Kia Recalls Optima Sedan to Keep Metal Parts From Hitting Occupants During a Crash
Earlier this year, a metal bracket struck and injured a driver when the side-impact airbag deployed
Kia is recalling almost 258,000 Optima sedans from the 2012 and 2013 model years because a metal part may detach and strike occupants if the side airbags deploy in a crash, potentially causing injury.
The part in question is a bracket used to attach the headliner to the interior of the vehicle’s roof, and is part of its crash-absorbing structure. According to documents Kia provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the bracket was not installed with enough adhesive during vehicle assembly.
The automaker is already involved in a product liability lawsuit after the driver of a 2012 Kia Optima was injured when a headliner plate detached in a crash. Kia says it is not aware of any other injuries involving this issue.
The Details
Vehicles recalled: Kia Optima sedans manufactured between Aug. 12, 2011, and Sept. 27, 2013.
The problem: The vehicle’s headliner plates may detach if the side-impact airbags deploy in a crash, which could cause injury.
The fix: Kia dealerships will add an industrial-grade adhesive tape over the left and right headliner plates to further secure them to the headliner.
How to contact the manufacturer: Kia will notify owners of recalled vehicles by mail starting Sept. 26, 2022. Owners may also contact Kia at 800-333-4542.
NHTSA campaign number: 22V560. Kia’s own number for this recall is SC245.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.
Stay informed about recalls that might affect your vehicle using our Car Recall Tracker.
Create a free account now to become a CR member.
