My airbag light is on after picking it up from a KIA dealership service and they are refusing to correct the issue that was caused by the dealership. I escalated the issue to KIA America and filled a formal case#25916418 on 2/26/2026. On 3/4/206 Tori at Kia Customer service informed me that it will not be covered because the dealership claims its a pre-existing issue. The dealership has failed to provide proof that that is true. Attached are: -The dealership’s diagnostic report -All text communications with the service advisor -Also have Video documentation of misaligned steering wheel I was unable to attach. Prior to dealership service, my vehicle was evaluated for approximately one week at a reputable independent repair facility for a cracked head gasket. At no time were there airbag warnings, steering issues, or safety system concerns. The vehicle was driven directly from the independent shop to the dealership where they preformed a warranty service. Upon pickup, I immediately observed: - Misaligned steering wheel - Illuminated airbag warning light - Coolant system air bubble (later corrected per dealership) The steering misalignment indicates the steering system was disturbed during repair. The airbag warning light appeared immediately afterward. The dealership’s report references “history” fault codes, but provides no proof the warning light was active prior to service. History codes can result from battery disconnection or electrical interruption during major repairs and do not establish a pre-existing defect. Given that: - The airbag system functioned properly before service - The steering wheel was returned misaligned - The airbag light appeared immediately after repair - There is no documentation proving a prior active fault I am concerned a critical safety system has been compromised. An active airbag warning indicates the system may not function in a collision. I am requesting that KIA fix this at no charge to me due to the reasons listed above.
2017 Kia Sorento: airbag warning light
5 of the 811 complaints about the 2017 Kia Sorento describe airbag warning light.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 0
Airbag warning light by model year
What owners say
ABS Module. could catch on fire at any time It has been confirmed with the dealership And Another auto Independent service shop. It has been inspected by Kia sunset dealership In an automotive independent service shop. that Found brake fluid in the harness Going to the a b s module shorting out and melting connections creating miscommunication with other modules. That when. found there was a recall on this. Tge Warning lights was ABS module, engine light. Tire pressure light. My speedometer didn't work. My odometer didn't work. And air conditioner didn't work, getting the car out of park. And the airbag light came on. Some lights came in june. I had to pay for the part up front to get it fixed. It going into the shop soon to fix the ABS Module.
The airbag light stays on and the Tunersville NJ dealership charged me $169 for a diagnostic of the problem. The error code was a B1448 OC sensor MAT defect and they need to replace the cushion because the Occupant Detection System (ODS) Sensor Pad is located inside the seat and quoted me around $2000 to replace it. I was told by the dealership that if the passenger mat detection is not working then the airbag will not work if an accident happens. I found that Kia Sorento from 2011- 2015 has the same issue and the company replaced it without a charge and extended the warranty for this airbag sensor to 15 yr with unlimited miles. This is a known defect for Kia corporation and they don't address this issue until somebody gets hurt in an accident and the airbag malfunctions.
4/18/22 While making a right turn in a residential neighborhood, the car abruptly stopped and engine shut down. The stop was so abrupt that it threw my body forward and now have shoulder and neck pains. No warning lights were illuminated prior to this incident, however, after the engine shut down, the airbag light was lit. I drove it home slowly, called the Kia dealership in Manteca, CA. Making arrangements to have the vehicle towed and have it examined. Two days prior, the ! light came on. I noticed that the passenger side headlight was out. That same evening when I started the vehicle up, the ! light was gone and the headlight worked. I addition, when having the light control kept on Auto, the headlights remain on all the time. If this had happened in traffic or on the freeway, it may have had a different outcome.
The air bag light was staying on so I took the vehicle to dealer. The diagnosed it as the passenger seat air bag was defective. It will cost me almost $800 to repair. Should this be a manufacturer issue and be replaced at no cost? If I don't repair it, it could be dangerous.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2017 Kia Sorento airbag light
Is airbag warning light a common problem on the 2017 Kia Sorento?
5 of 811 owner complaints about the 2017 Kia Sorento (1%) mention airbag warning light. The model year with the most reports is 2011.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2017 Kia Sorento?
There is no recall or service bulletin for this area of the car on record.
Other symptoms on the 2017 Kia Sorento
Engine failure 155Check engine light 119Headlights 118Oil consumption 118Stalling 84Knocking 72Loss of power 54Fire or smoke 35Jerking 23Misfire 20Won't start 20Won't shift 19Fuel pump 18Sunroof shattered 15Warning lights 15Adaptive cruise 14Power steering loss 14Fuel leak 9Fuel smell 9Steering lock-up 8ABS 7Hesitation 7Overheating 7Battery drain 6Door locks 6Shudder 6Pulling 5
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