Air Bag Problems of Hyundai Sonata - part 1

The airbag warning light came on, so we took it in to see about a recall on the airbag control unit issue that required a wire filter kit as out lined in a recall in 2011-2013 Sonatas and Sonata hybrids. In fact, upon reading the invoice filling out this form, I think that is exactly the issue, and potamkin Hyundai is ignoring the recall. The invoice states that "airbag module need fixing caused by the dtc for the driver airbag resistance is too high, and has liquid leaking out of it through the connector into the clock spring, and need to replace the air bag incongruent with clock spring to perform repair correctly" the technician explained to my son that driving the car in it's current state, the air bag could go off at any moment, possibly killing him. Their airbag could kill my child. The repair is quoted at $1588 and the solution was to turn off the airbag until a decision could be made if my son wanted to drive the car home, which he did, so not it is disabled. It is a Hyundai manufactured airbag, a safety feature installed into this vehicle that should not degrade over time. It is actually the reason my aunt bought the car for her child and why my son bought the car from her. The car has never been wrecked, the airbag had never been deployed or otherwise molested, has been dealer maintained, and had an extended warranty. I spoke to a Hyundai representative and am awaiting a call back, I do not think that he should be responsible for repair of a defective, degrading safety feature built and manufactured by Hyundai, installed a vehicle built and manufactured by Hyundai. I believe other people should be warned that their Sonata airbags might also have this dangerous issue and it should be immediately investigated. Attached is the invoice given to my son.

See all problems of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

It was smoking from the engine, I immediately stopped the vehicle. My safety was put at risk immediately while being in the vehicle when the air bags deployed hitting me in the face and causing my face to swell. The safety of others was put at risk due to others being right next to me and putting others at risk of engine blowing up. Yes, the vehicle has been inspected by police. There were no warning signs on the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

My engine light come on. Air flow notification come on. I had a brake cleaner notification come on.

See all problems of the 2025 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Car has a b1448 (active) passenger occupant detecting system (pods) circuit fault related to the passenger detecting pad in the front passenger seat problems started at 120,000 miles.

See all problems of the 2008 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

I was involved in a low-speed collision at a residential intersection after stopping at a stop sign and beginning to proceed. Going under 5 mph, I braked immediately, but contact occurred. Despite relatively minor front-end damage, the driver steering wheel airbag and driver knee airbag deployed. The passenger front airbag did not deploy, and no side or curtain airbags deployed. There was no significant intrusion into the engine compartment or passenger cabin. I am submitting this report due to concern that the driver airbags deployed in a low-speed impact that did not appear severe enough to warrant deployment. Pictures attached.

See all problems of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Unknown - I noticed dashboard crack over time and the air bag light remain on at all times. The air bag light on the passenger side shows off. The entire dashboard is cracked. I fear that I can no longer drive my car distances due to air bag issue. I did not report the issues to a dealer yet, I was waiting until next oil change time. I do not know the date that it started.

See all problems of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

The three airbags in the car (on the driver's weel, driver's knee, and the passenger's side) deployed while driving on a normal street at a speed of 50 miles/hour. This is an unexpected behavior of a car at a normal speed. I need help to fix this car and know what is the reason this happened.

See all problems of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

There was no accident . Airbag light on the dash, on the driver side, remains on at all times. The airbag indicator on the passenger side says off. Dashboard has completely cracked, both sides and the center. Unknown incidents- I don’t know of any incidents.

I was involved in a severe motor vehicle collision in a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The airbags failed to deploy during the crash. I sustained serious injuries and was transported from the scene by ems. This vehicle has known safety recalls, and I believe the airbag non-deployment may indicate a safety defect.

See all problems of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

The warning light for the airbags is on on my dashboard with no airbags ever been deployed.

