Recall 12V244000: OCS Seat Sensor Mat Replacement

VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL: MODEL YEAR(S):

KIA/Rio 2006-2008

MANUFACTURER: KIA Motors Corporation

MFR'S REPORT DATE: May 29, 2012

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V244000

NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: N/A

COMPONENT: Air Bags: Frontal: Sensor/Control Module

POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 72,568

SUMMARY:
KIA is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RIO vehicles, manufactured from February 20, 2005, through December 9, 2007. The front passenger seat occupant sensor mat can experience fatigue cracking. If sufficient cracking occurs, the Occupant Classification System (OCS) will cease to function such that the system will not be able to detect whether a child passenger is in the seat and the airbag will deploy during a crash necessitating deployment.

CONSEQUENCE:
Air bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child.

REMEDY:
KIA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCS seat sensor mat, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2012. Owners may contact KIA Consumer Assistance Center at 1-800-333-4542.

NOTES:
KIA'S safety recall campaign number is SC097. Customers may also contact The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.