Kia is recalling more than 410,000 cars and minivans because the airbags in these vehicles may not deploy in a crash. According to Consumer Reports, the issue is an electrical fault within the airbag control unit (ACU), which is the component that determines whether to deploy airbags in a motor vehicle accident. The gauge cluster, located behind the steering wheel, illuminates the airbag warning light, which drivers may notice.
Details of the Recalled Airbags
So far, no crashes or injuries have been reported concerning this recall. However, according to Kia’s documents provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there have been 13 customer complaints and 947 warranty claims. 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 need any clarification about the recall, please contact Kia at 800-333-4542.
Dangers of Airbag Failure
The consequences can be catastrophic when an airbag fails to work during a car accident. Vehicle occupants may suffer serious traumatic injuries, including head injuries, spinal cord trauma, multiple broken bones, and internal organ injuries. Airbags are meant to protect us in a car accident, so the resulting injuries can be serious or even fatal when they fail to deploy.
Suppose you have been injured due to an airbag defect or some other defective auto product. In that case, you can file a product liability claim against the automaker or the manufacturer of the defective product. You must 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 lawyers for auto product liability 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/
