Front Air Bag Sensor Control problems of the 2009 Kia Motor Optima

Vehicle air bag trouble light illuminated on dashboard. When brought to the dealer, we were told that a seat sensor was defective and needed replacement at a cost of $1500. This is on top of a recent $2700 transmission replacement on the same vehicle one month prior. Since we are still paying for the transmission repair, we chose to drive the vehicle without the air bag system functioning properly which we realize is a safety issue, but we cannot afford another expensive kia repair.

Shortly after we purchased this car the air bag (srs) light came on and stayed on. Took it back to dealer. Scan test found code b1447 oc ecu defect, found poor connection at control unit. They cleared the code and stated the unit was working now as designed. Everything good until 10/6/14, 57000mi. , 52 days out of basic warranty. Called kia dealer, wanted to scan it for $95. 00. Said they would apply scan fee to repair bill. (ill bet they would!) took it to a local tech. Who has a high tech scanner. I don't have the code but he told me it has a defective pressure sensor in the passenger seat and it would be an expensive repair. I think its high time kia does the right thing and owns up to its accountability for this life-safety issue.