Kia/seat belt buckle
Defect Summary
On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle may "false latch" and expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash.
Safety Consequence
In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Corrective Action
Owner notification began december 20, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Kia America, Inc. or involving Seat Belts.
FAQ: Recall 02V216000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 02V216000?
NHTSA recall 02V216000 was issued by Kia America, Inc. on August 16, 2002. It addresses: Kia/seat belt buckle. The recall affects approximately 189,706 vehicles, with the defect involving the Seat Belts component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Kia America, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 02V216000 or the manufacturer campaign number SC027. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.