NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V784
Manufacturer Kia
Motors America
Components AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected 2,014
Inflator Component may Detach During Deployment
If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
Summary
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s number for this recall is SC159.
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.
Check if your Kia has a Recall
December 11, 2017
Attention: All Kia Parts & Service Managers
Kia Motors America, Inc., pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, is conducting a Safety Recall Campaign on certain 2018 MY Sorento vehicles produced from September 5, 2017 through November 29, 2017. The inflator in the side curtain airbag is equipped with a top hat diffuser. Some diffusers were formed improperly during the manufacturing process. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the side curtain airbag, the diffuser may detach and could possibly enter the vehicle occupant compartment increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Dealers are to replace both driver and passenger side curtain airbags with improved ones.
The Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provides Vehicle Repair Procedures, Affected VIN Production Range, and Warranty Claim Information will be posted on the Kia Global Information System (KGIS) at www.kiatechinfo.com during the week of December 11, 2017.
PARTS INFORMATION – Dealers must order parts in support of this Safety Recall Campaign. Refer to the TSB and Parts Bulletin to be published during the week of December 11, 2017.
NOTE: The dealer should provide the customer with alternate transportation if requested to minimize inconvenience. Dealers will be able to submit for reimbursement of alternate transportation expenses as outlined in the TSB.
Enclosed you will find a copy of the owner notification letter and a Q&A Guide for recall questions, both of which describe the issue. A list of Kia Sorento vehicles affected by this recall can be accessed on WEBDCS. Log onto the site, select the Campaigns Tab, click on Open Campaign Report in the left side menu, and select SC159 to generate the list.
Kia will mail notices to the affected 2018 MY Sorento vehicle owners on December 13, 2017. Please start performing the repairs on any affected vehicles currently in your inventory.
Also, please make certain the appropriate personnel in your dealership are familiar with the details of this recall to ensure proper responses to customer inquiries and request to have the recall performed on their 2018 MY Kia Sorento vehicles. This Safety Recall represents an opportunity for your service department to deliver an exceptional service experience (e.g. flexible service appointment process, car wash and vacuum and timely service).
NHTSA ADVISORY: It is a violation of Federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle covered by this notification under a sale or lease until the defect is remedied.
LEGAL PRIVACY LIABILITY NOTICE: Pursuant to the terms of the Dealer Sales and Service Agreement and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley federal consumer privacy act, you are required to keep confidential any and all information and documents provided to you by Kia Motors America, Inc. or generated by you in the conduct of carrying out work under that Agreement regarding Kia vehicle purchasers and owners, including but not limited to warranty claim information. Kia dealers may use such owner information for the sole purpose of conducting and performing this safety recall campaign, and for no other purpose.
Your prompt attention in completing this recall is appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact your Kia District Parts and Service Manager.
Sincerely,
Neem Van der Reest
Quality Analysis Manager
Enclosures
SC159 – 2018 MY SORENTO SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG INFLATOR DIFFUSER
SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN
Q & A
December 11, 2017
| Q1. | What type of campaign is Kia conducting? |
| A1. | Kia is conducting a safety recall to replace the driver and passenger side curtain airbags. |
| Q2. | What vehicles are affected by the recall? |
| A2. | Certain 2018 MY Kia Sorento vehicles, manufactured from September 5, 2017 through November 29, 2017. |
| Q3. | How many customer vehicles are affected by this recall? |
| A3. | Approximately 2,014 vehicles. |
| Q4. | What is the concern with the Side Curtain Airbags? |
| A4. | The inflator in the side curtain airbag is equipped with a top hat diffuser. Some diffusers formed improperly during the manufacturing process. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the side curtain airbag, the diffuser may detach and could possibly enter the vehicle occupant compartment increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. |
