Recall 17V007 covers 1 2016 Kia Optima vehicle with a driver's frontal air bag inflator seal defect. Kia has completed the remedy.
Kia recalled one 2016 Optima because an installation defect in the driver's frontal air bag inflator end seal can reduce frontal air bag inflation in a crash. An air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The driver's frontal air bag inflator in the 2016 Kia Optima is the part inside the steering-wheel air bag module that rapidly fills the air bag during a crash. The end seal helps the inflator hold and direct the gas pressure needed to inflate the bag. The air bag depends on that seal being installed correctly before the module is placed in the vehicle.
On the recalled Optima, the inflator end seal was not installed correctly. In a crash that calls for the driver's frontal air bag, that poor seal can let the inflator lose pressure, so the air bag inflates with less force than designed. The replacement part has the end seal installed correctly.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver will not get a dashboard warning or change in how the Optima drives that confirms this inflator seal problem before a crash.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Kia Optima | front air bag |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2016 Kia Optima is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
An air bag that does not fully inflate in a crash gives occupants less protection and increases injury risk. If your VIN is included, keep seat belts in use and arrange dealer service soon instead of waiting for a warning sign. Repair will be free at any franchised Kia dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Kia Optima is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to confirm the free driver air bag inflator end-seal remedy is complete for your VIN.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V007 when you call.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions and reference Kia recall SC143.
What happens at the repair
Kia's record says the affected 2016 Optima was remedied on January 10, 2017 before retail sale. At the dealer, a Kia technician replaced the driver's frontal air bag so the vehicle would not be sold with the recall still open. The recall repair is free. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the affected vehicle was covered under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| January 6, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 10, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V007?
Recall 17V007 covers 1 2016 Kia Optima with a driver frontal air bag inflator end seal that was not installed properly. In a crash, the driver frontal air bag can inflate with reduced force, increasing injury risk.
What should I do if my 2016 Kia Optima is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Optima is included in recall 17V007. If it is listed as open, contact a franchised Kia dealer and reference recall SC143. Kia customer service is also available at 1-800-333-4542.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the defect at no cost to the owner. Kia reported that the affected vehicle was remedied on January 10, 2017, so a VIN check should confirm whether any action remains open.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced driver frontal air bag inflation in a crash. An air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury, so confirm the VIN status before assuming this specific 2016 Kia Optima is already repaired.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V007000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V007 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V007000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →