Kia Optima, Rondo Recalled for Airbag Issues
Kia Motors America has announced that it’s recalling 145,755 vehicles today. The two models affected are the 2006-08 Optima sedan, specifically those manufactured between September 29, 2005 and January 29, 2008, and Rondo MPVs (pictured above) built between September 13, 2006 and March 21, 2008, for issues with the cars’ supplementary restraint system.
The problem concerns the clock spring in the airbag assembly, which can apparently become damaged over time. Failure of the clock spring contact assembly, will result in high resistance in the airbag electrical circuit, meaning that in the event of an accident, the airbag will fail to deploy, likely resulting in greater risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Kia says it will be notifying owners of the affected vehicles, suggesting them to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer who will replace the airbag clock spring assembly. Kia says the recall is expected to begin in March 2012 and concerned owners are encouraged to contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. Alternatively they can also visit HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
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I have a 2007 Kia Rondo and for the most part I like it. However, I have never had a vehicle with so many warranty issues.....
I own a Rondo. The reason I decided to get a Rondo, was bcuz of it's high safety ratings. My son was in an accident a few months ago and none of the air bags deployed. He was rear ended pretty bad. The Kia has been fixed but my son is still dealing with neck and back pain. I just wonder if the air bag would have functioned properly, maybe he wouldn't have had any injury. One other thing, why if they are aware of the problem are they waiting to start contacting the costumers till March????