No incident yet, but I see other Kia's that have been recalled for powertrain system and air bag issues. The power train issue comes up when I get my engine light checked and the airbag light is on. Also, a constant problem is the break switch, the push button car won't start sometimes and the steering wheel doesnt lock because immobilizer Is a problem and other Kia's have been recalled but not mine, instead they sent me a wheel car lock. I see online so many people complaining about the push button car not starting like mine which may be due to the immobilizer issue and theft. It is annoying to see other vehicle recalled but not mine.
2011 Kia Forte: airbag warning light
7 of the 154 complaints about the 2011 Kia Forte describe airbag warning light.
- owner complaints
- 7
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 2 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Airbag warning light by model year
What owners say
The driver airbag light came on in June 2021 - I called Kia dealership and they said there was no recall. Last month the passenger airbag light came on. Both appear to not be working. I do not have extended warranty and my car is past warranty. I am wondering if any other Kia owners have a similar problem. I have never been in any major accidents and am an excellent driver. I am hoping there is a recall issued in the near future.
Took vehicle to dealer to correct recall issue (18v363). Completed the work and said it was fixed. My airbag light remains "on". Interim notice on recall mentioned if airbag warning light comes on and remains illuminated to take to dealer. I believe, because of this, that the two are related and the repair should lead to the airbag light going out. I was told it would be $200 to correct it with a new seatbelt buckle assembly. Is the airbag light remaining illuminated related to safety recall 18v363?
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia forte. While the vehicle was stationary, the contact noticed that the rear passenger side and middle seat belts failed to retract and/or latch when prompted. Upon several attempts to extend the rear passenger side and middle seat belts for latching purposes, the seat belts made a loud clunking noise that sounded from the rear buckle assembly. In addition, the air bag indicator illuminated without warning. Rosen kia milwaukee (5505 south 27th street, milwaukee, wisconsin 53221, (414) 282-9300) was made aware of the seat belt failures and stated that the warranty coverage had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia forte. While driving various speeds, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. A few minutes later, the air bag deployed. As a result, the contact crashed into a fire hydrant. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to southwest kia austin (13175 n us-183, austin, tx 78750, (512) 583-1900), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v363000 (air bags). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to southwest kia. The approximate failure mileage was 92,252.
Traveling 45 to 55 MPH ran into four large deers and ran off road. Damage front of car. Air bag light came on but did not flate. I substain severe shoulder injury.
In july of 2016, I was in rush hour traffic on the 495 beltway and had to slam on my brakes at one point from hitting the person in front of me. I was hit from behind at approximately 40mph and then pushed into the car in front of me. The airbags did not deploy. The car had a lot of damage and I had the car repaired. Prior to that accident, the airbag light had come on twice over the previous year and the dealership just reset it when I brought it in for an oil change. The light is on again and they want to charge me to run a diagnostic and have it fixed. I am in virginia and cannot have the car pass inspection with the light on. I'm furious at the dealership and kia!
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
- What is wrong
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
- Risk
- If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
- Remedy
- Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
Recall number 18V363000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2011 Kia Forte airbag light
Is airbag warning light a common problem on the 2011 Kia Forte?
7 of 154 owner complaints about the 2011 Kia Forte (5%) mention airbag warning light. The model year with the most reports is 2014.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2011 Kia Forte?
There is 1 recall and 2 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2011 Kia Forte
Knocking 28Check engine light 17No deployment 15Fire or smoke 13Engine failure 10Stalling 10Jerking 6Loss of power 5Seat belt 5
VIN decoder
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