KGM Australia has admitted it falsely marketed the airbag count of its Musso EV ute.
As identified by local crash safety authority ANCAP, KGM claimed the Musso EV had a total of eight airbags, but in reality it only has six in Australia.
The Australian-specification version of this electric dual-cab ute misses out on a centre airbag and a driver-knee airbag. Both feature in the South Korean-specification version.
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"KGM Australia has identified an error in published product information relating to the MY26 Musso EV," said a KGM Australia spokesperson.
"Some materials incorrectly described the vehicle as being equipped with eight airbags, including a driver SRS knee airbag and front seat centre airbag.
"The correct Australian specification is six airbags. The vehicle has always been manufactured in this six-airbag configuration."
What has KGM done about this issue?
"Once the discrepancy was confirmed, KGM Australia took immediate steps to update affected marketing and specification materials, so they accurately reflect the specification of Australian-delivered vehicles," said a KGM Australia spokesperson.
"The Musso EV remains compliant with Vehicle Type Approval. KGM Australia is finalising a coordinated customer communication and redress approach and will communicate directly with affected customers.
"KGM Australia takes the accuracy of information provided to customers seriously and is reviewing the circumstances that led to the error.
"Customers with questions or concerns can contact KGM Australia or their authorised KGM dealer."
What happens now?
At this stage it's unclear whether KGM Australia plans to change the local specification to increase the airbag count of the Musso EV from six to eight.
"Nothing has been confirmed at this stage, but we will continue to review opportunities to enhance vehicle specifications and introduce ongoing product improvements," said a KGM Australia spokesperson.
This is far from the first time that ANCAP has identified differences in safety specifications from market to market.
Most recently, early versions of the current-generation Suzuki Swift were found to have different front-end reinforcement to the European-specification version. It received a one-star ANCAP safety rating.
However, Australian-specification Swift models built from August 2025 onwards have aligned specifications with the European-specification model. This saw the ANCAP safety rating change to three stars.
What is the KGM Musso EV?
The KGM Musso EV is the South Korean carmaker's first electric ute. It launched locally in late 2025.
Unlike the body-on-frame Musso diesel ute, this electric version is built on a monocoque platform and shares components with the Actyon and Torres SUVs.
Single-motor front-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive versions of the Musso EV are offered in Australia. Pricing starts from $60,000 drive-away.
There aren't many electric utes on offer in Australia currently and its main rival is the Toyota HiLux BEV.
As it currently stands the Musso EV is unrated by ANCAP.