LEMON LAW PROCESS, WHAT OTHER RECOURSE DOES A CONSUMER HAVE WITH A CLEAR ENGINEERING DEFECT OF A KEY SAFETY FEATURE? *TR

NHTSA #: 10198364
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jul 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 900 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50.

NHTSA #: 10196225
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: May 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1000. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WILL STAY OFF WHEN THERE IS AN ADULT IN PASSENGER SEAT. THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA #: 10191370
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: May 2007

I BOUGHT A 2007 KIA SORENTO A MONTH AGO. IT HAS A PASSENGER SENSOR IN THE SEAT THAT ACTIVATES THE AIR BAG ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. IF A CHILD OR PASSENGER WHO DOESN'T MEET THE WEIGHT REQUIREMENT SITS IN THE SEAT IT WILL DEACTIVATE THE AIR BAG. PROBLEM IS THAT THE SENSOR ISN'T WORKING FOR PASSENGERS WHO MEET THE WEIGHT REQUIREMENT . THE AIR BAG IS DEACTIVATED AND THEREFORE THE SAFETY FEATURE THAT IS THE AIR BAG IS NO LONGER THERE TO PROTECT THE FRONT PASSENGER AND THERE IS NO WAY TO OVERRIDE THAT FEATURE. I ASKED THE SERVICE GUY AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP AND HE SAID THERE'S NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG HASN'T BEEN WORKING SINCE I BOUGHT IT. *TR

NHTSA #: 10189448

Other 2007 Kia Sorento Issues