B1620 code in owner complaints

Code B1620 is named in 9 US owner complaints. Models: 6, model years 2010–2019.

There is little data for this code or its meaning is ambiguous, so this page is not indexed.

What the code means

This is a manufacturer-specific code: the meaning depends on the make and sometimes on the year.

How to read B1620: the letter B means body (including airbags and belts); the second digit 1 marks a manufacturer code whose meaning is set by the make; the last three characters 620 identify the specific fault.

Restraint system codes: airbag squibs, belt pretensioners, crash sensors and occupant classification. After a crash with airbag deployment, many makers require the restraint module to be replaced or reset by procedure because it stores crash data. An airbag light on an auction car is not cosmetic: airbags, the module and sensors can cost more than the body repair.

Key figures

Complaints with this code: 9
Models: 6
Model years: 2010–2019

Which models and years

Models whose owners name this code (6). Years link to the model year problems page.

Model	Years	Complaints
Hyundai Elantra	2010, 2013	2
KIA Forte	2017	2
KIA Sorento	2011	2
Hyundai Genesis	2015	1
Hyundai Santa FE	2010	1
KIA Soul	2019	1

Components named together with the code

Component as the owner filed it (one complaint can list several).

Air bags 9
Electrical system 2
Seat belts 2
Other 2

Complaints by model year

2010 2
2011 2
2013 1
2015 1
2017 2
2019 1

What to do if an auction car has this code

Ask for a dash photo at start-up: the airbag light must go off after the self-test.
Check the interior photos for deployed airbags and fired belt pretensioners: replacing the restraint module, airbags and sensors is a large separate part of the estimate.
Budget a scan with a restraint module read-out: the code alone does not say which part failed.

What owners report

Excerpts of owner complaints in the original wording. Owner statements not verified by the regulator; personal data removed.

My repair shop documented this diagnosis on August 24, 2026. Kia Safety Recall SC226 / NHTSA Recall 22V-031 addresses an Airbag Control Unit defect in certain 2017-2019 Kia Souls and specifically addresses vehicles exhibiting DTC B1620.
KIA Soul 2019 · 2026-08
I was concerned because I had recently completed the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) service campaign on 4/3/2023. Initially, I took my vehicle to an auto repair facility where a diagnostic test determined my SUV had a B1620 error code and was advised to take it to a Hyundai dealership.
Hyundai Santa FE 2010 · 2023-07
I used a scan tool to read the fault. Its 10 faults including DTC B1620, the airbag SRSCM is not communicating. I made an appointment at local KIA dealer for recall. I downloaded the SC226 RECALL. The recall affects a production range for 2017-2018 MY Forte from March 2, 2017 to July 27, 2018.
KIA Forte 2017 · 2023-03

Related codes

Sources: public official US data (owner complaints) and the SAE J2012 standard. Complaints are owner statements not verified by the regulator. A code from a complaint does not replace a scan tool diagnosis. Data updated 2026-11-10.