Kia Rio Recalled for Faulty Occupant Sensor Classification Sensor

If you’re a regular reader, it is highly unlikely that you own a 2006-2008 Kia Rio. But if you know someone who does, share this news with them. Kia is recalling 72,568 Rios from the 2006, 2007 and 2008 model years to have their front seat passenger occupant sensor mats replaced at no cost.

The problem is that the occupant sensor mats in these vehicles may experience “fatigue cracking,” and could stop working. If you place a child in the front seat, it is possible that the occupant sensor system won’t shut the front passenger airbag off, which means the airbag could deploy during a collision and increase risk of injury to the child.

Replacement occupant sensor mats are scheduled to become available in July of 2012. The NHTSA Campaign ID Number is 12V244000 and Kia’s safety recall campaign number is SC097. Concerned owners can also contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542 or the NHTSA at 1-800-424-9153.

– Christian Wardlaw