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Manufacturer recall number

KIA recall SC165

KIA calls it SC165. NHTSA filed it as campaign 18V363000 on Jun 1, 2018: air bags on the 2010–2013 KIA Forte and 4 other KIA models, 507,587 vehicles potentially affected. One recall, two numbers — the dealer quotes the manufacturer’s, the federal record carries NHTSA’s.

What NHTSA has under this number

Source: 49 CFR Part 573 filings
NHTSA campaignVehiclesComponentFiledAffectedSeverity
18V3630002010–2013 KIA Forte and 4 other KIA modelsAir BagsJun 1, 2018507,587high
Problem 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. Fix 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.

The manufacturer’s own words as filed for 18V363000. Every model year it covers, the build window and the filed PDFs →

Two numbers, one recall

Every safety recall carries two identifiers. SC165 is the number KIA assigned in its own system: it is what appears on the owner letter, on the dealer’s service screen and on the repair order. 18V363000 is the number NHTSA filed the same recall under when the manufacturer reported it, and it is the one every federal record, this site included, is keyed on.

The repair is free by federal law for vehicles up to fifteen years old. Whether one particular vehicle is included is settled by its VIN against the manufacturer’s build list, not by its model year.

Check one specific vehicle

Both lookups check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list and say whether the repair is still outstanding on that vehicle.

Common questions

Source: NHTSA, 49 CFR Part 573

Is SC165 the same recall as 18V363000?

Yes. SC165 is KIA’s own number for it; 18V363000 is NHTSA’s. One recall, two references.

Which vehicles does SC165 cover?

2010–2013 KIA Forte and 4 other KIA models, 507,587 vehicles by the manufacturer’s count. A recall covers a build range, so the VIN decides whether one particular vehicle is in it.

Does the SC165 repair cost anything?

No. The manufacturer must remedy a safety defect at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from first sale.