NHTSA Recall 18V363000: Air bag/restraint control module (air bags)
Kia Motors America reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 507,587 vehicles. It affects 5 models including the Kia Forte.
| NHTSA campaign | 18V363000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | SC165 |
| Component | AIR BAGS › AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE |
| Report received | June 1, 2018 |
| Owner notification | September 28, 2018 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
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.
Safety 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.
Remedy
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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Vehicles covered by recall 18V363000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Kia Forte | 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 |
| Kia Forte Koup | 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 |
| Kia Optima | 2011, 2012, 2013 |
| Kia Optima Hybrid | 2011, 2012 |
| Kia Sedona | 2011, 2012 |
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.