Washington, DC: Hyundai Motor Co has issued two new recalls over airbag issues with its Santa Fe SUVs and Sonatas. The recalls total 220,000 vehicles.
According to a report by the Detroit News, Hyundai is recalling 199,118 2007-09 Santa Fe SUVs to ensure that airbags deploy in a crash when a small individual is sitting in the passenger seat. The issue is reportedly that sensors in the vehicles do not deploy the airbag when a small person is sitting in certain positions in order to prevent injuries. The Korean automaker said it will update its software as part of a proposed settlement of a class-action lawsuit.
Hyundai is also recalling 22,512 2012-13 Sonatas. The issue here is that the side curtain air bags can improperly deploy. The curtain airbag assembly uses a type of stored gas inflator module. It includes a closure cap that is welded to one end of the module and retains helium gas in the inflator module. The inflator module manufacturing process includes the welding of a "closure cap" to seal one end of the inflator. The supplier says the cap can crack, allowing the helium gas to flow into and inflate the curtain airbag.
Hyundai launched an investigation into the problem after receiving a report of an airbag deploying in April in an unoccupied vehicle. In total, Hyundai said it is aware of 16 incidents of airbags deploying improperly, but no injuries.
