Safety Features of Your Vehicle

SRS Components and Functions

~3min read

The SRS consists of the following components:

1. Driver's Front Airbag Module
2. Front Passenger's Airbag Module
3. Side Airbag Modules
4. Curtain Airbag Modules
5. Seat Belt Pretensioner Assemblies
6. Airbag Warning Light
7. SRS Control Module (SRSCM) / Rollover Sensor
8. Frontal Impact Sensors
9. Side Impact Sensors
10. Passenger Airbag "OFF" Indicator (front passenger seat only)
11. Occupant Detection System (front passenger seat only)
12. Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR)

If the SRS warning light stays on for more than 6 seconds after the Start/Stop button is turned ON, or comes on while driving, the SRS components may not function properly. Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

If any of the following conditions occur, it indicates a malfunction in the airbag system. Have an authorized Kia dealer inspect the airbag system as soon as possible.

  • The airbag warning light will come on briefly when the Engine Start/Stop button is turned to the ON position.
  • The light remains on after illuminating for approximately 6 seconds.
  • The light comes on while the vehicle is in motion.
  • The light flashes when the Start/Stop button is turned to the ON position.

Driver's front airbag (1)

The front airbag modules are located in the center of the steering wheel and in the instrument panel above the glove box on the passenger side. When the SRSCM detects a sufficiently severe frontal impact, it automatically deploys the front airbags.

Driver's front airbag (2)

When deployed, tear seams form directly in the covers. The covers separate under the pressure of the expanding air bags. Then the opening of the covers allows the air bags to fully inflate.

Driver's front airbag (3)

A fully inflated air bag, in combination with a properly worn seat belt, slows the forward movement of the driver or passenger, reducing the risk of head and chest injury.

After full deployment, the air bag begins to deflate immediately, allowing the driver to maintain forward visibility and the ability to steer or operate other controls.

Passenger Front Air Bag

WARNING - Airbag Obstruction

Do not install or place accessories on the steering wheel, instrument panel, or the passenger-side instrument panel above the glove box. Such objects may become dangerous projectiles if the airbag deploys.

WARNING - Flying Objects

Do not place any objects (such as umbrellas, bags, etc.) between the front door and the front seat. Such objects may become dangerous projectiles if the side airbag deploys.

  • When an airbag deploys, a loud noise may be heard, followed by fine dust released into the vehicle. These conditions are normal and not dangerous; the airbags are packed with this fine powder. The dust generated during airbag deployment may cause skin or eye irritation and may aggravate asthma in some people. Always wash any exposed skin thoroughly with cold water and mild soap after an accident in which the airbags have deployed.
  • The SRS can operate only when the Engine Start/Stop button is in the ON position. If the SRS airbag warning light does not come on, or stays on after it has illuminated for about 6 seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position or after the engine is started, or comes on while driving, the SRS is not operating properly. If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer immediately.

✽ NOTICE

Before replacing a fuse or disconnecting the battery terminal, turn the Start/Stop button to the OFF position.

Never remove or replace the airbag-related fuse(s) when the Engine Start/Stop button is in the ON position.

Failure to follow this warning will cause the SRS airbag warning light to illuminate.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Forte BD quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.