XPeng has defended the airbag system of its X9 electric MPV after an owner in China questioned why none of the airbags deployed during a rollover crash that left the vehicle beyond repair.
The dispute concerns whether the collision generated sufficient force to activate the airbags, including the front passenger and side-curtain units.
The owner, identified as Liu from Jiangsu province, wants an independent examination of the vehicle’s safety systems.
XPeng told The Beijing News on Oct 26 that vehicle data and driving footage indicated the collision did not meet the conditions for airbag deployment.
The company said the driver was controlling the X9 manually when he swerved to avoid a truck while continuing to apply the accelerator.
XPeng offered to arrange an examination through its airbag supplier, but Liu objected to a separate proposal to remove a vehicle computer module for inspection.
He reportedly wants an accredited third party to conduct the assessment at his own expense and may pursue legal action. XPeng said it would cooperate.
The accident occurred on Oct 15 in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province.
According to The Beijing News, Liu was in the front passenger seat while a friend drove. The X9 struck roadside obstacles before overturning.
Both men reportedly lost consciousness briefly but escaped without injuries. The insurer subsequently recommended scrapping the vehicle.
Airbag deployment depends on collision forces detected by sensors, rather than visible damage alone, as explained in the X9 owner’s manual.
Separately, the X9 was recalled earlier this year over defective front air suspension components.
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation announced the recall in July, covering 33,473 vehicles built between Aug 8, 2023, and Aug 11, 2025.
Affected front air springs could lose pressure over time, particularly in hot and humid conditions, potentially compromising handling.
The recall was extended to Malaysia in August. Bermaz XPeng offered free replacement of affected front air suspension assemblies, with warranty coverage of eight years or 160,000km from first registration, transferable to subsequent owners.
The suspension defect has no established connection with the airbag dispute.
