NHTSA Complaint #11476321 — 2015 KIA K900

The PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG will be blocked from opening correctly in the event of a front end collision. The AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS lights flash on and off with small changes in ambient light causing distractions to oncoming vehicles and also inhibiting driver's visibility in low light situations. There is another sensor that is impacted by the defect, but I'm not sure of it's function. All of these issues are caused by well known dash cover defects on k900s like mine, as well as Hyundai Equus, and other names in the US and around the world. It may affect other Kia car's as well, such as the Forte. IN SUMMARY: DASH COVER ADHESIVE AND SECUREMENT LET LOOSE AND IS IMPEDING PROPER DEPLOYMENT OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG, INTERFERING WITH PROPER FUNCTION OF HEADLIGHTS, AND COVERING DASH MOUNTED SENSORS. The defect was brought to a dealership for Goodwill consideration, as many cars have been repaired by Hyundai/Kia under goodwill warranty even before it progressed to a safety issue by covering the airbag and dash sensors. However, the District Parts and Service Manager was only concerned with my prior patronage, not with the quality nor safety of their cars. I escalated this to the 2nd level of Kia Customer service, and it was initially declined before the 2nd level representative even looked at the pictures or description of the safety defects. The 2nd level Rep reported that the DPSM would not return his calls. The 2nd level Rep had some contact with Kia engineers, but they determined that leather and/or hard plastic over the airbag opening would somehow not be a safety issue. The headlights were never discussed in Kia's "investigation." Eric, the 2nd level Rep initially encouraged me to NOT file with NHTSA because he claimed all goodwill requests were reported to NHTSA by Kia Corporation!