Hyundai recalls over 220,000 Sonata and Santa Fe models over airbag concern

AutoBlog: Hyundai recalls over 220,000 Sonata and Santa Fe models over airbag concern

2013 Hyundai SonataHyundai is recalling certain Sonata and Santa Fe models due to issues with the vehicles' airbags.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, certain 2012-2013 Sonata models may have been built with side-curtain airbags that may deploy inadvertently, potentially injuring occupants and greatly reducing driver visibility. Hyundai will replace those airbags free of charge.

Meanwhile, the airbag system in certain 2007-2009 Santa Fe crossovers may not detect smaller adults in the front seats, which means they could fail to deploy in a collision. Hyundai will update the software that controls the airbag system free of charge. You can view both recall notices below..

All told, the recalls cover 199,118 Santa Fe models and 22,512 Sonata units. While the Sonata campaign is expected to begin next month, Hyundai hasn't supplied NHTSA with a campaign schedule as of yet.

PRESS RELEASE:

Vehicle Make / Model:

Model Year(s):
HYUNDAI / SANTA FE 2007-2009

Manufacturer: HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC Mfr's Report Date: JUL 24, 2012

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V354000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE

Potential Number of Units Affected: 199,118

Summary:
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2009 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured from April 19, 2006, through July 7, 2008. The occupant classification system (OCS) may need recalibration to accurately detect small statured adults.

Consequence:
Improper classification or detection may cause the front passenger airbag not to deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger.

Remedy:
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the classification software free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided the agency with a notification schedule. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

Notes:
Hyundai's recall campaign number is 105. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.