Airbag warning light is activated. Car has not sustained damage. Seat or sensor malfunction may cause airbag not to deploy in crash.

- Winlock, WA, USA

Upon purchase, brand new off the lot in 2005, the seat belt light on my dashboard was always coming on and off when driving even if a person was sitting in the passenger seat or not. I never really understood exactly why or had money to have it looked at specifically for that problem. When I would take it to the mechanic, they would always say it looked normal. When I finally was able to take it to a mechanic specifically for this issue, I was informed that the airbag would not deploy due to an issue with needing a new seat. I have had my Kia Spectra ex for some time now, so I had to have them salvage the seat from a salvage yard. Luckily, they were able to locate an old seat in a wrecked Kia and it looks nice in my car, and this light so far has not come back on. The total cost was around $2,000 and it was sad to put out the cash because I'm a student. After searching, I noticed on other sites that I am not the only person to have experienced this issue.

- Portland, OR, USA

My passenger seat occupancy sensor has gone bad and Kia is refusing to replace the sensor mat for 2005 Kia Spectras, even though they have agreed to replace the mat for the same model car from 2007 to 2009 see the NHTSA pdf about the 2007 model year recall: Https://static.NHTSA.gov/ODI/inv/2015/inot-PE15031-63613.pdf please speak with Kia. This recall agreement should also apply to 2005 model Spectras. They are refusing to replace the sensor mat.

- Seattle, WA, USA

The contact owns a 2005 Kia Spectra. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and the brakes seized. The contact had no control over the vehicle's direction and crashed into another vehicle. The front passenger side of the contact's vehicle was damaged. None of the air bags deployed. There were no injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was driven back to the contact's residence and parked. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The insurance company was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was notified. The contact stated that the manufacturer issued one steering recall for NHTSA campaign number: 05V183000 (steering) and one tsb for the air bags, but there were no brake or air bag recalls. The failure mileage was not available.

- Scott City, MO, USA

Takata recall contacted local Kia and referred to national phone 1-800-333-4542 where a representative (jessica) stated that Kia does not use takata airbags on any of their vehicles; therefore, no need to replace. End of conversation.

- Elk Grove, CA, USA

This vehicle had an air bag recall and was performed. Our service department sent this vehicle (with a air bag lamp on) to the local dealership to be diagnosed. The diagnosis from ferguson Kia at tulsa ok told me that the same components that was used for the recall are now defective and causing the air bag lamp to come on. I contacted Kia hotline 1-800-333-4542 and filed a case (case no. [xxx]).a Kia representative called back and told me they were not going to repair or provide the parts to repair the air bag. I requested for Kia to re-evaluate this case. Kia never called back. Now the local dealership has threaten to haul the vehicle away or for our department to come and get this vehicle. Kia Spectra 5 VIN: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Tulsa, OK, USA

The airbag warning light stays on in my 2005 Kia Spectra ex. The error code saved indicates the OCS sensor in the passenger seat has failed. There is an NHTSA action number (PE15031) for the same issue and model car but for later production years. It indicates that the issue will be repaired for up to 15 years from the date of purchase. Why does this not cover the 2005 year as well?...updated 04/20/17

- Ft. Wayne, IN, USA

Another car cut in front of me causing the accident. I was driving, my husband was in the passenger seat. At the time of impact, the passenger side airbag deployed as it should with no problem but mine didn't. there was approximately 3-5 seconds late, then exploded sending hot shrapnel that injured me in several places on my face, chest, shoulders, stomach and arms causing cuts, burns, scrapes and bruises that my husband took pictures of after the accident. It was extremely tramatic & painful. I am still not completely healed.

- Arlington, TX, USA

My air bag is off, I went to Kia and had it replace they said that I have to replace my car seat. My car seat is okay, what I was complaining why my air bag is off?

- Stockton, CA, USA

Vehicle rear ended another vehicle. Airbags didn't deploy as they should have. My son received a concussion as a result (he was wearing his seatbelt). Kia has indicated that airbags would not deploy. Please help.

- Ovalo, TX, USA

While stopped on a small hill in traffic, I was rearended by a Ford truck who was going about 35mph. My airbags did not deploy. I was taken to the hospital for injuries to my knees and my neck. I see there are many many many complaints regarding the deployment of airbags. There definitely is a major problem and a recall should be ordered. This is a serious problem which could result in death. Also many times while driving my speedometer will go to zero while driving or jump to 100+, in addition the RPM gauge will do the same. This too is also mentioned many times clearly there is some manufacturer defect. I am the only owner of the vehicle.

