Another KGM model criticised for lacking an advertised safety feature

Independent auto safety authority ANCAP has criticised Korean automaker KGM once again for advertising the availability of a safety feature that wasn’t fitted.

After issuing an alert on August 21, 2026 for the Musso EV, which was discovered to feature only six airbags despite being advertised as having eight, ANCAP has now issued a second alert for the related Torres EVX electric SUV.

During testing and assessment of the Musso EV, ANCAP says it discovered the Torres EVX lacked a front centre (aka front-row far-side) airbag, and therefore only had seven airbags instead of the total of eight listed in marketing materials.

"Customers who have already purchased a Torres EVX are advised that the safety specification of their vehicle may differ to that advertised, and that the omission of the centre airbag may have an effect on occupant safety in side impact crashes," reads the alert.

"ANCAP encourages KGM to deliver a production change that would see a centre airbag fitted."

Petrol and hybrid variants of the Torres aren’t affected, as these do have a centre airbag for a total of eight.

“Following the Musso EV specification discrepancy, KGM Australia has undertaken a broader review of its published product information,” said a company spokesperson in a statement.

“As part of that review, we identified a similar administrative error in some MY26 Torres EVX product information, which incorrectly stated the vehicle was equipped with eight airbags. The correct specification is seven airbags with no front centre airbag.

“The Torres EVX has always been manufactured with seven airbags, so there has been no change to the vehicle itself, and it remains compliant with applicable Australian vehicle approval requirements.

“The affected product information has been corrected, and our dealer network has been advised.

“The review is now complete, with no further specification discrepancies identified across KGM’s other models currently on sale in Australia.”

ANCAP says that to the end of July 2026, approximately 33 Torres EVX SUVs have been sold in Australia, though KGM says only 20 have been sold to customers.

A total of 70 have been sold in New Zealand, where the Torres EVX was introduced in March 2024 and discontinued in March 2025.

“Our dealers have been requested to refer any customer requests for a remedy or other assistance to KGM Australia for review,” said the spokesperson when asked if existing owners will be compensated.

“KGM Australia is reviewing the matter and that further information will be provided as soon as possible.”

The company has confirmed an airbag retrofit isn’t possible, and hasn’t confirmed any plans to make the centre airbag standard.

“Nothing has been confirmed to include the centre airbag at this stage, but we will continue to review opportunities to enhance vehicle specifications and introduce ongoing product improvements,” they told CarExpert.

A centre airbag is positioned at the front of the cabin to prevent injuries from a driver and front passenger striking each other in a side impact collision.

This feature was also found to be missing from Australian-delivered Musso EVs, along with a driver's knee airbag.

ANCAP acquired Musso EV utes for testing, rather than having these supplied by KGM. The authority has yet to publish a result for the Musso EV.

No KGM vehicles currently have a safety rating from ANCAP. The current diesel-powered Musso ute (unrelated to the Musso EV) and Rexton large SUV have never been tested, while the Korando’s five-star rating from 2019 has expired.

MORE: New electric ute dinged for lacking advertised safety featuresMORE: Explore the KGM Torres showroom

This article was originally published from CarExpert and appears with permission.