Three problems related to side/window air bag have been reported for the 2005 Hyundai Elantra. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Hyundai Elantra based on all problems reported for the 2005 Elantra.
Airbags did not deploy, 2005 Hyundai Elantra GLS, going east on hwy 11, raining and swerved to avoid oncoming vehicle, lost control of the vehicle. The car went airborne over the backside of the culvert and landed on the nose of the vehicle and flipped several times, 5 times is the est given to me. The front and side airbags did not deploy. Many injuries including head injury, cervical strain, muscle spasms, severe contusions to chest, hip, pelvis, arm, knee, neck.
Front/side airbag sensor/module appears to be defective. Since new occupant sensor will not reliably classify an adult sitting in the front passenger seat and most often turns airbags off or turns on and off during a trip. I have noted that this occurs with a variety of adults weighing from 100-150 lbs. I had the car into the dealer twice for reprogramming in December 2005. Problem still exists.
The passenger's side airbag sensor is faulty. The airbag off light consistently turns on even though there is an adult in the passenger's seat. I took it to the dealership and I was told they are aware of the problem ,and there is nothing they could do.