Hyundai Recalls 37,901 Kona Electric and Veloster N Models Over Airbags That Can Switch Off

Hyundai is recalling 37,901 vehicles because a software fault can switch the airbag system off while the car is being driven. The recall covers 29,058 Kona Electric models from the 2019 through 2023 model years, built between August 28, 2018 and July 26, 2023, and 8,843 Veloster N models from 2019 through 2022.

Hyundai estimates that close to 1 percent of the recalled population actually contains the defect, which works out to 379 vehicles. As of October 22, Hyundai had identified 331 alleged incidents in the United States. No injuries have been reported. The fault sits in the airbag control unit software, which can deactivate the airbags and pretensioners.

Hyundai filed the recall in early November and vehicle identification numbers became searchable on November 6, but owner notification letters are not scheduled until January 1, 2027. Owners should check their 17-character vehicle identification number at the federal recall database or through the Hyundai owner site rather than waiting for the letter. Hyundai customer service is on 855-371-9460, referencing recall number 311.