The agency has received at least 43 complaints alleging malfunction of the front passenger occupant classification system, which determines if an adult or a small child is sitting in the seat. Owners report illumination of the SRS warning light, or a trouble code related to the OCS sensor mat under the seat cushion.
The NHTSA warns that a malfunctioning OCS sensor can either suppress the airbag when an adult is in the seat, or fail to suppress the airbag when a child or small adult is in the seat. In either case, passengers face a potential higher risk of injury in an accident.
The investigation is focused on Spectra sedans and hatchbacks from the 2007-2009 model years. The Spectra has been off the market since 2009, when it was succeeded by the Forte. Some owners have voiced frustration over the out-of-warranty repair costs.
“[The dealership] wanted to charge me about $2,000 because my vehicle is no longer under warranty,” one complaint claims. Other reports point to repair estimates between $1,300 and $1,900 for a new seat, discouraging owners from having the vehicle fixed.
The NHTSA is now investigating the reports to determine if a recall is warranted.
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