Kia Sorento Hybrid front seat belt tensioner can explode

NHTSA campaign 22V127000 · Reported 2022-03-04 · Kia Motors America

high How serious is it? About this label

Serious but not an emergency: the notice does not tell owners to stop driving, though in a crash the part itself could injure the driver or front passenger with flying metal fragments.

What's wrong, in plain English

Some 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models have a problem with the device that yanks the front seat belts tight in a crash. Instead of tightening the belt normally, it can burst apart and throw small metal pieces into the cabin, which could hit the driver or front passenger. Dealers replace the part at no cost. Note that Kia later issued a newer fix, recall 22V-447, so cars already repaired under this recall need the new repair too.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls — look for both this recall and the newer 22V-447. 2. Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 or your dealer and mention recall SC231. 3. Get the seat belt pretensioner replaced free of charge, and go back for the newer remedy even if this repair was already done.

Affected vehicles (1)

2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid

Who to contact

Kia — official Kia recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-333-4542

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Kia seat belt recalls: pretensioners, retractors and child seat problems · all 5 Kia recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento Hybrid and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
Safety risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seatbelt pretensioner(s), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 3, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC231. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-447. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.