Component/System Failure The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) failed to function as designed. Specifically, the driver steering wheel airbag and front passenger airbag did not deploy during a collision involving frontal impact forces. The vehicle is currently retained by the insurance carrier and is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk The failure of the SRS materially increased the risk of serious bodily injury or fatality to the vehicle occupants. The driver experienced neck pain, persistent headaches, shoulder pain, back pain, weakness, cognitive fog, and a seatbelt-related neck abrasion, consistent with unmitigated crash forces. A minor passenger was present in the vehicle and was also exposed to increased injury risk due to the lack of airbag deployment. Confirmation or Reproduction of the Problem UNKNOWN. The airbag failure has not yet been evaluated by a dealer or independent service center to determine root cause. Inspections Conducted The vehicle will be inspected by insurance representatives in connection with the collision claim. A police report was completed at the time of the accident. The manufacturer has not yet inspected the vehicle or SRS components. Warnings or Prior Symptoms No airbag warning lights, SRS indicators, messages, or fault alerts were present prior to the collision. The vehicle previously underwent a manufacturer safety recall repair related to airbags, completed by an authorized repair facility more than one year before the accident. No post-repair warnings or abnormalities were observed prior to the collision. Additional Safety Concern Despite recall compliance, both front airbags failed to deploy, raising concerns of defective components, improper recall repair, or system malfunction. This failure warrants further investigation to determine whether similar vehicles may present an ongoing safety risk.
NHTSA ODI 11714157