Kia EV6: Seating and safety restraints / Main components of the occupant detection system

Contents:

• Driver’s and passenger’s front air bag
• Side air bag
• Curtain air bag
• Air bag collision sensors
• Why didn't my air bag go off in a collision? (Inflation and non-inflation conditions of the air bag)

• A highly sensitive detection sensor is integrated into the front passenger seat cushion of the Kia EV6.

• An advanced electronic monitoring system continuously evaluates occupant conditions to determine whether the front passenger airbag should remain activated or be automatically deactivated.

• The overhead console indicator illuminates the message PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF ( ) whenever the front passenger airbag system has been deactivated by the Occupant Detection System.

• The overhead console warning indicator is electronically connected to the Kia EV6 Occupant Detection System (ODS) to provide real-time passenger airbag status information.

If the front passenger seat of the Kia EV6 is occupied by someone who is not recognized by the system as a properly seated adult occupant — for example, not sitting upright, leaning improperly, or not wearing the seat belt correctly — the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF ( ) indicator will illuminate, and the front passenger airbag may be automatically deactivated during a frontal collision.

The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF ( ) indicator is located in the overhead console of the Kia EV6. The Occupant Detection System evaluates the conditions listed in the following table and automatically activates or deactivates the front passenger airbag accordingly.

For the highest level of protection in the Kia EV6, all occupants should always sit properly with the seatback upright, remain centered on the seat cushion, wear the seat belt correctly, keep both feet on the floor, and avoid unusual seating positions.

The Occupant Detection System in the Kia EV6 may not operate correctly if the front passenger performs actions that interfere with accurate occupant recognition. Examples include the following:

• Failing to sit upright in the seat.

• Leaning against the door panel or center console.

• Sitting too close to the edge or side of the seat cushion.

• Placing legs on the instrument panel or positioning the feet in a way that reduces body weight on the passenger seat.

• Incorrectly wearing the seat belt.

• Reclining the seatback excessively.

Condition and operation in the front passenger occupant detection system

The Occupant Detection System in the Kia EV6 classifies a properly seated adult-sized passenger as an adult occupant. In some cases, a smaller adult passenger may be recognized differently depending on body posture, seating position, and weight distribution.

Children should never ride in the front passenger seat of the Kia EV6 whenever possible. If an older child who no longer uses a CRS sits in the front passenger seat, the system may identify the occupant as an adult depending on body size and seating posture.

Never install a child restraint system (CRS) on the front passenger seat of the Kia EV6.

The PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF ( ) indicator may switch on or off when a child between 12 months and 12 years old is seated in the front passenger seat with or without a CRS. This behavior is considered a normal operating condition of the Kia EV6 Occupant Detection System.

WARNING

NOTE

WARNING

	Do not place heavy bags, tools, electronic equipment, or other large objects in the front passenger seatback pocket or directly on the front passenger seat of the Kia EV6. Excessive weight or pressure may interfere with the operation of the Occupant Detection System (ODS) and affect proper airbag activation.
	Passengers should never place their feet against the front passenger seatback while riding in the Kia EV6.
	Never sit with your hips shifted excessively toward the front edge of the passenger seat cushion.
	Do not excessively recline the front passenger seatback in the Kia EV6, as improper seating posture may interfere with accurate occupant detection.
	Never place feet on the instrument panel or dashboard area of the Kia EV6 while the vehicle is moving.
	Do not lean heavily against the door panel or center console while seated in the front passenger seat of the Kia EV6. Never sit on only one side of the front passenger seat cushion, as uneven weight distribution may affect the Occupant Detection System.
	Avoid using thick blankets, cushions, aftermarket seat covers, or accessories that cover the front passenger seat surface in the Kia EV6.
	Do not place laptops, DVD players, tablets, large bags, or heavy objects such as multiple water bottles on the front passenger seat of the Kia EV6, as they may interfere with occupant detection accuracy.
	Wet passenger seat: Avoid spilling liquids onto the front passenger seat of the Kia EV6. Excess moisture may trigger the airbag warning light or interfere with proper operation of the Occupant Detection System. If liquid is spilled, allow the seat to dry completely before driving the vehicle.

