Hyundai recalls 38,000 vehicles due to non-functional airbags and seatbelts
Hyundai is recalling 37,901 vehicles: some 2019–2022 Veloster N and 2019–2023 Kona Electric models may experience airbag and seatbelt pretensioner failures due to a software error.
Hyundai has announced a recall of vehicles in which airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy in a crash. The issue stems from a software malfunction in the Airbag Control Unit (ACU), which detects collision signals and triggers the activation of safety systems.
The problem may occur if the unit reboots while writing data to its internal memory. If the data is corrupted, a malfunction indicator for the airbags will illuminate on the instrument panel. The recall affects 8,843 Veloster N and 29,058 Kona Electric vehicles.
Hyundai and the ACU supplier spent over a year testing the system and attempting to replicate the failure following an increase in reports about the airbag warning light, which was recorded in August 2024. As of October 2026, the companies were aware of 331 reports related to this issue. There have been no reports of crashes, fires, or injuries.
Owners will be offered a free software update for the ACU at Hyundai dealerships. The company will also reimburse expenses for repairs if the issue was addressed at the owner’s expense prior to the recall. Notifications to dealers and owners will be sent on January 1, 2027.
