KIA K5 Incident

Customer contacted Kia's Customer Care Center on February 6, 2024 to provide details regarding an incident that had occurred on October [XXX], 2023 involving his 2022MY Kia K5. Customer reported that while driving northbound on the [XXX], between [XXX] and [XXX], a vehicle merged into the customer's lane. Customer "slammed on the brakes," "hydroplaned," and rear ended the other vehicle. The vehicle was towed, but there were no injuries alleged. Customer alleged that the vehicle's airbags did not deploy and requested payment or replacement of the vehicle. The subject Kia K5 is equipped with Highway Driving Assist (HDA) and Smart Cruise Control (SCC). HDA is a supplemental system that helps maintain a set distance and speed from the vehicle ahead when driving on a highway and helps keep the vehicle between lanes while driving. HDA may not be able to recognize all traffic situations and may not detect possible collisions due to limitations of the system. Customer indicated that HDA was on at the time of the accident or in the 30 seconds immediately prior to the accident. However, customer also indicated that the SCC was not in the same timeframe. One of the requirements for HDA to be activated is that SCC must already be activated. Kia's Customer Care Center has attempted to contact the customer to request clarification, but the customer has not responded. Despite no allegation about a defect or malfunction in the HDA, Kia is reporting this incident out of an abundance of caution based on the information currently available. *3/15/2024: Monthly Update* Following submission of the report to NHTSA, customer requested that Kia Customer Care assist her with her insurance company. Customer specifically stated "I know my airbags didn't deploy but that doesn't concern me. I'm really just seeing what you guys can do to help me with my insurance." Kia advised customer of options for handling. No further information provided regarding HDA. As previously indicated, customer did not identify a failure or malfunction with HDA. No further contact from customer.