Hyundai Recalls 37,901 Kona EVs and Veloster N Cars Over Airbags That May Not Deploy

Hyundai is recalling 37,901 vehicles because a software error can keep the airbags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying in a crash, according to documents the company sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on November 4. The recall covers 29,058 Kona Electric vehicles from model years 2019 through 2023 and 8,843 Veloster N cars from model years 2019 through 2022.

The defect sits in the airbag control unit. Under certain driving conditions the software error can switch on the airbag malfunction indicator light and deactivate the airbag system and the seat belt pretensioners — the two systems that are supposed to work together in a collision. The campaign is listed as NHTSA 26V728, with Hyundai’s internal number 311.

Hyundai told NHTSA it is aware of 331 alleged incidents related to the issue as of October 22, 2026, but none resulted in a crash, fire, or injury. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 1, 2027, and the affected vehicle identification numbers became searchable on NHTSA’s website on November 6. Owners can check their VIN at NHTSA.gov or call the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.