Kia recalls nearly 73,000 Rios

DETROIT (AP) - Kia Motors America is recalling nearly 73,000 Rio small cars to fix a problem with the front-passenger air bag.

The recall affects cars from the 2006 to 2008 model years. A sensor inside the front passenger seat can crack and fail to detect whether a child is sitting in the seat. This means the air bag can inflate in a crash and hurt the child, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Tuesday on its website.

Cars are designed so air bags don't deploy if a child is sitting in the front passenger seat.

Kia said in the documents that it doesn't know of any injuries stemming from the problem.

The cars were built between Feb. 20, 2005 and Dec. 9, 2007.

Kia will replace the sensor for free starting in July.

Owners with questions can call Kia at (800) 333-4542.