NHTSA Recall 21V164000: Air bags: front passenger and air bag/restraint control module (air bags)
Kia Motors America reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 142 vehicles. It affects 3 models including the Kia Forte.
| NHTSA campaign | 21V164000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | SC207 |
| Components | AIR BAGS › SENSOR › OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION › FRONT PASSENGER; AIR BAGS › AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE |
| Report received | March 11, 2021 |
| Owner notification | March 18, 2021 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021 Telluride, K5, and Forte vehicles. The Occupant Classification and Detection System (OCS/ODS) unit may not detect the presence of a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Safety risk
In the event of a crash, deployment of the front passenger air bag, with a child in that seat, can increase the risk of injury to the child.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCS/ODS unit, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC207.
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 21V164000
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.