The U.S. National Highway traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall alert for nearly 145,800 vehicles from Kia Motors America. Certain models of 2006-2008 Kia Optima sedans and 2007-2008 Kia Rondo wagons may have front air bags that might not deploy, increasing the risk of injuries to drivers.

According to the NHTSA, the problem stems from the clock spring assembly of the driver's air bag system. Over time, the assembly may become damaged and develop a high electrical resistance in the air bag's electronics which will prevent the safety device from deploying during a collision.

NHTSA believes the issue affects 2006-2008 Kia Optimas made from September 2005 through January 2008 and 2007-2008 Kia Rondos made from September 2006 through March 2008.

In March, Kia is expected to alert customers affected by this safety recall. Owners of the recalled vehicles will be instructed to bring their Kia Optima or Kia Rondo to local dealerships where mechanics will replace the air bag clock spring assembly will be replaced free of charge.

For more information, consumers can contact Kia (800-333-4542) and reference Kia's recall campaign number: SC094. They can also visit the NHTSA's website, www.SaferCar.gov, for more information about NHTSA Recall Campaign ID # 12V014000.

Recall: 2006-2008 Kia Optima / 2007-2008 Kia Rondo - Air bags      Campaign ID #: 12V014000 [NHTSA]