Knee Bolsters
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2002 GMC Envoy XL, 2002 GMC Envoy, and 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Knee bolsters are used to absorb energy and control forward movement of driver and front seat passenger. This is accomplished by limiting leg movement during a frontal collision.