| Q5. | Can you describe the recall campaign and fix? |
| A5. | All owners of the subject vehicles will be notified by first class mail with instructions to bring their vehicles to a Kia dealer. Dealers will be instructed to replace the driver and passenger side curtain airbags with improved ones. Kia will reimburse owners for repair expenses already incurred pursuant to Kia’s General Reimbursement Plan filed March 21, 2016. |
| Q6. | How was the issue discovered? |
| A6. | The supplier identified the issue as a result of testing. |
| Q7. | What should vehicle owners do when they receive the notification? |
| A7. | Owners should contact their Kia dealer to arrange for the repair to be performed. |
| Q8. | Have there been any deaths or injuries as a result of this condition? |
| A8. | No. |
| Q9. | Has Kia had any litigation regarding this condition? |
| A9. | No. |
| Q10. | Will this cost vehicle owners any money? |
| A10. | No. The replacement of the driver and passenger side curtain airbags will be at no cost to the customer. |
| Q11. | What about customers who may have already paid to have the driver and passenger side curtain airbags replaced? |
| A11. | Owners who have incurred expense to remedy this issue prior to the date of this notice may have the opportunity to obtain reimbursement for that expense. You may submit your receipts online to Kia via the Owners section (Contact Kia) of www.kia.com OR mail your documentation directly to Kia for review and consideration at the following address:
Consumer Assistance Center |
| Q12. | How long will the repair take? |
| A12. | The estimated time required to replace the driver and passenger side curtain airbag assemblies in the vehicle is approximately 3 to 4 hours. Contact the dealer for an exact estimate of how long they may need the vehicle and schedule a service appointment to minimize inconvenience. |
| Q13. | How will owners of the affected vehicles be notified? |
| A13. | Kia will be notifying owners of the affected vehicles by first-class mail beginning on December 13, 2017. |
| Q14. | Are there any restrictions on an owner’s eligibility? |
| A14. | No. |
| Q15. | If a customer has an immediate question, where can they get further information? |
| A15. | The customer can contact their local Kia dealership or call Kia’s Consumer Assistance Center at 1800-333-4KIA (4542), Monday through Friday, 5 AM to 6 PM Pacific Standard Time, or via the internet @ www.kia.com (Owner’s Section). |
SC159 (Rev 2, 1/24/2018)
SC159 (Rev 1) 01/11/2018
December 2017
December 18, 2017
December 11, 2017
December 11, 2017
December 11, 2017
December 19, 2017
- [Easy to Use—Work Out of the Box] + [FOXWELL 2026 New Version] FOXWELL NT604 Elite scan tool is the 2026 new version from FOXWELL, designed for car owners who want to figure out the cause of issues before fixing car problems by scanning common systems like ABS, SRS, engine, and transmission. The NT604 Elite obd2 scanner diagnostic tool comes with the latest software—no need to waste time downloading software first. Plug the scanner into the OBDII port with OBDII cable to start the diagnosis.
- [Affordable] + [Reliable Car Health Monitor] Will you be confused what happens when the warning light of ABS/SRS/transmission/check engine flashes? Instead of taking your cars to dealership, this FOXWELL scanner will help you do a thorough scanning and detection for your cars and pinpoint the root cause. Note：The device is a diagnostic tool, not a repair tool. To turn off a warning light, you must first physically repair the issue causing it. Only then can the scanner be used to clear the corresponding fault code.
- [5 in 1 Car Diagnostic Scanner] Compared with obd scanners (50-100), NT604 Elite code scanner not only includes their OBDII diagnosis but also serves as ABS/SRS scanner, transmission and check engine code reader. When it’s an odb2 scanner, you can use it to check if your car is ready for annual test through I/M readiness menu. In addition, live data stream, built-in DTC library, data play back and print, all these features are a big plus for it. Note: doesn't support maintenance functions like reset or relearn. For the SRS system, NT604 Elite can read and clear common fault codes not caused by a crash, but crash/collision data cannot be cleared.
- [Fantastic AUTOVIN] + [No extra software fee] Through the AUTOVIN menu, this NT604 Elite car scanner allows you to get your V-IN and vehicle info rapidly, no need to take time to find your V-IN and input one by one. What's more, the NT604 Elite ABS SRS scanner supports 60+ car brands from worldwide (America/Asia/Europe). You don’t need to pay extra software fee. AUTOVIN may not work on some older vehicles or certain vehicle brands. If AUTOVIN fails, please input the vin code manually or go to the Diagnostic Menu to select your vehicle model.
