Kia Recalling 10,631 MY 2007-2008 Sorento Cars

WASHINGTON – Kia Motors Corp. is recalling 10,631 model-year 2007-2008 Sorento passenger cars because of potential air bag failure, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The vehicles covered by the recall were all manufactured from June 15, 2006 through Nov. 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 turn 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, 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.

As a result, the passenger side air bag is turned off when the occupant classification system misclassifies an adult passenger. With the front passenger airbag off, the front passenger will not have the protection of the passenger air bags in some frontal collisions.

To remedy the problem, Kia will update the programming in the Sorento occupant classification system control module at no charge. Vehicle owners can reach Kia at (800) 333-4542.