Faulty clock spring prompts Kia recall

Kia USA is issuing a recall for the Optima (model year 2006-2008) and Rondo (2007-2008) as a result of faulty clock springs in the steering assembly that may cause the airbag warning lamp to light up and the safety device may not deploy in an accident.

The clocksprings deteriorate with use and may result in a high-resistance situation within the circuit and this will trigger a warning in the system and may cause failure to deploy the airbag when necessary.

Proton had a similar recall a couple of years ago, maybe they share the same clock spring supplier.

There is no word yet about Malaysian cars but keep coming back and we will tell you if there is any update.

Full details of the US recall after the jump








Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
KIA / OPTIMA 2006-2008
KIA / RONDO 2007-2008

Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION Mfr's Report Date: JAN 13, 2012

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V014000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Potential Number of Units Affected: 145,755

Summary:
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. (KIA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, THROUGH JANUARY 29, 2008, AND MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2008 KIA RONDO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 13, 2006, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2008. THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) MAY BECOME DAMAGED THROUGH USAGE OVER TIME. IF THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY BECOMES DAMAGED, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WILL EXPERIENCE A HIGH RESISTANCE CONDITION POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG TO NOT DEPLOY.

Consequence:
IF THE CLOCK SPRING DEVELOPS HIGH RESISTANCE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVERS AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Remedy:
KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.

Notes:
KIA'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS SC094. OWNERS 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 .