2016-2018 Kia Carnival, Cerato and Soul recalled

Kia has issued a wide-ranging recall notice for three of its models manufactured between 2016 and 2018.

Affecting a total of 40,817 Carnivals, Ceratos and Souls, each model is under recall due to a manufacturing issue with the airbag control unit (ACU).

According to the recall, the ACU's cover and the Electronically Erasable Programming Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) chip might not have sufficient clearance, causing the airbag warning lights to turn on, but also preventing the airbag from deploying – leading to a higher risk of injury in an accident.

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"If the airbag warning light is illuminated, and Fault Code B162000 is stored, the dealer will replace the ACU with an improved unit," the recall states.

"If the airbag warning light is not illuminated, a software update will be performed to the ACU ensuring deployment of the airbag(s) in the event of an accident."

Kia has told owners to contact their most convenient dealer for an inspection and repair, free of charge. Those unsure as to whether their vehicle is affected can contact Kia Australia on 131 542 or at customer_service@kia.com.au

A list of VINs for affected vehicles can be found here.