When an adult occupant is seated in the front passenger seat of the Kia EV6 and the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF ( ) indicator remains illuminated, switch the EV button to the OFF position and ask the passenger to sit correctly. The passenger should remain seated upright with the seatback in an upright position, centered on the seat cushion, wearing the seat belt properly, with legs comfortably extended and feet resting on the floor.

Restart the Kia EV6 and have the passenger remain in the correct seating position. This allows the Occupant Detection System to properly identify the occupant and reactivate the front passenger airbag if appropriate.

If the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF ( ) indicator remains illuminated even after the passenger is correctly seated, the passenger should move to the rear seat for safety.

WARNING

NOTE

• Even though the Kia EV6 is equipped with an advanced Occupant Detection System, never install a Child Restraint System (CRS) in the front passenger seat. Airbag deployment may strike the child restraint with extreme force, causing serious injury or death.

Children aged 13 and younger should always ride in the rear seats of the Kia EV6. Older children who no longer require a CRS should use the available lap/shoulder seat belts properly. Regardless of collision type, rear-seat travel remains significantly safer for children of all ages.

If the Occupant Detection System fails to operate properly, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) warning light on the Kia EV6 instrument panel may illuminate because the front passenger airbag is electronically connected to the ODS. In the event of a malfunction, the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF ( ) indicator may fail to illuminate, and the front passenger airbag could deploy during a frontal collision even when the passenger seat is unoccupied.

Driver’s and passenger’s front air bag

Your Kia EV6 is equipped with an advanced Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) that works together with lap and shoulder seat belts for both the driver and front passenger seating positions to provide enhanced collision protection.

The Kia EV6 displays the AIR BAG marking on the steering wheel airbag cover, the driver’s knee bolster beneath the steering wheel, and the passenger-side dashboard panel above the glove compartment to identify the locations of the airbag modules.

The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in the Kia EV6 includes multiple airbags strategically positioned beneath the steering wheel center pad and inside the front passenger dashboard panel above the glove box.

The SRS system provides the driver and front passenger with additional protection beyond the standard seat belt system during sufficiently severe frontal impacts. The Kia EV6 SRS continuously monitors collision severity, seat belt usage, and occupant conditions using advanced electronic sensors.

The front seat belt buckle sensors determine whether the driver and front passenger are properly restrained. This information allows the Kia EV6 SRS system to adjust airbag deployment characteristics depending on impact severity and seat belt status.

The advanced Kia EV6 airbag system uses dual-stage deployment technology. The first inflation stage is designed for moderate impacts, while the second deployment stage activates during more severe frontal collisions requiring greater occupant protection.

The SRS Control Module (SRSCM) manages front airbag deployment by analyzing crash intensity, collision angle, seat belt usage, and occupant information. Failing to wear seat belts properly can significantly increase the risk and severity of injuries during an accident.

Your Kia EV6 is also equipped with an Occupant Detection System (ODS) integrated into the front passenger seat. Under certain conditions, the ODS may deactivate the front passenger airbag automatically to improve passenger safety. For additional information, refer to the Occupant Detection System (ODS) section.

Government regulations require vehicle manufacturers to provide a contact point regarding modifications for drivers or passengers with disabilities, since modifications may affect operation of the advanced airbag system in the Kia EV6. Kia provides assistance through its Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-333-4542 (U.S. only). However, Kia does not approve or support modifications that could interfere with the SRS or Occupant Detection System.

Advanced front airbags in the Kia EV6 operate together with pretensioner seat belts to improve occupant protection during frontal collisions. In certain crashes where seat belts alone provide adequate restraint, the front airbags may not deploy.

Front airbags generally do not deploy during rear impacts, most side impacts, or rollover events. However, if crash conditions exceed the frontal deployment threshold during a side impact, the Kia EV6 front airbags may still activate. Front airbags will not deploy during minor frontal collisions below the system threshold.

