Kia Motors America is recalling 73,000 Kia Rio sedans due to problems with the 2006-2008 model year cars' sensor mats which determines the safety of deploying the front air bags. The mats may crack and fail to detect the presence of a child in the front seats and deploy the front air bags during a collision, which increases the risk of injury said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Consumer Reports car and safety experts recommend that the safest place for children under 12 in a vehicle is in the rear seats. Even in a car with front air bag systems such as the 2006- 2008 Kio Rio, which scored well in front passenger protection for those model years. Young children should be seated in appropriatecar or booster seats. For more information, check out Consumer Reports free buying guide to car seats and advice on kid-friendly vehicles.

According to NHTSA, Kia will notify owners affected by the safety recall to bring their vehicles in to local dealerships where mechanics will replace the front air bag sensor mats for free.

For more information, consumers can call Kia (toll-free: 800-333-4542) and refer to company's safety recall campaign number, SC097.

Sources:
Recall: 2006-2008 Kia Rio - Front air bags    Campaign #:12V244000 [NHTSA]
Kia recalls nearly 73,000 Rios for air bag problem [Associated Press via Google]