Traffic accidents

kia Sportage Airbag Failure Leaves Mother‍ and Son Shaken After⁢ Groningen Accident

Janine, a​ 61-year-old resident of Stadskanaal, ⁤is ‌questioning ‌the safety of her Kia​ Sportage ⁤after a⁣ collision‍ on July 10th ⁣left⁢ both her and her son injured, and the car a write-off – ‍all while ​the airbags failed ‍to ⁤deploy. She shared her frustration on facebook,‌ stating, “Never a Kia for us again!”

The incident occurred on the Rigaweg in⁢ Groningen while Janine was driving⁢ her son⁣ to a job interview. Despite sustaining damage from two impacts, the‌ airbags in the Kia Sportage⁤ did not activate.”We ⁢have had two hits, but nothing went off. I ⁢don’t⁣ feel safe that way,” Janine told⁤ RTL News. The car was⁤ deemed irreparable following⁣ the accident.

Janine’s son, who is two meters tall, suffered ‍knee injuries when he impacted the dashboard. ​Janine herself sustained back ⁣injuries, requiring daily pain medication and upcoming ⁢therapy.⁢ She fears she‍ may eventually need a ‍back brace.

Following the ⁢accident, Janine contacted Kia,​ initiating⁣ a⁣ correspondence reviewed by RTL Nieuws. ‍Kia commissioned an ‍autonomous research ​agency to investigate the airbag non-deployment.‍ The agency concluded that the “measured forces and speed ⁢change” during the collision​ were insufficient⁤ to trigger the airbags.

Janine disputes this finding, noting that the other vehicle involved, which‍ sustained significant damage, did have its airbags deploy.⁣ She estimates she was traveling at⁢ approximately 50 kilometers per hour⁣ – the speed limit‌ on​ the Rigaweg – at ⁣the time of the impact.

Adding‍ to ⁢her concerns,Janine says police officers,a local‍ KIA dealer,and⁣ a damage repair company all expressed surprise that ⁤the airbags hadn’t deployed. “And I didn’t get a sorry from Kia,” she added.

Kia responded to the situation through ‌a spokesperson, stating, ⁤”We can very ​well imagine ​that this raises questions from the customer. I can only talk about what we have been able ‍to determine. And that research ⁢shows that the impact ⁢and ⁤speed have not​ ensured that airbags had to go ‍off.” Thay further explained that while the incident appeared severe, ​the vehicle’s “crumple zone” functioned as designed.

However,Kia acknowledged the ⁤discrepancy between their findings and Janine’s experience.”We understand that the experience of the customer is different,” the‌ spokesperson said. “We looked very carefully; did the car do what the customer could expect from it? ⁢We were unable to determine that. But‌ we understand that it is very‍ annoying.”

Janine expressed⁢ disappointment with the outcome⁢ of the inquiry.”I did not expect this outcome,” she said. “At that time I did​ not engage legal aid, because I thoght: this ⁤will⁢ probably come out.Not so.”

Despite the ordeal, ⁣there was a positive outcome. Janine’s son was later granted a ⁤rescheduled interview and was subsequently hired,⁣ and continues to work at the company.