- [Solid protective case KO plastic carrying bag] + [Lifetime update] Almost all same price-level car scanner diagnostic tool only offers plastic bag to hold the scanner.However, NT604 Elite automotive scanner is equipped with solid protective case, preventing your obd2 scanner from damage. Then you don’t need to pay extra money to buy a solid toolbox.
- 【4 SYSTEMS DIAGNOSTICS OBD2 SCANNER】- More than a standard check engine code reader, this OBD2 scanner diagnostic tool covers Engine, Transmission, SRS (Airbag), and ABS (Anti-lock Brakes) – detecting 90%+ vehicle faults that basic obd scanners miss. It’s a professional car diagnostic scanner designed for both DIYers and small repair shops, saving you trips to expensive mechanics.
- 【3 ESSENTIAL RESET FUNCTIONS FOR HOME MAINTENANCE】-Built-in Oil Reset, EPB Reset, and Battery Match – this car scanner diagnostic tool lets you complete maintenance tasks at home: clear oil change reminders, reset electronic parking brakes after pad replacement, and calibrate new batteries. Skip 50−100$ dealer fees with a scanner for car that turns complex jobs into 5-minute tasks.
- 【COMPATIBILITY WITH 1996+ CARS & SMALL TURCKS】-As a Code reader for cars and small trucks, it supports 9 OBDII protocols (SAE J1850 PWM/SAE J1850 VPW/IS09 141-2/IS0 14230-4 KWP/IS0 15765-4 CAN ETC.) – compatible with most of 1996+ gasoline vehicles and small trucks. Auto VIN automatically identifies your vehicle, making it the easiest vehicle code reader for beginners to use right out of the box.
- 【14 BASIC DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES FOR ALL SCENARIOS】-This car code reader includes Read/Clear DTCs, Live Data Graphs, I/M Readiness Status, Freeze Frame Data, Battery Test, and Oxygen Sensor Monitoring – everything you need for smog test prep, used car inspections, and daily fault checks. It's not just an engine code reader,also a complete diagnostic scanner for all vehicles.
- 【LIFETIME WIFI UPDATES FOR ONGOING COMPATIBILITY】-Unlike outdated odb2 scanners that require paid subscriptions, this OBD2 scanner offers lifetime WiFi updates – get the latest DTC library (100000+ codes) and new vehicle coverage quarterly. No computer needed: connect to WiFi directly, and your car reader diagnostic stays compatible with new models for years.
- 【Reset ABS/SRS/Transmission/Engine Lights】 More than an check engine code reader, OBDMATE OM901 obd2 scanner performs comprehensive diagnostics for the 4 most-used systems (ABS/SRS/Engine/Transmission). It quickly clears fault codes, turns off warning lights, read data stream and auto VIN.
- 【3.5" Handheld Scanner with 4 System Diagnose】 3.5" Super large TFT screen equipped displays an intuitive menu and clear readings of various sensors from ABS, SRS, ECM and TCM systems. It arrived with a silicone protective case and hard-shell carrying case, ensuring long-lived durability and drop resistance. The car diagnostic tool is plug-to-play designed, plug it and get diagnosis started without any batteries or updates required.
- 【One-Click I/M Readines&Full OBD2 Functions】 Press F1 to get an intuitive corloured form about whether various emissions-related systems on the vehicle are operating properly. Help you get smog-check ready quickly. OM901 car scanner supports all essential OBD2 functions you need: read & clear codes, view freeze frame, read I/M readiness, retrieve VIN, live data stream (with graphing display), O2 sensor test, onboard monitoring mode, and EVAP leak test.
- 【Battery Voltage Check&DLC Pin Test】 It allows you to monitor battery health by monitoring current battery voltage. Plus, this obd2 diagnostic tool features DLC 16-PIN test to check current voltage of every pin.
- 【Automotive Scanner Diagnostic Kit】 The package comes with 1 car scanner, 1 USB-type c cable, 1 hard storage bag and 1 user manual(en). Free to update without any hidden fees. 5 languanges available in setting including English, French, Italian, German and Espanish. Valuable and Portable, making it a great tool kit for car owners, DIY enthusiasts, and professional mechanics.
- More Than Just a Code Reader - Access enhanced ABS & SRS diagnostics with ABS auto bleed, supported ABS module active tests, and essential maintenance reset functions. Read and clear ABS/SRS codes after the root cause is repaired or related faults are fixed, view live data, and help identify sensor, wiring, or module-related faults. Update via Wi-Fi with no subscription required. Note: Function coverage varies by vehicle brand, model, and year. Please confirm compatibility before purchase
- Perform ABS Auto Bleed by Yourself - NT630 Plus helps activate supported ABS pumps and valves to remove trapped air after brake service, fluid replacement, caliper work, master cylinder replacement, or ABS-related repair and restore a firmer pedal feel. Your vehicle must support automatic ABS bleeding. If not supported, please perform manual bleeding instead. ABS auto bleed is NOT compatible with all vehicles. Please provide VIN, year, make, model, and engine size to verify ABS bleed support before purchase and let us know if you encounter any operational issues
- Diagnose ABS Warning Lights with Bidirectional Control - Unlike basic scanners, NT630 Plus offers enhanced ABS diagnostics with supported ABS module bidirectional control. This ABS scanner diagnostic tool helps diagnose ABS warning lights, wheel speed sensor issues, wiring faults, hydraulic imbalance symptoms, and ABS module-related problems. View freeze frame, live data, and dynamic graphs for more informed troubleshooting. Available ABS active tests and data vary by vehicle. Note: The device does NOT support ABS coding or relearn procedures
- Easy to Use & DIY Cost Savings - With a 2.8" LCD screen, clear menus, step-by-step guidance, and Wi-Fi updates, NT630 Plus is easy to use even for first-time scanner users. Simply plug into the vehicle's 16PIN OBD port for plug-and-play without extra power supply. No phone app or subscription is needed for everyday checks. Built with sturdy materials and a hard carrying case, it is a practical tool for home garages and DIY users before visiting a repair shop
- Check Engine Light with Live Data & Code Definitions - Diagnose check engine light issues, read and clear generic OBD-II codes, view live engine data such as RPM, coolant temperature, fuel trim, and sensor readings, and understand codes with built-in plain-English DTC definitions. Standard OBD-II 16-pin interface for 12V vehicles. NOTE: Supports universal OBD-II emission-related functions only; does NOT support advanced engine system diagnostics
- [Diagnose Like a Pro] BlueDriver Pro Next-Gen is a professional OBD2 scanner and diagnostic tool that helps you scan, understand, and clear vehicle trouble codes with confidence. Turn your phone into a powerful car diagnostic scanner—no guesswork, no unnecessary repairs.
- [Read and Clear More Codes Than Ever] Read and clear more codes than basic car code readers. Access enhanced diagnostics for Check Engine, ABS, SRS, Airbag, TPMS, Transmission, and more on supported vehicles, including expanded coverage on newer model years.
- [Verified Fixes and Real-Time Data] Get unlimited, technician-verified repair reports matched to your VIN, with definitions, causes, and confirmed fixes. Monitor live vehicle data as you drive, view freeze frames, check smog readiness, and analyze Mode 6 test results.
- [Expanded Make & Model Coverage] Optimized for today’s vehicles with strong support for GM, Ford, Stellantis (RAM, Jeep, Chrysler), Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and VW. Enhanced communication on select 2024+ Nissan and Mazda models (see compatibility chart).
- [Gas Vehicles 1996+ & Select Light-Duty Trucks] Works with all gas-powered vehicles made in 1996 or newer, plus select light-duty trucks and diesels, including F-250, RAM 2500, Silverado, and Sierra. Built for daily drivers, family vehicles, and real-world truck use.
Last update on 2026-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.