Kia is recalling more than 410,000 cars and minivans because the airbags in these vehicles may not deploy in the event of a crash.
According to Consumer Reports, the problem is because of an electrical problem within the airbag control unit (ACU), which is the component that determines whether to deploy airbags in the event of a crash. Drivers may notice that the airbag warning light is illuminated on the gauge cluster located behind the steering wheel.
Details of the Recalled Airbags
So far, no crashes or injuries have been reported in connection with this recall. However, there have been 13 customer complaints and 947 warranty claims, according to Kia’s documents provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The problem with the recalled vehicles is that the cover of the airbag control unit might come in contact with a chip of the printed circuit board, which could damage the electrical circuit.
As a result, the vehicle’s airbags might deactivate and not deploy during a crash, which could result in major injuries. Kia will begin notifying owners on March 21. When the recall begins, dealerships will inspect the ACU and either update the vehicle’s software or replace the unit, if necessary. If you have any questions about the recall, please contact Kia at 800-333-4542.
Dangers of Airbag Failure
When an airbag fails to work during a car accident, the consequences can be catastrophic. Vehicle occupants may suffer serious traumatic injuries including head injuries, spinal cord trauma, multiple broken bones, and internal organ injuries. Because we count on airbags to protect us in the event of a car accident, when they fail to deploy, the injuries that occur can be serious or even fatal.
If you have been injured as the result of an airbag defect or some other defective auto product, you can file a product liability claim against the automaker or the manufacturer of the defective product. It is important that you preserve the vehicle for a thorough inspection by a qualified expert since the vehicle is the single, most important piece of evidence in these types of cases. The best auto product liability lawyers will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.
Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/kia-cars-minivans-recalled-for-airbags-that-might-not-deploy-a2922392173/
