Seat belt pre-tensioner

2026 Kia Tasman seat belt pre-tensioner operation image. Red arrows labeled (1) at the shoulder and (2) at the lap indicate the direction the teal-highlighted seat belts tighten against the driver and passenger. This explains the function of the Retractor Pre-tensioner and Emergency Fastening Device (EFD) securing occupants during a collision.
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Your vehicle is equipped with pre-tensioner seat belts for the front driver and passenger, as well as the second row passengers (if equipped, except the center).

The seat belt pre-tensioner system consists of the following main components.

  1. Retractor Pre-tensioner

    The purpose of the retractor pre-tensioner is to make sure that the shoulder belts fit in tightly against the occupant's upper body in certain frontal collisions

  2. EFD (Emergency Fastening Device): (if equipped)

    The purpose of the EFD is to make sure that the pelvis belts fit in tightly against the occupant's lower body in certain frontal collisions.

2026 Kia Tasman seat belt pre-tensioner system components image. A transparent view shows the system layout with callout numbers. (1) indicates the SRS air bag warning light, (2) points to the front retractor pre-tensioner assembly, and (3) marks the SRS control module. This describes the location of the seat belt pre-tensioner system components.
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2026 Kia Tasman Rear retractor pre-tensioner assembly image. A top-down view of the vehicle shows red lines pointing to the rear retractor pre-tensioner assembly (4) located on both sides of the rear seats. Illustrates the position of the rear seat belt safety components.
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  1. SRS air bag warning light

  2. Front retractor pre-tensioner assembly

  3. SRS control module

  4. Rear retractor pre-tensioner assembly (if equipped)

Operating condition(s)

  • When the vehicle stops suddenly, or if the occupant tries to lean forward too quickly, the seat belt retractor will lock into position.

  • In certain frontal collisions, the pre-tensioner will activate and pull the seat belt into tighter contact against the occupant's body.

  • When the system senses excessive tension on the driver or passenger's seat belt when the pre-tensioner system activates, the load limiter inside the retractor pre-tensioner will release some of the pressure on the affected seat belt.

WARNING

  • For your safety, be sure that the belt webbing is not loose or twisted and always sit properly on your seat.

  • To obtain maximum benefit from a Seat belt pre-tensioner:

    1. The seatbelt must be working correctly and adjusted to the proper position. Please read and follow all of the important information and precautions about your vehicle's occupant safety features - including seat belts and air bags - that are provided in this manual.

    2. Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts properly.

  • Pre-tensioners seat belts systems are designed to operate only one time. After activation, Seat belt pre-tensioners must be replaced. All seat belts of any type should always be replaced after they have been worn during a collision.

  • The Seat belt pre-tensioner assembly mechanisms become hot during activation. Do not touch the Seat belt pre-tensioner assemblies for several minutes after they have been activated.

  • Do not attempt to inspect or replace the Seat belt pre-tensioners yourself. Have the system inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

  • Do not attempt to service or repair the Seat belt pre-tensioner system in any manner.

  • Improper handling of the Seat belt pre-tensioner assemblies, and failure to heed the warnings not to strike, modify, inspect, replace, service or repair the Seat belt pre-tensioner assemblies may lead to improper operation or inadvertent activation and serious injury.

  • Always wear the seat belts when driving or riding in a motor vehicle.

  • If the vehicle or Seat belt pre-tensioner must be discarded, contact a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

  • Body work on the front area of the vehicle may damage the Seat belt pre-tensioner system. Therefore, have the system serviced by a professional workshop. Kia recommends to visit an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

CAUTION

If the seat belt pre-tensioner is not working properly, the SRS air bag warning light will appear even if there is no malfunction of the SRS air bag. If the SRS air bag warning light does not appear when the vehicle is in ON position, or if it remains on after illuminating for approximately 3~6 seconds, or if it appears while the vehicle is being driven, have the system inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.

NOTE

  • The pre-tensioner will activate not only in a frontal collision but also in a side collision, if the vehicle is equipped with a side or curtain air bag.

  • When the Seat belt pret-ensioners are activated, a loud noise may be heard and fine dust, which may appear to be smoke, may be visible in the passenger compartment. These are normal operating conditions and are not hazardous.

  • Although it is harmless, the fine dust may cause skin irritation and should not be breathed for prolonged periods. Wash all exposed skin areas thoroughly after an accident in which the seat belt pre-tensioners were activated.

  • Because the sensor that activates the SRS air bag is connected with the seat belt pre-tensioner, the SRS air bag warning light on the instrument cluster will appear for approximately 3~6 seconds after the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button has been turned to the ON position, and then it should turn off.