Kia has recalled 2,300 Seltos SUVs from model year 2024 and Soul small hatchbacks from model year 2023 because their side curtain airbags can deploy unexpectedly.
Airbags deploy thanks to airbag inflators — tiny capsules containing chemicals that combine when triggered, creating a rapidly expanding gas that squirts out of a nozzle to inflate the fabric bag in a fraction of a second.
Kia tells the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that due to a welding error, the gases can combine in some of its inflators without a trigger. The sudden, loud occurrence of an unexpected airbag inflation in the cabin could shock a driver into losing control of a vehicle.
The company is aware of at least two incidents, both in empty, parked cars, so no one has been hurt by the problem.
Dealers will inspect the airbag modules and replace them if they find the welding defect.
Recall repairs are always free.
Manufacturers recall many cars at least once. They attempt to contact every owner, but they don’t always reach them all with the news. Find out if your car needs any recall-related repairs at our recall center.
