While turning right at approximately 5–10 mph, the vehicle was struck on the front passenger side. The impact caused moderate intrusion of the passenger door, severe damage to the front-right corner of the vehicle, and damage to the dashboard. Despite the structural damage and intrusion into the occupant compartment, none of the airbags deployed, including driver frontal, passenger frontal, side torso, or curtain airbags. Both occupants were wearing seatbelts, which activated normally. The driver sustained a right-side rib fracture caused by seatbelt force, required ambulance transport to the emergency room, and continues to experience ongoing symptoms. A child passenger seated in the front passenger seat struck her head against the window, resulting in a brain concussion with symptoms including headache and dizziness, requiring emergency medical evaluation. No airbag warning lights were present before or after the crash. The vehicle is preserved in post-crash condition and is available for inspection. This appears to be an airbag system failure / crashworthiness defect that resulted in enhanced injuries due to airbag non-deployment.
NHTSA ODI 11709442