Recall 23V830 covers 2,967 2023-2024 Kia Seltos and Soul vehicles for unexpected air bag deployment. Repair is free at franchised Kia dealers.
Kia is recalling 2,967 2023-2024 Seltos and Soul vehicles because a manufacturing error can make the side curtain air bags deploy unexpectedly. An unexpected air bag deployment can increase the risk of injury or a crash, and Kia dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The side curtain airbag module in the 2023-2024 Kia Seltos and Soul is mounted along the roofline. Its job is to inflate a curtain between the side glass and occupants during a qualifying side impact or rollover, helping protect the head area when the crash sensors command deployment. The hybrid inflator inside the module stores gas used for that inflation.
On affected vehicles, a supplier welding setup error left the diffuser disk inside that hybrid inflator improperly welded. The diffuser disk is supposed to stay secure and control the gas path during deployment. If that disk breaks, stored gas releases inside the module and the side curtain airbag inflates when it was not commanded to deploy.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue described in NHTSA campaign 23V830 is an unexpected side curtain airbag deployment, so an owner will not get a dashboard light, sound, or visible symptom first.
Who's affected?
The scope is split by model year: 2024 Seltos and 2023 Soul, both tied to the curtain airbag module.
| 2024 Kia Seltos | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2023 Kia Soul | air bag system |
| Units affected | 2,967 |
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?
An air bag that deploys unexpectedly can injure occupants and increase the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before it happens, 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 2023-2024 Kia Seltos or Soul is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free inspection and side curtain air bag module replacement that addresses unexpected deployment.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 23V830 when you call.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions and mention Kia recall SC289.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician inspects both side curtain air bag modules and replaces any module that needs replacement. Parts and labor are covered under recall 23V830, so the dealer repair is free. Kia also has a reimbursement path for owners who already paid for related repairs before the recall notice. If you have prior repair paperwork, contact Kia customer service or bring documentation to the Kia service desk so they can review it under Kia's General Reimbursement Plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 22, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 29, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| January 29, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 31, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 31, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V830?
Recall 23V830 covers 2,967 2023-2024 Kia Seltos and Soul vehicles with side curtain air bag modules that can deploy unexpectedly. An unexpected deployment can increase injury or crash risk. Kia dealers will inspect and replace both side curtain air bag modules as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2023-2024 Kia Seltos or Soul is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V830. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the side curtain air bag inspection. Reference recall number 23V830 and Kia recall SC289 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Kia will inspect and replace both side curtain air bag modules as necessary free of charge at a franchised Kia dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is an unexpected side curtain air bag deployment. Kia says an air bag that deploys unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury or crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the dealer inspection and module replacement so the defect is corrected for free.
When did Kia notify owners about recall 23V830?
Kia mailed owner notification letters on January 31, 2024. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then call a Kia dealer or Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V830000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V830 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V830000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (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 →