Vehicle recall 18V363000 · June 1, 2018
Kia Forte, Forte Koup and 3 more models
In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
- Consequence
- If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
- Remedy
- Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
- Notes
- Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 18V363000
- Reported to NHTSA
- June 1, 2018
- Filed by
- Kia Motors America
- Manufacturer campaign
- SC165
- Owner notification
- September 28, 2018
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 507,587
- Initiated by
- NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
- Components
- Air bags › Air bag/restraint control module
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Kia Forte (2010-2013): 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010
- Kia Forte Koup (2010-2013): 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010
- Kia Optima (2011-2013): 2013, 2012, 2011
- Kia Optima Hybrid (2011-2012): 2012, 2011
- Kia Sedona (2011-2012): 2012, 2011
Has your Kia been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Kia dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.