Kia Recalls Rio to Fix Airbag Sensor

Kia Motors Corp. will recall 72,600 Rio subcompact cars from the 2006-2008 model years to fix a sensor flaw that could cause the passenger-side airbag to deploy when it shouldn't.

The defect involves a circuit in the passenger seat sensor mat that is intended to suppress airbag deployment when a child is in the seat.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the circuit may develop fatigue cracking and stop working. If so, the airbag would deploy in a crash when a child is in the passenger seat, thus increasing the risk of an airbag-caused injury.

Kia dealers will replace the defective part with a more durable circuit.