Hyundai recalls over 220k Santa Fe and Sonata vehicles due to airbag concerns

Hyundai Motor Co. is recalling over 220,000 Santa Fe and Sonata models over airbag concerns. The Santa Fe recall affects just over 199,000 model year 2007 through 2009 vehicles manufactured from April 19, 2006, through July 7, 2008. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, select Santa Fe SUVs may contain a faulty occupant classification system (OCS), which is used to classify an occupant type into an adult, a child, a child seat, or as an object. The recall notice states that improper classification may result in improper airbag deployment, thus increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

The Sonata recall pertains to 22,512 model year 2012-2013 sedans manufactured from January 24, 2012, through June 21, 2012. While the Santa Fe recall affects the OCS, the Sonata recall addresses side curtain airbag concerns. Specifically, select side curtain airbags may inflate without deployment due to a manufacturing error. Not surprisingly, unexpected airbag inflation increases the risk of injury to the vehicle’s occupants. Additionally, the driver’s view may be limited, which increases the likelihood of a crash.

Hyundai reported that it received multiple complaints from consumers concerning both the Santa Fe and Sonata. In terms of the Santa Fe complaints, multiple adults under 130 pounds notified the automaker that their airbags failed to deploy. Hyundai received a total of 16 complaints from Sonata drivers in regard to the side airbags. No injuries were reported in any of the complaints.

Hyundai is expected to begin notifying Santa Fe and Sonata customers in August 2012. Santa Fe owners will receive a free classification software update, while Sonata drivers will receive side curtain airbag replacement, free of charge. In the meantime, customers can contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Concerned drivers may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or online at www.safercar.gov.

Earlier this year Hyundai recalled over 14,000 2011-2012 model year Sonata Hybrid models over a rear seatbelt issue. The March recall affected vehicles manufactured from December 2, 2010, through March 7, 2010.