The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration along with Kia Motors have announced a recall of more than 10,600 Kia Sorento sport utility vehicles. The problem: Faulty programming may incorrectly deactivate the front passenger airbag for adult riders.

The issue affects the Occupant Classification System (OCS) installed in 2007 and 2008 model year Sorento SUVs manufactured from June 2006 through September 2007. The OCS is designed to turn off the airbag if a child or a baby seat is in the front passenger seat. Faulty programming, however, will also prevent the passenger airbag from deploying during a collision if a heavier adult rider is occupying the front seat. (The "passenger airbag off" warning light on the Sorento's dashboard, however, does alert drivers and occupants of the deactivation.)

Kia is currently advising owners of affected Sorento vehicles to bring their SUVs into local dealerships where technicians will reprogram the OCS to operate correctly. For more information, consumers can contact Kia's toll free customer service live (800-333-4542) or visit the NHTSA website: www.SaferCar.gov.

Recall: 2007-2007 Kia Sorento - Front airbags - NHTSA action #: EA09017 [NHTSA]