Kia recalls 410,000 vehicles because air bags might not work in crashes

Author: CBS NEWS
Published:
FILE – In this Feb. 14, 2019 file photo, the KIA logo is displayed on a sign at the 2019 Pittsburgh International Auto Show in Pittsburgh. Kia is telling owners of nearly 380,000 vehicles in the U.S. to park them outdoors due to the risk of an engine compartment fire. The Korean automaker is recalling certain 2017 through 2021 Sportage SUVs and 2017 through 2019 Cadenza sedans to fix the problem. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Kia is recalling more than 410,000 vehicles in the U.S. to fix a problem that can stop the airbags from inflating in a crash.

The recall covers certain Forte small cars from the 2017 and 2018 model years, and Sedona minivans and Soul small SUVs from 2017 through 2019. The electric Soul also is included.

The Korean automaker said the airbag control computer cover can come in contact with a memory chip and damage the electrical circuit. That could stop the airbags from inflating.

Dealers will inspect the computer and either update software or replace it.

Owners will be notified by mail starting March 21, the company said.

Kia stated in documents posted Friday by U.S. safety regulators that the problem surfaced in Korea last July. The company said it has 13 customer complaints and 947 warranty claims, but no crashes or injuries were reported.

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