Kia Vehicles Recalled Due to Potential Seatbelt Housing Explosions

What: 2020-2022 Kia Sorento HEV and PHEV

Who: Kia Motors Corporation

Why: Due to a manufacturing issue, the seat belt pre-tensioner inflator cap may fracture when deployed in the event of an accident. Metal fragments may be propelled at high speed towards the vehicle occupants and could cause serious injuries. 

When: The affected vehicles were recalled on September 25, 2023.

Where: Currently, the recall affects certain vehicles in Australia; however, vehicle owners can contact their local Kia dealership in order to learn if their area has been affected. 

How Customers Can Identify a Recalled Product: Kia customers can contact their local Kia dealership and verify if their vehicle identification number (VIN) is affected by the recall. Kia vehicle owners can also enter their VIN into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website to determine if their vehicle has been affected by the recall. 

Late last month, nearly 200 Kia Sorento SUVs were recalled by Kia Motor Company (Kia) after it was discovered that a seatbelt failure could lead to severe or even life-threatening injuries in the event of an accident. According to the recall posted by the motor company on September 25, certain Kia Sorento models from 2020-2022 were equipped with faulty seat belt pre-tensioners that could explode in the event of an accident. 

The report goes on to explain the risk stems from a manufacturing issue where the affected seat belt pre-tensioner inflator cap may fracture when deployed. The fracture could cause the device to explode, propelling metal fragments at high speed toward the occupants of the car. Currently, this recall affects the 2020 - 2022 Kia Sorento HEV and PHEV vehicle models; however, Kia has issued a detailed list of the specific vehicle identification numbers affected by the recall, some of which include the following:

• KNARM81HSN5117249
• KNARM81HSN5117250
• KNARM81HSN5117242
• KNARM81HSN5117243
• KNARM81HSN5117244
• KNARM81HSN5117245
• KNARM81HSN5117246
• KNARM81HSN5117247
• KNARM81HSN5117248
• KNARM81HSN5110255
• KNARM81HSN5110256
• KNARM81HSN5110257
• KNARM81HSN5110258

Customers can locate a comprehensive list of the vehicles affected by the Kia recall here. Owners of the affected vehicles are urged to immediately contact their local or preferred Kia dealer in order to schedule an appointment for repairs, free of charge. If you are unable to locate your vehicle's VIN on the list, it may not be affected by the recall. However, if you suspect your vehicle may be one of the models affected, customers are urged to contact their local Kia dealership for confirmation. 

Kia Continues To Recall Vehicles With Failing Safety Features

This isn't the first time Kia has recalled its vehicles due to defective seatbelts. Similar to the most recent recall, in 2022, the motor company issued another recall of the 2021 and 2021 Sorento Hybrid SUV and the 2022 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid due to the potential of their front seat belt pre-tensioners exploding. In this case, the seat belt pre-tensioner installed in the vehicles uses a controlled explosive charge to tighten the belt in order to prevent injury.

However, on these recalled vehicles, the seat belt pre-tensioners could explode in a way that sends metal fragments toward the vehicle's occupants. Roughly 17,200 vehicles were affected by the recall. In order to fix the issue, Kia dealerships installed a protective cap on the faulty pre-tensioners free of charge. 

Earlier this month, Kia issued another recall involving 1,730,192 vehicles. According to the NHTSA report, the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit in those vehicles may cause an electrical short, resulting in an engine compartment fire. Kia has asked owners to keep their cars parked outside and away from any structures for their own safety. Affected vehicles will have their HECU replaced at no cost to them. 

If you believe you or a loved one has been affected by the most recent Kia recalls or have suffered an injury due to an exploding seat belt pre-tensioner, you may be eligible for financial compensation. For more information on the recall and to learn if you have a claim, Kia customers can contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney by completing our free, no-obligation case evaluation form today.