Due to a problem with the curtain airbags, Kia Australia has announced a recall affecting 292 Seltos SUVs. Kia stated in a statement that the side curtain airbags on the Seltos units that were impacted might inflate independently of a collision. A manufacturing flaw that could cause the driver to get distracted and increase the danger of harm or death has been identified as the cause of the problem.

The recall notice from Kia Australia read, “Due to a manufacturing defect, the side curtain airbag may inflate without warning. Inadvertent inflation of the airbag may lead to driver distraction and increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants.”

Kia added that owners of impacted cars should get in touch with their preferred Kia dealership right away to arrange a free appointment for the curtain airbags to be tested and replaced.

The recall only applies to Kia Seltos with the facelift model; those made in 2023 are not affected. The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, rated at 148 horsepower and 180 Nm of peak torque, is available for the Australian-spec Seltos. Additionally, there is a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 265 Nm and 196 horsepower. An 8-speed automatic transmission is matched with the turbocharged gasoline engine, while a CVT automatic is matched with the 2.0-liter engine. Additionally, the latter has Active All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The automaker’s South Korean facility exports Kia Seltos to Australia.

A recall of 2,465 Seltos SUVs occurred in South Korea in September 2020 due to an issue with the vehicle. The models that are under recall were marketed from October 25, 2019, until August 25, 2020. In order to comply with Australian Design Rules, the recall mandated that the cars be equipped with an antitheft locking mechanism in the steering wheel column shaft.