Kia Seltos: Safety features of your Kia / Air bag - advanced Supplemental Restraint System

Contents:

• How does the air bag system operate?
• Do not install a child restraint on the front passenger's seat
• Air bag warning light
• SRS components and functions
• Occupant Detection System (ODS)
• 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)
• SRS care
• Adding equipment to or modifying your air bag-equipped vehicle
• Air bag warning label

* The actual air bags and their locations in your Kia Seltos may differ from the illustration depending on model, trim, and equipment.

1. Driver's front air bag

2. Passenger's front air bag

3. Side air bag

4. Curtain air bag

Even in vehicles equipped with air bags, the driver and all passengers must always wear the safety belts provided. Seat belts help keep occupants in the proper position and reduce the risk and severity of injury during a collision or rollover.

The air bag system in the Kia Seltos is designed to supplement the seat belts, not replace them. For the best protection, always sit upright, keep a proper distance from the air bags, and make sure every occupant is correctly restrained before driving.

How does the air bag system operate? ➤

Do not install a child restraint on the front passenger's seat

Never place a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat of the Kia Seltos.

If the front passenger air bag deploys, it can strike the rear-facing child restraint with great force, causing serious or fatal injury to the child.

Do not place forward-facing child restraints on the front passenger seat. If the front passenger air bag inflates, it could also cause serious or fatal injuries to the child.

WARNING

Air bag deployment

When children are seated in the rear outboard seats of a Kia Seltos equipped with side and/or curtain air bags, install the Child Restraint System as far away from the door as practical. Inflation of the side or curtain air bag could impact the child if the restraint is positioned too close to the deployment area.

Air bag warning light

The air bag warning light on the instrument panel of the Kia Seltos is designed to alert you to a possible problem with the air bag system. This may include the front air bags, side air bags, curtain air bags, or rollover protection components.

If the air bag warning light stays illuminated for more than 6 seconds after the ENGINE START/STOP button is turned to the ON position, or if it comes on while driving, an SRS component may not be operating correctly. Have the Kia Seltos inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

If any of the following conditions occur, it may indicate a malfunction in the air bag system. Have an authorized Kia dealer inspect the system as soon as possible.

• The light does not turn on briefly when the ENGINE START/STOP button is turned to the ON position.

• The light stays on after illuminating for approximately 6 seconds.

• The light turns on while the Kia Seltos is in motion.

• The light blinks when the ENGINE START/STOP button is in the ON position.

SRS components and functions

* The actual position of SRS components in your Kia Seltos may differ from the illustration depending on model, trim, and equipment.

The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in the Kia Seltos is made up of several safety components that work together with the seat belts to help reduce injury risk in certain collisions or rollover situations.

The SRS consists of the following components:

1. Driver's front air bag module

2. Passenger's front air bag module

3. Side air bag modules

4. Curtain air bag modules

5. Retractor pre-tensioner seat belt assemblies

6. Air bag warning light

7. SRS control module (SRSCM)/rollover sensor

8. Front impact sensor

9. Side impact sensors

10. Side pressure sensors

11. Occupant detection system (Front passenger's seat only)

12. Front passenger's seat belt buckle sensor

Driver's front air bag (1)

The front air bag modules are located in the center of the steering wheel and in the front passenger panel above the glove box. When the SRS control module detects a sufficiently severe frontal impact, it automatically deploys the front air bags to help protect the driver and front passenger.

Driver's front air bag (2) 

During deployment, the tear seams molded into the air bag pad covers separate under pressure as the air bags expand. This controlled opening allows the air bags to inflate fully and quickly in the designed direction.

Driver's front air bag (3)

A fully inflated air bag, used together with a properly fastened seat belt, helps slow the forward movement of the driver or passenger. This can reduce the risk of head, neck, and chest injuries during a serious frontal collision.

After full inflation, the air bag begins deflating almost immediately. This helps the driver regain forward visibility and maintain the ability to steer, brake, or operate other controls after the impact if the situation allows.

For the SRS to work as intended in the Kia Seltos, occupants must sit upright, wear seat belts correctly, and keep the air bag deployment areas clear of objects, covers, or accessories.