NOTE

Side air bag

Your Kia EV6 is equipped with side airbags installed in both front seats as well as the second-row outboard seating positions to provide additional side-impact protection.

The actual airbag configuration inside the Kia EV6 may vary slightly depending on vehicle specifications and equipment levels.

Side airbags provide additional protection for the driver, front passenger, and second-row outboard passengers beyond what is offered by seat belts alone.

• The side airbags in the Kia EV6 deploy during certain side-impact collisions depending on crash severity, impact angle, and sensor detection.

• Depending on collision conditions, the side airbags may deploy only on the impacted side or on both sides of the vehicle.

• The curtain airbags on both sides of the Kia EV6 may deploy if the rollover detection system senses a rollover or possible rollover event.

• Side airbags do not deploy during every side impact or rollover situation.

• The Kia EV6 side airbags supplement the seat belt system and are not intended to replace proper seat belt usage. All occupants should always wear their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving.

• For optimal protection from the side airbag system, both front occupants should remain seated upright with their seat belts properly fastened. The driver should keep both hands positioned at approximately 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock on the steering wheel, while the front passenger should rest their hands comfortably on their lap.

• If the seat upholstery, seat frame, or seat cover becomes damaged, have the Kia EV6 inspected by an authorized Kia dealer. Inform the dealer that the vehicle is equipped with side airbags and an Occupant Detection System.

NOTE

Curtain air bag

The curtain airbags in the Kia EV6 are installed along both roof rails above the front and rear doors to help protect occupants during severe side collisions and rollover situations.

The actual curtain airbag design and positioning in the Kia EV6 may differ slightly from the illustrations shown.

Curtain airbags help protect occupants during certain side impacts and also reduce the likelihood of occupant ejection during rollover accidents, especially when seat belts are properly fastened.

• The curtain airbags in the Kia EV6 deploy during specific side-impact collisions depending on impact severity, crash angle, vehicle speed, and point of contact.

• Curtain airbags may deploy on only the impacted side or on both sides of the Kia EV6 depending on collision conditions.

• Both curtain airbags may deploy during certain rollover events detected by the vehicle’s rollover sensing system.

• The curtain airbags do not deploy during every side impact or rollover scenario.

Passengers inside the Kia EV6 should never lean their heads or bodies against the doors, extend their arms onto the doors, place objects between themselves and the door panels, or stretch arms outside the windows while seated near side or curtain airbags.

NOTE

Air bag collision sensors

1

2

3

4

5

The actual design, appearance, and mounting locations of the airbag sensors in the Kia EV6 may vary slightly depending on vehicle specifications, trim level, and production configuration.

1. Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control module/rollover sensor

2. Side pressure sensors (front door)

3. Side impact sensor (C-pillar)

4. Front impact sensor

5. Side impact sensor (B-pillar)

WARNING

Changes to the installation angles of the Kia EV6 airbag sensors caused by damage or deformation of the front bumper, front-end module, body structure, or front doors may negatively affect collision detection and airbag deployment performance. If the vehicle has sustained damage in these areas, have it inspected immediately by an authorized Kia dealer.

Installing aftermarket bumper guards, side steps, running boards, or replacing the bumper or front door modules with non-genuine parts may adversely affect the Kia EV6 collision sensing system and airbag deployment characteristics.

Kia Genuine Parts, including original bumpers and protective components, are specifically engineered and tested to maintain the designed safety performance of the Kia EV6.

Why didn't my air bag go off in a collision? (Inflation and non-inflation conditions of the air bag)

Not every collision requires airbag deployment. In many accident situations, the seat belt system alone may provide sufficient occupant protection without requiring activation of the airbags in the Kia EV6.

Examples include rear-end impacts, secondary collisions during multiple-impact accidents, and certain low-speed crashes where airbag deployment would not significantly improve occupant safety.