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Hyundai Sonatas Recalled for Air Bag Failure

April 16, 2008

The recall involves 2006 to 2008 Sonatas equipped with an advanced air bag system which disables the front passenger seat air bag when a computer detects the presence of a child restraint system or a small child in the seat.

The right front air bag is disabled to prevent injuries to a child that could result from the air bag inflating during a crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported on its Web site the computer system may incorrectly classify a small adult sitting in the passenger seat as a child, causing the “right front air bag not inflate in an accident that merits air bag deployment” and may result in injury to the passenger during a crash.

Hyundai reported receiving a number of complaints that the system was improperly classifying a small adult as a child and shutting off the passenger air bag.

Hyundai dealers will check the air bag system when the recall begins in May. Dealers will verify that the computer system does not properly recognize an adult passenger, remove the right front seat cushion assembly and ship it to an evaluation and repair facility.

Hyundai gave no estimate of how long the repair process might take.

For more information, owners can contact Hyundai at (800) 633-5151 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153).

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