Passenger's front air bag

WARNING

Air bag obstructions

Do not install, attach, or place accessories on the steering wheel, instrument panel, or front passenger panel above the glove box in the Kia Seltos. If an air bag deploys, these objects may be thrown with great force and become dangerous projectiles.

WARNING

Flying objects

Do not place objects such as umbrellas, bags, bottles, or loose accessories between the front door and the front seat. If the side air bag inflates, these items may be thrown toward occupants and cause injury.

• If an air bag deploys in the Kia Seltos, a loud noise may be heard and fine powder may be released inside the vehicle. These conditions are normal and the powder is generally non-toxic. Air bags are packed with this fine powder to help them deploy properly. However, the dust produced during deployment may irritate the skin or eyes and may worsen asthma symptoms in some people. After an accident in which air bags have deployed, wash all exposed skin areas thoroughly with cold water and mild soap.

• The SRS can function only when the ENGINE START/STOP button is in the ON position. The SRS may not be operating properly if any of the following situations occur:

  • The SRS warning light does not illuminate when expected.

  • The SRS warning light remains on continuously after appearing for about 6 seconds when the ENGINE START/STOP button is turned to the ON position or after the vehicle enters ready mode.

  • The SRS air bag warning light comes on while the Kia Seltos is being driven.

  Have your Kia Seltos inspected immediately by an authorized Kia dealer if any of these warning conditions occur.

NOTICE

Before replacing a fuse or disconnecting a battery terminal, turn the ENGINE START/STOP button to the OFF position. Never remove or replace air bag-related fuses while the ENGINE START/STOP button is in the ON position. Failure to follow this instruction may cause the SRS air bag warning light to appear.

For safe service and proper operation of the Kia Seltos Supplemental Restraint System, air bag-related inspection or repair should be performed only by qualified service personnel.

Occupant Detection System (ODS) ➤

Driver's and passenger's front air bag

The Kia Seltos is equipped with an advanced Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and lap/shoulder seat belts for both the driver and front passenger seating positions.

Driver's front air bag

Passenger's front air bag

The words "AIR BAG" are marked on the air bag pad cover in the center of the steering wheel and on the front passenger panel above the glove box.

The SRS includes air bags installed beneath these pad covers in the steering wheel and in the passenger-side front panel above the glove box.

The purpose of the SRS in the Kia Seltos is to provide the driver and/or front passenger with additional protection beyond the seat belt system during a frontal impact of sufficient severity. The system uses sensors to collect information about impact severity and front seat belt usage.

The seat belt buckle sensor determines whether the front passenger's seat belt is fastened.

These sensors allow the SRS to control deployment according to crash severity and whether the seat belts are being worn.

The advanced SRS can control air bag inflation in two stages. The first stage is used for moderate impacts, while the second stage is used for more severe impacts.

Based on impact severity and seat belt use, the SRS control module manages air bag inflation. Failure to wear the seat belt correctly can increase the risk or severity of injury in an accident.

Your Kia Seltos is also equipped with an Occupant Detection System (ODS) in the front passenger seat. The ODS detects whether a passenger is present and may turn off the front passenger air bag under certain conditions. For more detailed information, see More Details.

WARNING

Modification to the seat structure can cause the air bag to deploy at a level different from what was intended for proper occupant protection.

Government regulations require manufacturers to provide a contact point for questions about vehicle modifications for persons with disabilities when those modifications may affect the advanced air bag system. For Kia, that contact is the toll-free Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-333-4542 in the U.S. only. Kia does not endorse or support changes to any part or structure of the vehicle that could affect the advanced air bag system, including the ODS.

WARNING

Replacement/modifications

The front passenger seat, dashboard, or door should not be replaced or modified except by an authorized Kia dealer using genuine Kia parts designed for this specific Kia Seltos model. Any other replacement or modification may adversely affect the Occupant Detection System and the advanced air bags.

Advanced air bags work together with pre-tensioner seat belts to help improve occupant protection in frontal crashes. Front air bags are not designed to deploy in situations where the seat belt alone can provide sufficient protection.

NOTICE

Air bags can be used only once. After deployment, have the air bag system replaced immediately by an authorized Kia dealer.

Front air bags are not intended to deploy in most side impacts, rear impacts, or rollovers. However, if the frontal deployment threshold is met during a side-impact event, the front air bags may deploy. Front air bags will not deploy in frontal impacts below the deployment threshold.