- Mashpee, MA, USA

The contact owns a 2005 Kia Spectra. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosed, who stated that the passenger seat sensor and seat would need to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 05V431000 (air bags) but was advised by the manufacturer that the vehicle was manufactured one month after the affected VIN range of the recall campaign. The contact was concerned because the vehicle could not pass the state inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. The current vehicle mileage was 96,921.

- Norfolk , VA, USA

The contact owns a 2005 Kia Spectra. The contact stated that the driver's side air bag light illuminated upon starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the sensor within the seat failed. The contact was also informed that the air bag would not deploy in the event of a crash. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 45,593.

- Pompano Beach, FL, USA

I recently have been in an accident where my airbags did not deploy. And I was a little concerned that they didn't so I did some research and there has been a recall on my airbag system. I was wondering why I was not contacted about this so I could take my car in for service.

- Olalla, WA, USA

The contact owns a 2005 Kia Spectra. While driving approximately 5 mph, the vehicle was involved in a side impact crash in which only the frontal driver side air bag deployed. The contact also stated that the seat belt did remain secure during the crash. A police report was filed and two injuries were reported. The contact was transported to the hospital via ambulance to treat serious injuries and the driver of the second vehicle also suffered injuries. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an independent repair shop. The cause of the air bag and seat belt failure was not determined. The failure and current mileage was 130,000.

- Mount Sterling, KY, USA

Airbags did not deploy during frontend collision! my wife's head was slammed against the side window. Hospital to be visited soon. (this was about an hour ago)

- Cape Coral, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2005 Kia Spectra. The contact stated that the air bag light intermittently illuminated when she sat in the passenger seat. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed there was nothing they could do to the vehicle and they were going to send her a diagram instructing her how to properly sit in the seat. The contact was also instructed to gain weight in order for the air bag light to function properly. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure continues to recur intermittently. The failure mileage was 49,500 and the current mileage was 57,000. Updated 08/05/10.

- Ormond Beach, FL, USA

Kia automobiles places the airbag wiring and circuits inside their seat cushions without proper insulation to safeguard against electrical "shorts" and/or fires. For a while now, Kia owners like myself have experienced electrical shorts for the airbag(s), there is a manufacturer defect that improperly insulates the wiring and circuitry for the airbags that is stored within the seat cushion. Even should a minor beverage spill occur on the cushion, or the occasional spill that happens to all drivers/passengers from time to time, Kia tells us that we are responsible for causing the airbag failure by virtue of the spill. Should we get injured in an accident....it's our own fault...not Kia's. I say that Kia.....not the consumer, ,,is responsible for improperly insulating their wiring and circuits and placing those wires and circuits in the most illogical place without proper insulation. Had Kia taken the time, effort and expense to engineer a better vehicle, airbag functions would certainly not be suspect. I say...recall the Kia to better insulate the airbag wiring that is inside the seat cushion...what do you think" should a soda or water spill on a seat cushion jeopardize lives"

- Port Richey, FL, USA

Electrical problems, stalling, air bag light and even car shut off on the freeway. After only two weeks the car started with electrical problems; the right head lamp kept burning, the car was at the shop for two weeks for repair. On 5/24/06 the car was in the shop again for electric problems with the air bag light, there was already a recall on this problem and the repair was done to it. On 08/15/06 the car was taken in for multiple electrical and engine problems, the car had previously stopped in the middle of the freeway, had a stalling problem, the radio would scan back and forward for a station by it-self when the A/C or the traffic light came to use, also the battery went dead. The car was at the shop for two days and many repairs were performed, unfortunately this time the dealer did not provide a written repair description, (but I have a copy of the complaint invoice). Now, 03/02/2007 and with 27700 miles the car started to produce all the above problems and I will take the car for a 4th repair on Monday 03/05/2007. I already called Kia's consumer service 800-333-4542 to request a lemon exchange or refund.

- Canoga Park, CA, USA

: the contact stated while driving 50 mph, the vehicle hydroplaned and crashed into a wall four times smashing all four corners of the vehicle. All six air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries to any occupants.

- San Dimas, CA, USA