NHTSA Complaint #11673442 — 2023 TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS

I was driving on I-290 toward Chicago when traffic began to slow. I also began slowing down when I was suddenly rear-ended by the vehicle behind me at a high speed. My car sustained significant rear-end damage, including a crushed bumper and a detached exhaust pipe that was dragging on the ground. The other vehicle involved was totaled. Police arrived on the scene and determined the other driver was at fault. While waiting for the tow truck, multiple tow personnel commented that, based on the severity and location of the impact, the airbags should have deployed — but they did not. I did not receive any warning lights, alerts, or messages before or after the impact. I did not hit my head, but it was a real possibility given the force of the crash, and I believe this created a serious safety risk. I purchased this vehicle in large part due to its reputation for safety, and in this situation, I felt unprotected. At this point, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealer or manufacturer, but the police and insurance companies have been involved. I am concerned that the failure of the airbag system to deploy represents a defect or malfunction in the safety system. I am willing to make the vehicle available for inspection if needed.