Hyundai Recalls Nearly 38,000 Kona Electric and Veloster N Vehicles Over Airbag Software Error
The recall covers certain 2019-2023 Kona Electric and 2019-2022 Veloster N vehicles. Dealers will update the airbag control unit software at no charge.
Hyundai is recalling 37,901 vehicles in the United States because a software problem in the airbag control unit can deactivate the airbag system, increasing the risk of injury in a crash, according to a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The recall covers certain 2019-2023 Hyundai Kona Electric SUVs and 2019-2022 Hyundai Veloster N hatchbacks. The affected population includes 29,058 Kona Electric vehicles and 8,843 Veloster N vehicles.
The airbag control unit detects crash signals and commands the airbags and seat belt pretensioners. Hyundai says a reboot or power interruption while the unit is writing to its internal memory can corrupt data. The airbag warning light may illuminate when that happens, and the airbag system can deactivate.
Hyundai's safety recall report was submitted November 2. Dealers will update the airbag control unit software free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 1, 2027.
Owners can contact Hyundai customer service at 855-371-9460 and refer to recall 311. The NHTSA campaign number is 26V728. Drivers can also contact NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.