Active Safety RecallKia SC165NHTSA 18V-363
Kia Seat Belt Recall Seat Belt Recall · 2011–2013
NHTSA has issued 1 seat belt-related safety recall spanning several Kia nameplates — Forte, Optima, Sedona — across model years 2011–2013. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying. The fix is free. Here’s exactly who’s affected and what to do.
NHTSA 18V-363Forte, Optima, Sedona · 2011–2013
$0 · Free RepairParts and labor, any Kia dealer
Am I Affected?
Three quick checks — any one of them is reason to run your VIN above.
Check 1 · ModelModel/Nameplate
You drive one of these Kia models
These campaigns cover Forte, Optima, Sedona vehicles built in model years 2011–2013.
Check 2 · Campaign Count
1 open NHTSA campaign
This page covers NHTSA 18V-363 — every campaign Kia and NHTSA have filed for this seat belt issue on these nameplates. Run the VIN checker above to see exactly which apply to your vehicle.
Check 3 · Advisory
Safe to drive
No Park Outside or Do Not Drive advisory is attached to these specific campaigns. Run your VIN above to confirm your vehicle’s exact status and schedule the free repair.
What Happened — and How It’s Fixed
NHTSA 18V-363 (Kia SC165)01/06/2018
Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module
What happened: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
The risk: If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
The free fix: Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
What To Do — Four Simple Steps
Run your VIN
Use the checker above (or nhtsa.gov/recalls) to confirm which of NHTSA 18V-363 apply to your exact vehicle.
Schedule the free repair
Book online or call . Mention SC165 — we’ll confirm parts before your visit.
One-visit fix
Recall repairs are typically completed same-day once parts are confirmed. Pair it with maintenance if you like — recall labor is free either way.
Keep the paperwork
We provide written proof of completion — useful at resale, since buyers check NHTSA for open recalls.
Seat Belt Recall FAQs
Is it safe to drive before this seat belt recall repair?⌄
These campaigns (18V-363) carry no Do Not Drive or Park Outside advisory. Still, schedule the free repair promptly — run your VIN above to confirm your vehicle’s exact status.
Which vehicles are affected?⌄
Certain Forte, Optima, Sedona vehicles, model years 2011–2013, depending on the specific campaign. Run your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or above to confirm your exact vehicle.
What does the repair cost?⌄
Nothing. By federal law, safety recall repairs are free — parts and labor — at any authorized Kia dealer, for the life of the vehicle, regardless of where it was purchased or how many owners it’s had.
I’m buying a used Kia. Should I worry about these recalls?⌄
No — just verify. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls: if NHTSA 18V-363 is open, any Kia dealer (including us) closes it free before or after your purchase. A completed recall has no effect on the vehicle’s safety or value.
Verified as of 2026-07-15 against NHTSA. Source: NHTSA 18V-363.