# 2003 KIA OPTIMA — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
> NHTSA complaint `543260` · 2005-07-09 · Kia America, Inc.
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 1
- **Fire:** No
- **Crash:** Yes
- **Police report:** Yes
- **Medical attention:** No
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** KIA
- **Model:** OPTIMA
- **Year:** 2003
- **Manufacturer:** Kia America, Inc.
- **Component:** AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- **Miles at failure:** 21,569
- **Speed:** 25 mph
## Narrative
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE FRONT AND SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.  MY CAR WAS A 2003 KIA OPTIMA.  THE SITE OF IMPACT WAS ON THE LEFT FRONT END BUT SUBSTAINED MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE.  I HAVE SEVERAL PHOTO'S OF THE CAR, WHICH WAS  TOTALED BY MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER.  MY CONCERN IS IF THERE IS A DEFECT WITH THIS CAR REGARDING THE AIRBAGS.  A CLOSE MALE FRIEND, WHO WAS A MECHANICAL  ENGINEER FOR CHYSLER, COULD NOT EXPLAIN/UNDERSTAND WHY THE AIRBAGS FAILED.  PLEASE HELP ME GET TO THE BOTTOM IS THIS MATTER.
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*