TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG ABRUPTLY DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE NECK, BACK, AND ARMS, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. PRIOR TO THE DEPLOYMENT, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CONCLUDED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WAS NOT CAUSED BY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.
NHTSA ODI 10863369