ANCAP has released consumer alerts for two battery-electric vehicles, saying some vehicles supplied to Australia and New Zealand do not include airbags that were advertised as standard equipment.
The first alert was released on 21 August for the KGM Musso EV dual cab ute, and then they followed up with an extended safety alert for the KGM Torres EVX electric SUV.
The issues affect battery-electric versions of the models only. Petrol and hybrid variants of the Torres, as well as the diesel-powered KGM Musso, are not believed to be affected.
Musso EV fitted with fewer airbags than advertised
According to ANCAP, Australian-supplied KGM Musso EV vehicles sold since the model’s introduction in November 2025 were advertised as featuring a suite of eight airbags.
However, the locally supplied vehicles are not fitted with either a centre airbag or a driver knee airbag. This means the vehicles have six airbags rather than the eight promoted in KGM marketing materials.
The centre airbag, also referred to in KGM materials as a front-row far-side or front-seat centre airbag, is designed to help protect occupants in side-impact crashes. Typically positioned within the driver’s seat back, it can help reduce occupant movement during a collision.
A driver knee airbag, meanwhile, is designed to help manage occupant movement and loading during a crash and is generally positioned beneath the steering column.
ANCAP said the absence of these features may affect occupant protection in frontal and side-impact crashes.
Approximately 306 Musso EV vehicles had been sold to Australian consumers by the end of July 2026.
Torres EVX alert extended across Australia and New Zealand
Unlike the Musso EV, which is affected only in Australia, the Torres EVX issue extends to vehicles supplied in both Australia and New Zealand.
Vehicles supplied to New Zealand customers from March 2024 and Australian customers from October 2025 were advertised as having eight airbags, including a centre airbag. However, ANCAP said the Torres EVX is fitted with seven airbags, with the centre airbag absent.
The omission of the centre airbag may affect occupant protection in side-impact crashes.
Approximately 100 Torres EVX vehicles are believed to be affected across Australia and New Zealand, including around 33 vehicles sold in Australia and 70 sold in New Zealand by the end of July 2026.
Marketing materials updated
KGM has advised that marketing materials have been updated to reflect the actual specifications of vehicles currently on sale.
Affected advertising materials for the Musso EV were amended by 31 July 2026, while KGM Australia has also confirmed that local Torres EVX marketing materials have been updated.
The Torres EVX is no longer sold as a new vehicle in New Zealand.
ANCAP has encouraged KGM to introduce production changes that would see the missing safety features fitted to locally supplied vehicles.
What should owners and buyers do?
Existing Musso EV and Torres EVX owners with concerns are advised to contact KGM or their local KGM dealer.
Prospective buyers, including those considering purchasing a used vehicle, are encouraged to confirm the vehicle’s actual safety specification before making a purchase.
ANCAP has also clarified that the battery-electric Musso EV is a distinctly different model from the diesel-powered KGM Musso, which has been on sale since 2019 and is not subject to the consumer alert.
Both the KGM Musso EV and Torres EVX remain unrated by ANCAP.
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