B0101 on Kia
Electronic Frontal Sensor 2 Malfunction
B0101 on Kia vehicles indicates electronic frontal sensor 2 malfunction. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Kia model — most commonly on Optima. This is a safety-system (SRS/airbag) code, so it should be taken seriously. Modern cars use frontal impact sensors that detect a crash and tell the airbag control module when and how to deploy the airbags. B0101 indicates the airbag (SRS) control module detected a malfunction or circuit fault with frontal impact sensor 2 — meaning the sensor or its wiring isn't reporting correctly, so the module may not be able to rely on it in a collision. This typically lights the airbag warning lamp and can disable airbag deployment until repaired, which is a genuine safety risk in a frontal crash. Note this is a manufacturer-specific code, so the exact sensor location and meaning can vary by make.
Common Causes of B0101
- •Failed front impact/frontal crash sensor (sensor 2)
- •Damaged, corroded or unplugged sensor wiring/connector
- •Connector or wiring damage from a prior collision or repair
- •Water intrusion or corrosion at the sensor connector
- •Poor ground or open circuit to the sensor
- •Faulty airbag (SRS) control module
- •Sensor not properly seated or improperly mounted after service
B0101 on Kia by Model
Kia Optima(1 issue)
- Airbag Control Unit Electrical Overstress2011-2013
The Airbag Control Unit (ACU) may be susceptible to electrical overstress during certain front-end collisions. If this occurs, the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy as designed, significantly increasing the risk of injury. This issue prompted a major recall affecting over 500,000 Kia vehicles.
Looking for B0101 on a different make?
View B0101 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does B0101 mean on Kia?▼
B0101 stands for "Electronic Frontal Sensor 2 Malfunction." This is a safety-system (SRS/airbag) code, so it should be taken seriously. Modern cars use frontal impact sensors that detect a crash and tell the airbag control module when and how to deploy the airbags. B0101 indicates the airbag (SRS) control module detected a malfunction or circuit fault with frontal impact sensor 2 — meaning the sensor or its wiring isn't reporting correctly, so the module may not be able to rely on it in a collision. This typically lights the airbag warning lamp and can disable airbag deployment until repaired, which is a genuine safety risk in a frontal crash. Note this is a manufacturer-specific code, so the exact sensor location and meaning can vary by make. On Kia specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes B0101 on Kia vehicles?▼
Common causes on Kia: Failed front impact/frontal crash sensor (sensor 2), Damaged, corroded or unplugged sensor wiring/connector, Connector or wiring damage from a prior collision or repair, Water intrusion or corrosion at the sensor connector, Poor ground or open circuit to the sensor. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix B0101 on a Kia?▼
Repair costs vary widely depending on the root cause and specific Kia model.
Which Kia models have B0101 documented?▼
Au7o has documented B0101 on 1 Kia model: Optima.