Recall 23V149 affects 188,912 2021-2023 Kia K5 vehicles for incorrectly installed side curtain air bags. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 188,912 2021-2023 K5 vehicles because incorrectly installed side curtain air bags can fail to deploy properly in a crash. Air bags that do not deploy as intended increase injury risk, and Kia dealers will inspect and reinstall them free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The curtain airbag module in a 2021-2023 Kia K5 is the side airbag assembly mounted along the roof rail above the doors. In a crash that reaches the deployment threshold, it is designed to drop down beside the side windows and help protect occupants near that side of the cabin.
On affected K5 vehicles, the side curtain airbag was installed incorrectly at the Kia Georgia assembly plant. Because the module is not positioned the way a properly installed side curtain airbag should be, it can fail to deploy properly during a crash. That means the protection expected from the side curtain airbag is not delivered the way the system was designed to deliver it.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is in how the airbag module was installed, so the vehicle can look and drive normally before a crash reveals the defect.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2021, 2022, and 2023 K5 model years, all tied to the side curtain air bag.
| 2023 Kia K5 | side curtain air bag |
|---|---|
| 2022 Kia K5 | side curtain air bag |
| 2021 Kia K5 | side curtain air bag |
| Units affected | 188,912 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific sedan.
What's the safety risk?
A side curtain air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule the inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2023 Kia K5 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free side curtain air bag inspection and reinstall, which fixes air bags installed incorrectly so they deploy properly in a crash.
- Bring the recall notice if you received one. If not, reference recall number 23V149 and Kia recall SC263 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, since side curtain air bags that do not deploy as intended increase injury risk in a crash.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician inspects the side curtain air bags and reinstalls any air bags that were installed incorrectly. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered at the dealer. If you have already paid out of pocket for this air bag repair, Kia's general reimbursement plan covers eligible repair expenses already incurred. Ask the service desk how to submit documentation under that plan when you schedule the repair.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 7, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 10, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| March 10, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 7, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 7, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 7, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V149?
Recall 23V149 covers 188,912 2021-2023 Kia K5 vehicles with side curtain air bags that were installed incorrectly. The air bags can fail to deploy properly in a crash, increasing injury risk. Kia dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2023 Kia K5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific K5 is included in recall 23V149. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the inspection and side curtain air bag reinstall. Reference Kia recall number SC263 when you call. The repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Kia will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags free of charge at any franchised Kia dealer.
What is the safety risk for the Kia K5 air bag recall?
The safety risk is reduced crash protection. If the side curtain air bags do not deploy as intended, occupants have a higher risk of injury in a crash. Kia's remedy is dealer inspection and reinstallation of the affected side curtain air bags.
What if I bought my Kia K5 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2021-2023 Kia K5 is included, then call a franchised Kia dealer and reference recall SC263.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V149000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V149 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V149000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 →