# 2017 KIA OPTIMA — STEERING
> NHTSA complaint `1912716` · 2023-07-24 · Kia America, Inc.
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 2
- **Fire:** No
- **Crash:** Yes
- **Police report:** Yes
- **Medical attention:** Yes
- **Vehicle towed:** Yes
## Vehicle
- **Make:** KIA
- **Model:** OPTIMA
- **Year:** 2017
- **Manufacturer:** Kia America, Inc.
- **Component:** STEERING
- **Speed:** 65 mph
## Narrative
On 6 June 2022 I was driving Eastbound Interstate 80 passing Fairfield, CA. Traffic was moderate, average traffic speed 65. The Kia’s Adaptive Cruise was enabled and set to the maximum amount of safe distance. I recall the car directly in front of me changed lanes to pass a truck towing a trailer. I remember the Kia began to accelerate and I couldn’t turn the wheel. Next memory was opening my eyes to the dust smoke of deployed air bags.   I lost consciousness likely due to the sudden impact and air bags deployed. I was taken to a Fairfield hospital by ambulance where I spent 4 days. A slurry of tests ruled out loss of consciousness as the cause. No stroke, heart attack or seizure occurred. I was treated for bruised ribs due to the airbag. No doubt to me that this collision could have been catastrophic to this driver and others driving nearby.  Witness reported that I sped up and clipped the truck/trailer while attempting to pass. What I believe happened: 1) the Adaptive Cruise accelerated when it determined there was room but failed to see the trailer and 2) the steering was unresponsive when I attempted to avoid a collision. The reaction time between car accelerating and getting knocked out had to be a mere three or four seconds.  The vehicle was totaled, The insurance company, Mercury Insurance, released the vehicle
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*