June 10 (UPI) — Kia Motors Corp. plans to recall more than 500,000 cars in the United States this summer to fix an air bag flaw linked to a federal investigation into fatal crashes.
The recall affects 507,587 vehicles, including 2010-13 Kia Forte, Forte Koup sedans; 2011-13 Kia Optima sedans; and 2011-12 Kia Optima Hybrid sedans and Sedona minivans, a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration release states.
“In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying,” the release states.
The air bag flaw is tied to a federal investigation into four fatalities and six injuries in Kia and its affiliate, Hyundai, concerning crashes where the air bags failed to deploy, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The NHTSA opened the Office of Defects Investigation into the air bag issue related to crashes in March.
Four of the crashes involved 2011 Hyundai Sonatas and two involved 2012 and 2013 Kia Fortes.
Kia issued a statement back in March saying it “remains focused on the safety of its customers and it will work closely with NHTSA on the ongoing investigation, including monitoring and conducting additional crash testing as appropriate.”
Kia said in the NHTSA release that it is still working on a remedy with the recall set to begin on July 27.
Hyundai recalled more than 580,000 Sonata cars in April, including 2011-2013 Sonata sedans and 2011-2012 Hybrid vehicles.
