Test details:
The Kia Forte was introduced in the 2010 model year as a replacement for the Kia Spectra.
Two tests of a 2010 Kia Forte were conducted. In the first test, forces recorded on the dummy's head and neck were high, leading to a Marginal head/neck injury rating and a Marginal overall rating. In response, Kia modified the airbag control computer to deploy the side curtain airbag, in addition to the frontal airbag, in certain frontal crashes beginning with cars manufactured after January 2010. Kia will initiate a service campaign to reprogram the airbag control computer on all 2010 models produced before the change was made on the production line.
In the second test of a car built after the modifications were in place, the driver side curtain airbag deployed during the crash, and forces on the neck were low. However, forces on the head were still elevated.
The evaluation of the Forte is based on the second test, except for the structural rating, which is based both tests.
Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement was well controlled in both tests. During rebound in the second test, the dummy's head contacted the driver side curtain airbag.
Injury measures — In the second test, measures taken from the neck, chest, and both legs indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. Forces on the head when the dummy's head hit the steering wheel through the airbag indicate that head injuries would be possible.
