Hyundai Issues Two Massive Airbag-Related Recalls for the Elantra

Hyundai has issued two recalls in the United States, covering nearly 300,000 Elantra units. The first involves 188,697 vehicles sold between 2007 to 2009, will require their passenger airbags to be fixed. The second recall affects 95,783 2007-2008 Elantras that have a defective sensor that is used in the two-stage deployment of the passenger-side airbag.

The Detroit News writes that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an inquiry into early warning data on airbag issues with the Elantra. As a result, Hyundai decided to conduct the recalls.

In the case of the fist recall, there is a sensor that measures the weight of the passenger in the front seat. If this is not working properly, the airbag can deploy with full force even if a child is sitting in the front seat. The sensors could be affected by moisture, so the automaker is adding a protective sleeve around the device.

In the Elantra models that are involved in the second recall, the sensor used in the two-stage deployment of the passenger-side airbag could be defective. Like most modern protection systems, the car’s airbag open differentially if they detect that the occupant is sitting too close to the bag.

Electronic noise may confuse the sensor, resulting in the sensor reverting to its default mode, which will cause both stages of the airbag to deploy. To fix this issue, a Hyundai technician will reprogram the airbag control module.

The automaker has stated that it will issue the formal recall notice by April 8th. As is the norm in the industry, the repairs will be conducted free-of-charge. Customers who already paid to fix this issue after March, 2010 will also be reimbursed for their cost.