Kia Sportage: Airbag non-inflation conditions

Air bags in the Kia Sportage deploy only when the collision meets the system's activation criteria. Depending on the type, direction and severity of an impact, they may not inflate in situations such as these:

Conditions in which air bags may not inflate
	In some low-speed collisions, the impact may not be severe enough to trigger air bag deployment.
	Air bags are not designed to inflate in rear-impact collisions.
	Heavy braking can lower the front of the Kia Sportage, allowing it to slide beneath a vehicle with greater ground clearance. In an under-ride collision, the deceleration forces measured by the sensors may be significantly reduced. As a result, the air bags may not inflate.
	In an angled collision, occupants may be moved in a direction where air bag deployment would provide little additional protection. The sensors may therefore not trigger the air bags.
	Front air bags may not inflate in a side-impact collision.
	Air bags may not inflate in a rollover if the vehicle is not equipped to detect that type of event.
	Air bags may not inflate if the vehicle strikes an object such as a utility pole or tree. The impact may be concentrated in a small area, so the sensors may not receive the full force of the collision.

WARNING

• The SRS is designed to deploy the front air bags only when an impact is sufficiently severe and occurs at an angle of less than 30° from the vehicle's forward longitudinal axis.

• Front air bags are not designed to deploy in side-impact, rear-impact or rollover collisions. They also will not deploy in frontal collisions below the deployment threshold.

• Side and curtain air bags deploy only in certain side-impact or rollover situations, where fitted and when the collision is severe enough to risk significant injury to the occupants.

• Deactivate the front passenger air bag only when the vehicle is in OFF. Switching it off in another vehicle state may cause the SRS control module to malfunction, and the driver, front passenger, side or curtain air bags may fail to deploy or may not deploy correctly in a collision.

• Air bag deployment may produce a loud noise and release fine dust into the cabin. These effects are not hazardous.

• The air bags are packed with fine powder. Dust released during deployment may irritate the skin or eyes and may aggravate asthma in some people. After a collision in which air bags deploy, wash exposed skin thoroughly with cold water and mild soap.

• Clean air bag cover panels only with a soft, dry cloth or a cloth dampened with plain water.

• Solvents and other cleaners may damage the air bag covers and interfere with proper system deployment.

• Keep SRS components and wiring away from water and other liquids. If exposure to liquid makes SRS components inoperative, a fire or serious injury may result.

• Any of the following warning-light conditions may indicate an SRS malfunction. Have the system inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends contacting an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.

  • The warning light does not illuminate briefly when the vehicle is switched to ON.

  • The warning light remains illuminated after the initial approximately 6-second period.

  • The warning light comes on while the vehicle is moving.

  • The warning light flashes while the vehicle is in ON.

• Before replacing a fuse or disconnecting a battery terminal, remove the ignition key or switch off the ENGINE START/STOP button. Never remove or replace an air bag-related fuse while the ignition or ENGINE START/STOP button is in ON. Ignoring this instruction may cause the SRS air bag warning light to illuminate.

• Do not tamper with or disconnect SRS wiring or components. Do not attach badges to air bag covers or modify the vehicle body structure. These changes may impair SRS operation and cause injury. If the system requires service, contact a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.

• If the vehicle has been flooded, the carpet is soaked or there is water on the floor, do not try to start it. Have the Kia Sportage inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends contacting an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.

• Air bags are designed for one-time use. If they inflate, have the system replaced by a professional workshop. Kia recommends contacting an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.

• If SRS components must be discarded or the vehicle scrapped, follow the required safety procedures, including removal of the SRS components and pre-tensioners because of the risk of fire. Failure to follow these procedures could cause personal injury. An authorised Kia dealer can provide information about the necessary precautions.

NOTE

• Vehicles with a rollover sensor

  Side and curtain air bags are designed to inflate when the rollover sensor detects a rollover. They may deploy in a rollover detected by the sensor.

• Vehicles without a rollover sensor

  If the vehicle is equipped with side and curtain air bags, they may inflate if a side-impact collision causes the vehicle to roll over.

Airbag inflation conditions

The air bags fitted to your vehicle may differ from those shown in the illustrations. Air bag inflation conditions ...

Adding equipment to or modifying your air bag-equipped vehicle. SRS care

Adding equipment to or modifying your air bag-equipped vehicle Changes to the Kia Sportage frame, bumper system, front end, side body panels or ride height can affect how the air bag system operate...