Kia Minivan Rated 'Poor' in Bumper Tests

Reuters reports that IIHS tests show that Kia Motors' Sedona minivan suffered more than $4,000 in damage during a low-speed bumper crash test because its airbags deployed.<P>The Sedona had a total of $9,747 in damage in four such bumper tests, a performance the insurance industry-sponsored group rated "poor." <P>The Insurance Institute said the airbags deployed when the Sedona's front end was crashed into a flat barrier at 5 mph. Both driver and passenger airbags deployed, and the passenger airbag cracked the front windshield. The total cost of repair was $4,305. <P>Kia is investigating why the airbags deployed at such a low speed, the Institute said. Airbags normally go off only above speeds of 12 mph to 14 mph.