2017 Kia Forte Airbags Problems
NHTSA lists 18 airbag complaints for the 2017 Kia Forte, 6% of its 302 total complaints that year, tied to 13 crashes and 14 injuries. A related recall, campaign 22V031000, covers the airbag control unit on affected Forte models.
- Airbags complaints
- 18
- 6% of 302
- Crashes reported
- 13
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 14
- Median mileage
- 29,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical airbag symptoms owners report
- Airbags fail to deploy during frontal or side collisions at speeds around 20 to 45 mph, leaving occupants unprotected.
- Owners report the seatbelt pretensioner or lock did not engage at the same time the airbag failed to deploy, increasing impact injuries.
- Some vehicles show an airbag warning light with diagnostic code B1620, pointing to the airbag control module losing communication, matching the recall condition.
- A steering wheel lock combined with brake unresponsiveness was reported in one crash where the airbag also failed to deploy.
- One report describes a low-speed parking incident where the vehicle moved unexpectedly and struck a pillar without airbag deployment.
When 2017 Kia Forte airbag complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 28, 2017, latest May 24, 2026.
Airbags recalls for the 2017 Kia Forte
- NHTSA 22V031000Jan 25, 2022Airbags410,619 vehicles
Air bags
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.
Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.
Airbags complaints by Forte model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many airbag complaints does NHTSA have for the 2017 Kia Forte?
- NHTSA lists 18 airbag complaints for the 2017 Forte, which is 6% of the 302 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for airbag problems on the 2017 Kia Forte?
- Yes. Campaign 22V031000 covers 2017-2018 Forte and 2017 Forte Koup models, addressing an airbag control unit cover that may contact a memory chip on the circuit board.
- Did the airbag issue cause crashes or injuries?
- Owner complaints tied to airbags on the 2017 Forte report 13 crashes and 14 injuries.
- At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for airbag complaints on the 2017 Forte is 29,000 miles.
- What does the airbag recall remedy involve?
- Dealers inspect the air bag control unit and either update its software or replace the unit as needed.