2013 1LT - Complete Mechanical Failure

[Retired old Gearhead 201]

I don't think there is any data to be read from the data recorder because the air bags didn't go off. From my research on them the data freezes when the air bags deploy. If the air bags don't deploy then it continues to write over the data. it only records three to fives seconds then writes over the existing data.

There is no need for the airbags to deploy to lock in the EDR data. The data is recycled/overwritten about every 8 to 30 seconds and recording is written and saved after an event such as sudden change in wheel speed or impact of a vehicle at a force just under airbag deployment. The EDR will have speed, seatbelt, wheel and brake position data and a host of other technical data usually about 3 or more pages of printed data. Bottom line is, if your vehicle made impact against another moving vehicle or fixed object there is data on the 4 to 30 seconds prior to impact or sudden wheel movement interruption or change in any angle. This info was explained to me when I was hit from behind at a fairly slow speed (under 20mph) some years back and the insurance investigator had the both EDR boxes read since the driver who rear ended me claimed I made a sudden and unnecessary stop.

[Dusty Bones 8]

Sounds to me you went in hot and the stability feature tried to save you. Anyone else thinking of driving like that should read this as a reminder to turn off the stability and traction control if they plan on driving Like that.