A software error prompted Hyundai to recall nearly 38,000 vehicles over concerns that their airbags and seatbelt pretensioners could fail during a crash.
The defect affects two models, including the all-electric Kona, according to Car and Driver, which cited documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Here's what to know
Certain 2019–2022 Veloster N and 2019–2023 Kona Electric vehicles are covered by the recall.
The recall spans 37,901 vehicles, including 8,843 Velosters and 29,058 Konas.
Faulty software could mistakenly disable airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, compromising their ability to protect occupants.
Both systems depend on the Airbag Control Unit, or ACU, to recognize crash signals and initiate deployment.
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An illuminated airbag malfunction warning light on the dashboard would signal corrupted ACU data, NHTSA documents indicated.
More background
Hyundai identified an increase in warranty claims involving airbag warning lights in August 2024.
That prompted more than a year of testing as the automaker and its ACU supplier worked to reproduce the problem.
According to Car and Driver, the vulnerability came down to an internal memory write.
If the control unit restarts during that process, its software can become corrupted, affecting the component that activates both safety systems.
By October 2026, Hyundai had received 331 reports about the issue, per Car and Driver.
Hyundai knew of no crashes, fires, or injuries related to the glitch.
What's being done?
Affected owners will be directed to bring their vehicles to a Hyundai dealership, where technicians will install updated ACU software to address the defect.
Hyundai will perform the software update free of charge.
The company will reimburse owners who paid for the repairs themselves before the recall filing.
Hyundai plans to mail recall notification letters to both dealers and affected vehicle owners on Jan. 1, 2027.
Where can I learn more?
Hyundai's airbag software defect is one of several vehicle safety issues affecting drivers. These stories cover a deadly airbag failure, software-related power loss, and unsafe folding seats.
• In Texas, a banned Chinese airbag inflator ruptured, turning a survivable crash deadly.
• Toyota recalled 10,000 electric C-HRs over a software glitch that can cut power while driving.
• Hyundai recalled 5,360 Ioniq 9 EVs because power-folding rear seats may trap children.
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