Hyundai Elantra Recall Issued Due to Air Bag Problems

About 285,000 Hyundai Elantras are being recalled due to potential problems with the airbags. 

The Hyundai Elantra recall was issued in two separate notices, because two distinct issues have been identified, both involving potential problems with the air bags. The recalls cover Elantras from the 2007-2009 model years.

According to reports by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 95,783 of the 2007 and 2008 Hyundai Elantras were recalled because they have a problem with the driver’s seat track position sensor, which tells the airbag how much force to use to deploy in order to best protect the driver from injury during an auto accident. If the sensor is malfunctioning, the airbag could deploy at full power regardless of where the driver is sitting. Hyundai has determined that the cause of the malfunction is “electronic noise.” Vehicles affected by these defective sensors were manufactured from July 14, 2006, through August 29, 2007.

An additional 188,697 Hyundai Elantra vehicles from 2007-2008 model years have also been recalled, because a weight sensor is located under the center console and could malfunction if a drink is spilled or the sensor is otherwise contaminated. The sensor tells the front passenger airbag whether the occupant is heavy enough to activate the airbag in case of a crash. If malfunctioning, the airbag will deploy regardless of the weight of the passenger. Vehicles under the umbrella of this recall were manufactured from July 14, 2006 through November 1, 2008.

In both cases, the defects could result in an injury to occupants as a result of the Hyundai Elantra air bag problems.

The recalls came as a result of an NHTSA investigation started earlier this year. In both recalls, registered owners should begin getting recall notices next month, after which they can schedule free repairs at their Hyundai dealership. Consumers with questions can call Hyundai’s customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151 or the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236.