11/06/2018

Kia recalls over airbag fears

Reuters reports that more than half a million cars have been recalled in the US over an airbag problem.

This recall affects Kia vehicles with the automaker saying that an electronic glitch could prevent air bags from deploying in a crash.

Kia's affiliate, Hyundai Motor Corp saw four people killed and six injured in crashes involving its vehicles where airbags failed to go off leading to an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Kia's recall issued on Friday covers 2010-2013 Kia Fortes, 2011-2013 Kia Optimas and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles.

Kia said that the problem may be caused by the air bag control unit short circuiting due to electrical 'overstress'.

The company said it does not yet have a fix, but is working with its supplier on the issue.

Kia spokesman James Bell said the company 'is attempting to have a remedy by the scheduled owner notification date of July 27. If Kia does not have a remedy by that date or if any customer feels unsafe in his/her vehicle, we will provide a rental car until the repair has been completed.'

NHTSA said the air bag control module under investigation was built by ZF Friedrichshafen AG, a German auto supplier.

ZF said on Friday that it has worked with Kia and 'continues to cooperate and support NHTSA and its customers in the investigation.'

ZF said on Friday that each air bag control unit 'is designed to a customer's particular vehicle and platform-specific specifications.'