Air bag second stage may not inflate properly
Defect Summary
Kia motors america (kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 kia optima vehicles manufactured november 10, 2015, to february 12, 2016. in these vehicles, a chemical enhancer required for the for the second stage deployment of the driver's frontal air bag was not loaded, resulting in the second stage not deploying in necessitating crashes.
Safety Consequence
If the second stage air bag does not deploy it increases the risk of injury or death.
Corrective Action
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. the recall began on may 6, 2016. owners may contact kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. kia's number for this recall is sc131.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Kia America, Inc. or involving Air Bags.
FAQ: Recall 16V231000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 16V231000?
NHTSA recall 16V231000 was issued by Kia America, Inc. on April 21, 2016. It addresses: Air bag second stage may not inflate properly. The recall affects approximately 17 vehicles, with the defect involving the Air Bags component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Kia America, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 16V231000 or the manufacturer campaign number SC131. 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.