Recall 17V784 affects 2,014 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles for a side-curtain air bag component-detachment defect. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 2,014 2018 Sorento SUVs because a side curtain air bag component can detach during deployment. If that happens, the part can become a projectile inside the cabin and increase injury risk; Kia dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The side curtain airbag in the 2018 Kia Sorento is the inflatable safety curtain stored along the roof rail. Its job is to deploy along the side windows when the system commands it, creating a cushion between occupants and the glass or body structure. The inflator is the small metal unit that fills that curtain with gas.
On the recalled Sorentos, the inflator diffuser is the problem part. The diffuser is supposed to shape and direct the gas flow as the curtain fills. In these vehicles, that diffuser can detach from the inflator during deployment. Kia traced the issue to a diffuser that was not formed the same way as the corrected remedy component.
There is no warning sign before failure. The vehicle can look and drive normally because the defect is inside the side curtain airbag hardware and only appears when the airbag deploys.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Kia Sorento | side air bag |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 2,014 |
Not every 2018 Kia Sorento is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If a side curtain air bag component detaches during deployment, it can enter the passenger compartment as a projectile and increase the risk of injury. Schedule the recall repair soon and use normal caution until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Kia Sorento is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free driver and passenger side curtain air bag replacement that fixes the component that can detach during deployment.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V784 and Kia recall SC159 when you call.
- Ask Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 if the dealer needs help finding the recall or confirming parts.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, since the defect involves air bag deployment during a crash.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician replaces the driver and passenger side curtain air bags covered by recall 17V784. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for this side curtain air bag repair, Kia's General Reimbursement Plan covers repair expenses already incurred. Contact Kia customer service or ask the dealer service desk how to submit prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 8, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 11, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| December 11, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 13, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 18, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V784?
Recall 17V784 covers 2,014 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles with side curtain air bags that have a component that can detach during deployment. If that happens, the component can enter the cabin as a projectile and increase injury risk.
What should I do if my 2018 Kia Sorento is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sorento is included in recall 17V784. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule replacement of the driver and passenger side curtain air bags. Reference recall number 17V784 or Kia recall SC159 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Kia's recall remedy says dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags free of charge. The repair is handled through a franchised Kia dealer, and Kia customer service can be reached at 1-800-333-4542.
Is it safe to drive my 2018 Kia Sorento before the air bag repair?
This recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety risk is tied to side curtain air bag deployment: a detached component can enter the cabin as a projectile and increase injury risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free air bag replacement with a Kia dealer.
What if I bought my Kia Sorento used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. If you never received Kia's notice after the recall began on December 18, 2017, check your VIN and give the dealer recall number 17V784 or Kia recall SC159.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V784000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V784 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V784000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
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 →