WARNING

SRS wiring

Do not tamper with, disconnect, modify, or repair SRS wiring or other SRS components yourself. Doing so could cause accidental air bag deployment or make the SRS inoperative, which may result in serious injury.

WARNING

Do not attach objects

Do not place objects such as instrument panel covers, mobile phone holders, cup holders, perfume bottles, stickers, decorations, or accessories over or near the air bag modules on the steering wheel, instrument panel, windshield glass, or front passenger panel above the glove box. Such objects can cause injury if the Kia Seltos is involved in a collision severe enough to deploy the air bags.

Do not place any object over an air bag or between an air bag and an occupant.

Never place or insert any object into small openings near the side air bag labels attached to the vehicle seats.

If an air bag deploys, any object in the deployment area may interfere with inflation, become a projectile, or cause unexpected injury.

Side air bag

The Kia Seltos is equipped with a side air bag in each front seat. These air bags are designed to provide additional protection for the driver and front passenger in certain side-impact collisions.

* The actual air bags in your Kia Seltos may differ from the illustration depending on trim, model year, and equipment.

The purpose of the side air bag is to give the driver and/or front passenger extra protection beyond the seat belts alone. However, it works together with the seat belt system and does not replace correct seat belt use.

• The side air bags are designed to deploy during certain side-impact collisions, depending on the severity, angle, and location of the impact.

• The side air bags may deploy on the side of impact or, in some situations, on both sides of the Kia Seltos.

• The side and/or curtain air bags on both sides of the vehicle may deploy if a rollover or possible rollover is detected.

• The side air bags are not designed to deploy in every side-impact or rollover situation.

  

  WARNING

  Unexpected deployment

  Avoid impact to the side-impact air bag sensor when the ENGINE START/STOP button is ON. Hitting or disturbing the sensor may cause unexpected side air bag deployment.

• The side air bag is supplemental to the driver's and passenger's seat belt systems. It is not a substitute for seat belts. Seat belts must be worn correctly at all times while the Kia Seltos is being operated.

• For the best protection from the side air bag system and to reduce the risk of injury from deployment, both front seat occupants should sit upright with their seat belts properly fastened. The driver's hands should be placed on the steering wheel at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions, while the passenger's arms and hands should rest on their lap.

  

  WARNING

  Deployment

  Do not install accessories, including seat covers, on the side of the seat or near the side air bag. These items may interfere with proper side air bag deployment.

• If a seat or seat cover is damaged, have the Kia Seltos inspected and repaired by an authorized Kia dealer. Inform the dealer that the vehicle is equipped with side air bags and an Occupant Detection System (ODS).

WARNING

Flying objects

Do not place objects such as umbrellas, bags, bottles, or loose accessories between the front door and the front seat. If the side air bag inflates, these objects may become dangerous projectiles and injure occupants.

WARNING

Do not attach objects

• Do not place objects over the air bag or between the air bag and an occupant. Do not attach objects around the areas where the air bag inflates, including the door, side door glass, and front or rear pillars.

• Do not place any object between the side air bag label and the seat cushion. If the Kia Seltos is involved in a collision severe enough to deploy the air bags, the object may cause injury.

• Never place or insert any object into small openings near the side air bag labels attached to the vehicle seats. When the air bag deploys, the object may interfere with deployment and cause an unexpected accident or injury.

• Do not install accessories on the side of the seat or near the side air bags.

To help the Kia Seltos side air bag system operate correctly, keep the seat sides, doors, and pillar areas clear of covers, hard objects, and aftermarket accessories.

Curtain air bag

Curtain air bags in the Kia Seltos are located along both sides of the roof rails above the front and rear doors.

* The actual air bags in your Kia Seltos may differ from the illustration depending on model, trim, and equipment.

Curtain air bags are designed to help protect occupants in certain side-impact collisions and to help reduce the risk of ejection from the vehicle during a rollover, especially when the seat belts are also being worn correctly.

• The curtain air bags are designed to deploy during certain side-impact collisions, depending on the severity and direction of impact. If the side deployment threshold is met during a front-impact event, the side air bags may also deploy.

• The curtain air bags may deploy on the side of impact or on both sides of the Kia Seltos, depending on the crash conditions.

• The curtain air bags on both sides of the vehicle may deploy in certain rollover situations.

• The curtain air bags are not designed to deploy in every side-impact or rollover situation.

Passengers should not lean their heads or bodies against the doors, place their arms on the doors, extend arms out of the windows, or place objects between themselves and the doors when seated in areas equipped with side-impact and/or curtain air bags.

NOTICE

Never attempt to open, inspect, modify, or repair any component of the side or curtain air bag system yourself. This work should only be performed by an authorized Kia dealer.

WARNING

Do not attach objects

• Do not place objects over the air bag or attach items near the areas where the air bag inflates, including the door, side door glass, front pillar, rear pillar, or roof side rail.

• Do not hang hard, breakable, or heavy objects on the coat hooks. Such objects may become dangerous projectiles if the curtain air bag deploys.

Air bag collision sensors

The air bag collision sensors in the Kia Seltos are positioned in key areas of the vehicle to help the Supplemental Restraint System detect certain frontal, side-impact, and rollover conditions.

* The actual shape and position of the sensors in your Kia Seltos may differ from the illustration depending on specification and equipment.

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

2. Front impact sensor

3. Side pressure sensors

4. Side impact sensor

WARNING

Air bag sensors

• Do not hit or allow objects to strike the areas where air bags or sensors are installed.

  This may cause unexpected air bag deployment, which could result in serious personal injury or death.

• If the installation location or angle of a sensor is changed in any way, the air bags may deploy when they should not, or they may fail to deploy when they are needed.

  Do not perform maintenance on or around the air bag sensors. Have the Kia Seltos inspected and repaired by an authorized Kia dealer.

• Do not touch, move, or arbitrarily adjust the front impact sensor. If the sensor angle is changed, the air bag system may malfunction.

Problems may occur if sensor installation angles are changed because of deformation to the front bumper, front-end module, body structure, or front doors where side collision sensors are installed. If damage occurs in these areas, have the Kia Seltos checked and repaired by an authorized Kia dealer.

Installing bumper guards, side steps, running boards, or replacing a bumper or front door module with non-genuine parts may adversely affect collision detection and air bag deployment performance.

Kia Genuine bumper guards and bumpers are designed and tested to support the quality, fit, and safety performance expected for the Kia Seltos.

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

SRS care

The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in the Kia Seltos is virtually maintenance-free, and there are no SRS parts that owners can safely service by themselves.

If the SRS air bag warning light does not illuminate when expected, remains on, or turns on while driving, have your Kia Seltos inspected immediately by an authorized Kia dealer.

Any work involving the SRS, including removal, installation, repair, or service around the steering wheel, front passenger panel, front seats, roof rails, air bag modules, sensors, or related wiring, must be performed only by an authorized Kia dealer. Improper handling of the SRS can cause accidental deployment, system failure, or serious personal injury.

When cleaning air bag pad covers, use only a soft, dry cloth or a cloth lightly moistened with water. Do not use solvents, strong cleaners, chemicals, or abrasive products, because they may damage the air bag covers and affect proper deployment of the system.

If air bag system components must be discarded, or if the Kia Seltos must be scrapped, special safety precautions must be followed. An authorized Kia dealer understands these precautions and can provide the necessary information. Failure to follow proper procedures may increase the risk of injury.

WARNING

Tampering with SRS

Do not tamper with, disconnect, modify, or repair SRS wiring or other SRS components. Doing so could cause accidental air bag inflation or make the SRS inoperative during a collision.

WARNING

Towing vehicle

Always make sure the ignition is OFF when the Kia Seltos is being towed. If the vehicle is tilted during towing, the rollover sensors may detect movement that could cause the side air bags to inflate.

Adding equipment to or modifying your air bag-equipped vehicle

If you modify your Kia Seltos by changing the frame, bumper system, front-end structure, side sheet metal, suspension, or ride height, the operation of the air bag system may be affected.

Any structural or electrical modification should be reviewed by an authorized Kia dealer before installation. Changes made without proper guidance can interfere with crash sensors, air bag deployment timing, or Occupant Detection System operation.

Air bag warning label

Air bag warning labels required by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA, U.S. only) are attached to the sun visor. These labels alert the driver and passengers to potential risks associated with the air bag system.