Component
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Manufacturer
HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
What Happened
The airbag control module in your Hyundai Elantra is like a computer that helps your front airbag deploy correctly. It gets its information from a sensor in your driver's seat, which tells it how far forward or back your seat is.
Risk if Unfixed
If this sensor gives the computer an unstable signal, the front airbag could deploy with too much pressure when you need it to deploy with less. This could lead to a more severe injury in a crash.
Free Fix
Your Hyundai dealer will update the airbag control module's software free of charge. You'll get a notice in April 2011, and you should schedule the repair right away to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 ELANTRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2006, THROUGH AUGUST 29, 2007. THE DRIVER'S SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSOR DETERMINES THE SEAT'S FORE AND AFT POSITION AND ALLOWS THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG TO DEPLOY AT THE PRESSURE APPROPRIATE FOR THAT SEATING POSITION, WITH A LOWER PRESSURE DEPLOYMENT IN THE MOST FORWARD SEATING POSITIONS. THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE MAY RECEIVE AN UNSTABLE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM THE SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSOR SUCH THAT, IN A CRASH THAT REQUIRES DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY DEPLOY AT THE HIGHER PRESSURE THAN INTENDED IF THE SEAT WAS POSITION IN ONE OF THE FORWARD POSITIONS IN WHICH A LOWER PRESSURE DEPLOYMENT IS INTENDED.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A HIGHER PRESSURE DEPLOYMENT THAN INTENDED INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY RESULTING FROM AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTING TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →