SC263 Side Curtain Air Bags May Not Deploy Properly – 2021-2023 Kia K5

March 7, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V149000

Side Curtain Air Bags May Not Deploy Properly

Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V149

Manufacturer KiaeBay logo America, Inc.

Components AIR BAGS

Potential Number of Units Affected 188,912

 

Summary

KiaeBay logo America, Inc. (KiaeBay logo) is recalling certain 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may have been installed incorrectly, causing them not to deploy properly in the event of a crash.

 

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2023. Owners may contact KiaeBay logo customer service at 1-800-333-4542. KiaeBay logo’s number for this recall is SC263.

 

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.nhtsa.gov.

 

Check if your Kia has a Recall

 


March 2023
SC263

SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG INSPECTION/REINSTALLATION (SC263)

This bulletin provides information to inspect the installed condition of both LH and RH side curtain airbags in all 2021-2023MY K5 (DL3a) vehicles produced from March 27, 2020 through November 16, 2022 and certain 2023MY K5 (DL3a) produced from November 17, 2022 through December 9, 2022. The subject vehicles are equipped with side curtain airbags that may have been installed improperly during vehicle assembly. As a result, the side curtain airbag(s) may not deploy properly in a crash sufficient to warrant such a deployment. An improper deployment of the side curtain airbag(s) increases the risk of injury in a crash. Follow the procedure outlined in this publication to inspect the installed condition of both RH and LH side curtain airbags in the affected vehicles and, if necessary, reinstall properly. Before conducting the procedure, verify that the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs.

NOTICE

There is no charge to the vehicle owner for this repair. Under applicable law, you may not sell or otherwise deliver any affected vehicle until it has been repaired pursuant to the procedures set forth in this bulletin.

 

Inspection Procedure:

For additional tips, information, click the icon or scan the QR code to watch the Curtain Airbag Inspection video (Steps 1-3).

1. Open the passenger (RH) door and partially detach the door weatherstrip (A) as shown.

2. Carefully, pull down on the headliner (B) trim as shown (about 1.0 – 1.5 inches) to view/access the curtain airbag (C).

3.a. Inspect the curtain airbag (D) along the yellow outlined inspection area (use a flashlight if needed) and confirm one of the following conditions:

Do Not attempt to remove the ‘A’ pillar trim (C) for this inspection. Images shown are for reference use only.

  • The curtain airbag (D) does not appear to be installed twisted and the red ¼” line marking is not visible (OK), reinstall the door weatherstrip and proceed to step 3b for the driver (LH) side, page 3

Note: The ¼” line marking is colored blue for the left, driver side airbag.

  • The curtain airbag (D) does appear to be installed twisted and the red ¼” line marking is visible (NG). Take a photo using KDS and open a Techline Case. Repeat Steps 1-3 for driver (LH) side, then proceed to step 4.

3b.

  • The curtain airbag (D) does not appear to be installed twisted and the blue ¼” line marking is not visible (OK), then skip to step 5.
  • The curtain airbag (D) does appear to be installed twisted and the blue ¼” line marking is visible (NG). Take a photo using KDS and open a Techline Case and then proceed to step 4.

Note: The ¼” line marking is colored blue for the (LH) driver side airbag. (The line marking should be facing the inside of the vehicle, not outside).

Note: The ¼” line marking is colored red for the (RH) passenger side airbag. (The line marking should be facing the inside of the vehicle, not outside).

4. Repair the affected side (NG) (LH and/or RH) curtain airbag (D) if applicable, by referring to ‘Repair Procedure’ outlined on Pg. 4.

5. Reinstall the door weatherstrip.

 

Repair Procedure:

1a. Contact Techline with video of the condition prior to starting this repair procedure.

1b. Upload pictures in KVID (Under Warranty Claim Attachment). Refer to the User Guide located on the KVID app home screen and on KDealer for additional information.

NOTE: DO NOT proceed until instructed by Techline agent.

2. Disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal and wait for at least 3 1/2

3. Remove the front ‘A’ pillar trim by referring to “Body (Interior and Exterior) → Interior Trim → Front Pillar Trim → Removal and Installation” in the applicable Shop Manual on KGIS.

Note: The tether clip will need to be unscrewed from the ‘A’ pillar trim to replace.

4. Remove the two (2) front curtain airbag (A) retaining bolts (C).

5. Carefully, untwist the curtain airbag (A) so that the (RH) red or (LH) blue line marking is facing the interior of the vehicle.

Tightening torque for bolts: 5.8 – 8.7 lb.ft (7.8 – 11.8 N.m)

6. Reinstall the two (2) curtain airbag retaining bolts (B).

7. Reinstall all removed parts in the reverse order of removal.

NOTICE

Replace both front ‘A’ pillar trim clip and fastener from step 1, as they are not reusable parts

 

AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:

ModelProduction Date Range
K5 (DL3a)March 3, 2020 to December 9, 2022

 

REQUIRED PART:

Part NamePart NumberQty.
‘A’ Pillar Trim Tether Clip85815 C11001 per side
‘A’ Pillar Trim Fastener82315 2P0001 per side

 

 


2021-2023 MY K5 VEHICLES
SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG – SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN (SC263)
Q & A
March 10, 2023

Q1. What type of campaign is KiaeBay logo conducting?

A1. KiaeBay logo America, Inc., pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, is conducting a Safety Recall Campaign to address a condition involving the side curtain airbag(s).

 

Q2. What vehicles are affected by the recall?

A2. All 2021-2023 MY K5 vehicles manufactured from March 27, 2020 to November 16, 2022, and
Certain 2023 MY K5 vehicles manufactured from November 17, 2022 through December 9, 2022.

 

Q3. How many customer vehicles are affected by this recall?

A3. Approximately 188,912 vehicles.

 

Q4. What is the concern with the side curtain airbag?

A4. The side curtain airbag(s) may have been installed improperly during vehicle production. As a result, the side curtain airbag(s) may not deploy properly in a crash sufficient to warrant such a deployment. An improper deployment of the side curtain airbag(s) increases the risk of injury in a crash.

 

Q5. Can you describe the recall campaign and fix?

A5. Dealers will inspect the installed condition of the side curtain airbags and, if necessary, reinstall the side curtain airbag(s) correctly.

 

Q6. How will owners of the affected vehicles be notified?

A6. KiaeBay logo will send a letter notifying owners of the affected vehicles by first class mail beginning on April 7, 2023.

 

Q7. What should vehicle owners do when they receive the notification?

A7. Upon receipt of the letter, owners are to contact their authorized KiaeBay logo dealer to arrange to have the recall performed on their vehicle.

 

Q8. Where were these vehicles produced?

A8. The affected vehicles were produced at a KiaeBay logo assembly plant in the U.S.

 

Q9. Will this cost vehicle owners any money?

A9. No. KiaeBay logo will perform the recall repair free of charge at no cost to the customer.

 

Q10. What about customers who may have already paid to have this situation corrected?

A10. If the customer has incurred expense to remedy this issue prior to the date of this notice, the customer may have the opportunity to obtain reimbursement for that expense. Customers may submit their receipts online to KiaeBay logo via the Owners section (Contact KiaeBay logo) of www.kia.com OR mail their documentation with the completed Request for Reimbursement Form included with this letter directly to KiaeBay logo for review and consideration at the following address:

KiaeBay logo Customer Care Center
KiaeBay logo America, Inc.
P.O. Box 52410
Irvine, CA 92619-2410
1-800-333-4542

 

A11. Are there any restrictions on an owner’s eligibility?

A11. No.

 

Q12. If a customer has an immediate question, where can they get further information?

A12. The customer can contact their local authorized KiaeBay logo dealership or call KiaeBay logo’s Customer Care Center at 1-800-333-4KIA (4542), Monday through Friday, 5 AM to 6 PM Pacific Time, or via the internet at www.kia.com (Owner’s Section).

 


2021-2023MY KiaeBay logo K5
Side Curtain Airbag
Basis of Safety Defect Determination 573.6(c)(6)

January 24, 2023
KiaeBay logo North America (KiaeBay logo NA) Safety Office engineer inspects 2021MY K5 crash incident vehicle with steering assist allegation. During inspection, KiaeBay logo NA Safety Office engineer notices that the driver’s side curtain airbag may have deployed improperly.

January 25, 2023
KiaeBay logo NA Safety Office sends photographs of the airbag condition of the subject vehicle to KiaeBay logo Georgia for their review.

February 2, 2023
KiaeBay logo NA Safety Office meets with KiaeBay logo Georgia to review the photographs taken from the January 24th inspection. KiaeBay logo Georgia requests inspection of vehicle.

February 3-9, 2023
KiaeBay logo NA works to schedule KiaeBay logo Georgia’s inspection. Inspection scheduled for February 23, 2023.

February 10, 2023
KiaeBay logo NA Safety Office escalates concern to the SEL for further investigation.

February 23, 2023
KiaeBay logo NA Safety Office and KiaeBay logo Georgia engineers conduct inspection of the subject 2021MY K5 vehicle and confirm improper installation of driver’s side curtain airbag. Passenger side curtain airbag installed properly.

February 28, 2023
KiaeBay logo NA Safety Office completes review of field data involving the 2021-2023MY K5 and no other improper deployments identified in field data.

Since this installation condition may cause improper side curtain airbag deployment, KiaeBay logo NA decides to recall certain 2021MY-2023MY K5 vehicles as a precautionary measure. No fatalities. No confirmed injuries related to this recall condition.

 


3 Affected Products

Vehicle

MAKEMODELYEAR
KIAeBay logoK52021-2023

 


11 Associated Documents

Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-23V149-6708.PDF 213.728KB

 


Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-23V149-2677.pdf 723.777KB

 


2021-2023MY K5 Side Curtain Airbag Chronology

RMISC-23V149-7587.pdf 76.366KB

 


Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-23V149-7363.pdf 925.096KB

 


Q & A March 10, 2023

RMISC-23V149-3742.pdf 110.507KB

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – March 10, 2023

RCMN-23V149-0301.pdf 106.132KB

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – March 10, 2023 Parts and Service Manager Memo

RCMN-23V149-5157.pdf 82.023KB

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-23V149-5667.pdf 240.969KB

 


Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2023-2

RCLQRT-23V149-9906.PDF 211.145KB

 


Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2023-3

RCLQRT-23V149-5862.PDF 211.395KB

 


Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2023-4

RCLQRT-23V149-4924.PDF 211.488KB

 


Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=23V149&docType=RCL

 


 

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