Recall 22V096 affects 128,280 2014 Kia Soul vehicles because front air bags do not deploy as intended. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 128,280 2014 Soul vehicles because the Air Bag Control Unit can lose communication with the front impact sensors and stop the front air bags from deploying in a crash. Front air bags that fail to deploy increase injury risk, and Kia dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The air bag control unit in a 2014 Kia Soul is the computer that manages crash-sensor information and commands the front air bags. In a frontal crash, the left and right front impact sensors send signals to that unit so it can decide when the front air bags should deploy.
On affected Soul vehicles, a severe frontal crash can cause the air bag control unit to lose communication with both front impact sensors early in the crash sequence. If that communication drops out at the wrong moment, the front air bags can fail to deploy. Kia's repair uses improved control-unit software logic so the system can still command frontal air bag deployment after that sensor communication is lost.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem occurs during the crash event itself, so an owner would not see a light, hear a noise, or feel a change in normal driving before the air bag system fails to respond correctly.
Who's affected?
The scope centers on the airbag control unit, with both the air bag system and front air bag tied to the same part.
| 2014 Kia Soul | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2014 Kia Soul | front air bag |
| Units affected | 128,280 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the front air bags do not deploy as intended, occupants face a higher risk of injury in a crash. There is no warning sign before this failure, so confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule the software update promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014 Kia Soul is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free ACU software update for the air bag control unit communication problem.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 22V096 and Kia recall SC229 when you call.
- Avoid delaying the repair; front air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase injury risk in a crash.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician updates the Air Bag Control Unit software so the ACU keeps proper communication with the front impact sensors. The software update and labor are free under recall 22V096. Kia offers reimbursement through its General Reimbursement Plan for repair expenses already paid before the recall repair. If you have related prior repair paperwork, ask the dealer service desk how to submit documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 18, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 4, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 7, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| April 7, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 15, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V096?
Recall 22V096 covers 128,280 2014 Kia Soul vehicles with front air bags that can fail to deploy if the Air Bag Control Unit loses communication with the front impact sensors. Kia dealers will update the ACU software for free.
What should I do if my 2014 Kia Soul is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Soul is included in recall 22V096. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the ACU software update. Reference Kia recall number SC229 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Kia to repair this safety defect at no cost, and Kia dealers will update the Air Bag Control Unit software free of charge. The dealer can also confirm the repair status by VIN.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the front air bags can fail to deploy as intended in a crash. That increases the risk of injury. If your VIN is included, schedule the free ACU software update with a franchised Kia dealer.
What if I bought my Kia Soul used?
The free repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. If Kia's April 4, 2022 owner letter never reached you, check your VIN and call a franchised Kia dealer with recall number SC229.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V096000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V096 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V096000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →