Kia is set to recall 145,000 cars over an airbag issue that could have serious implications in the event of a crash.
The affected vehicles include 95,569 model year 2006-2008 Optima sedans as well as 50,186 2007-08 Rondo crossovers.
The Korean automaker says that the clock contact spring assembly for the driver’s airbag can be become damaged through usage over time. The damaged assembly could cause the airbag’s electrical circuit to experience a high resistance condition and potentially prevent the airbag itself from deploying, which would clearly increase the risk of injury in a collision.
The condition causes the airbag warning light in the instrument panel to illuminate.
Kia will begin notifying owners in March, and, when necessary, dealers will replace the spring contact assembly free of charge. The automaker is not aware of any injuries related to the issue, according to a report in the Detroit News.
