73,000 Kia Spectras Recalled

Sep 28, 2005 | www.wltx.com The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is recalling more than 73,000 Kia LD Spectras because of a problem with air bags.

The recall is for the 2004 and 2005 model years.
The problem is the computer on the passenger side could mistake a child restraint seat as an adult.

On certain vehicles equipped with an advanced air bag feature, the occupant classification system (OCS) installed in the right front seat of the vehicle may misclassify a child restraint seat (CRS) as an adult. This may occur if the CRS is installed after an adult has been seated in the right front seat. If there has not been a 'key on' ' key off' cycle with the right front passenger seat empty prior to installation of the CRS.

The possibility of misclassification of a CRS as an adult may allow the right front airbag or side impact airbag to deploy in a crash and could result in injury to the right front occupant.

Dealers will reprogram the vehicle's OCS electronic control unit (ECU) to remove the feature that may cause the CRS to be recognized as an adult. The recall is expected to begin during late October 2005. Owners should contact Kia at (800) 333-4542.