On June 23, 2022 Kia Motors America (Kia) announced it is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid and 2022 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment. An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.

What is a Seatbelt Pretensioner?

A seatbelt pretensioner is designed to retract some of the webbing of a seatbelt the instant a collision occurs, tightening the seatbelt to restrain occupants quickly and reducing the amount they are thrown forward in a moderate or severe frontal crash. If you want to learn more about seatbelt pretensioners (and Force Limiters) in vehicles check out this informative  YouTube video by Toyota.   

If you have one of these recalled Kia vehicles you can have this dangerous and potentially life-threatening defect fixed at no cost to you. Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioners with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 19, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC241. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 22V-127. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.

Injured by a Seatbelt Pretensioner?