During our investigation, we examined more than 160 complaints from consumers about their airbags failing to deploy in serious accidents. Those complaints involved the airbags in vehicles made by eight different automakers. We contacted each of those car makers and asked them to respond to the following questions.
Alex Fedorak, Kia's director of public relations, answered those questions for the company.
1). What's your message to consumers who have safety concerns with the airbags in one of your vehicles?
Fedorak: Air bags are one component of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), and are designed to supplement the protection offered by the safety belt system and to only deploy under certain conditions. The Owners Manual provided in all Kia vehicles contains comprehensive information about the operation of the SRS, and also details proper use of safety belts while in the vehicle, a key component of vehicular safety.
Kia also provides a brochure to its owners entitled "Understanding Your Safety Belt & Airbag Supplemental Restraint System" to increase awareness of the SRS operation. We are interested in hearing our consumers' concerns with their vehicle, safety or otherwise, and provide resolution procedures in the Warranty & Consumer Information Manual provided with the vehicle at the time of sale. In addition, our Owners Manual includes details on reporting safety defects, which includes informing NHTSA if the consumer believes a serious safety defect exists.
2). What should consumers do if their airbags fail to deploy during an accident in one of your vehicles?
Fedorak: As discussed above, airbags are designed to deploy only under certain conditions. Consumers should first read their owner materials and if they still have concerns, they should contact Kia's Consumer Assistance Center at 800-333-4Kia (4542). An incident report will be taken and the consumer will be asked to provide items such as photographs that might aid in Kia's review of the incident. As stated above, the consumer should contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) if the consumer believes a serious safety defect exists.
3). Does your company send someone out to investigate an accident if an airbag fails to deploy in one of your vehicles?
Fedorak: While reviewing the reported incident, Kia may dispatch an investigator to examine the vehicle if proper airbag deployment is questioned. Investigations are handled on a case-by-case basis, and Kia will advise consumers of any determinations made as a result of such an investigation.
4). Has your company recalled any vehicles because of problems with the airbags failing to deploy? If so, which vehicles -- year, make, model?
Fedorak: No recalls for airbags failing to deploy.