Our 2012 Hyundai Sonata (VIN [xxx] ) has experienced several cracks in the dashboard area of the vehicle. We know this is a reported common problem with this vehicle and some information says its related to both heat and sun exposure. However, my wife has always used sunshades everywhere she travels and the car has been parked in the garage when its not in operation. We are also concerned that this could be a safety issue if the air bag ever deployed in an accident. The dealership where we purchased and Hyundai corporate have denied our claims. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

I am detective [xxx] #xxx with austin police department vehicular homicide unit and I worked a fatal crash 12/16/2025. The damage to the vehicle two vehicle should not have caused a death. The airbag became detached from the steering wheel and impaled into the drivers chest. I do have pictures but they are crime scene pictures and pictures of the decedent so I am not attaching them but if someone contacts me I can arrange that. I do not know the speed but I am going to image the module next week. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle before the front passenger's side air bag independently deployed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised not to take the vehicle for a diagnostic test until contacted by the manufacturer. The contact had no additional communication with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

See all problems of the 2014 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Noticed there’s a crack on the passenger side dashboard of the car that’s about 12 inches long. From what I read this could cause issues with any possible airbag deployment.

I am reporting a serious safety defect involving a vehicle purchased from [xxx] on [xxx]. The vehicle was later involved in a collision that resulted in a total loss. According to the police report, I was not at fault. During this crash, none of the airbags deployed, which indicates a possible defect or prior undisclosed issue with the airbag system. The vehicle was sold with a warranty and was represented as safe and road-ready. The dealership also provided and managed the full-coverage insurance policy. However, the total-loss claim has been delayed and obstructed, and the dealership has not taken responsibility for ensuring the vehicle’s safety or functionality. There is significant concern regarding the condition of the vehicle prior to sale. Records show that byrider cleared the vehicle’s computer on July 16, 2025, less than a month before purchase. This may have erased important diagnostic information, including any prior airbag-system faults. Clearing the computer in this manner raises questions about whether a known issue was hidden or whether mandatory diagnostic data was removed before the sale. At the time of purchase, I signed an airbag disclosure form in which byrider stated: •they had “no knowledge of any reason why the airbag system would not operate properly,” and •they “cannot guarantee that the airbag system will deploy in the event of an accident. ” despite this disclosure, the fact that the airbags did not deploy in a crash severe enough to total the vehicle suggests a significant safety defect, potential misrepresentation, or a failure to comply with federal safety requirements. Airbag non-deployment in a total-loss collision indicates a system failure that poses a serious risk to consumers. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Airbags did not deploy no indicator light came on before nor after I was struck from my driver side front area and yes it is available for inspection upon request. My safety along with my sisters safety was put at risk due to the negligence and cheapness of the dealership I purchased the car from also from there misleading information and improper inspection before selling me the car car has not been reproduced or confirmed the car was inspected by a third party appraisal company for damages amounts there were no lights on at all before the accident and I am pretty certain that the dealership cleaared the codes before selling me the car.

My car has a severely cracked dashboard which could cause reduced structural integrity and an increased risk of debris and shrapnel being deployed in the event of an accident. The dashboard is a structural component designed to help absorb and distribute some of the forces in a collision. Cracks can compromise this ability to perform this function potentially increasing the force experienced by the occupants and the other parts of the vehicle. It can also cause increased risk of debris and shrapnel. During a collision the cracked dashboard may break apart more easily causing sharp or jagged pieces to become projectiles inside of the cabin these fragments can pose a serious injury risk to occupants. It can also result in impaired airbag deployment. Many vehicles have airbags in the dashboard a severely cracked dashboard could obstruct or improperly deploy airbags for example the airbag may not fully deploy reducing its effectiveness and the dashboard may puncture or otherwise interfere with the airbag as it inflates creating additional safety hazards. Cracks may expose sharp edges or materials under the dashboard which could harm occupants during a collision, especially in areas where passengers may come into contact with the dashboard. A cracked dashboard could also cause a compromised electrical system dashboards house numerous electrical systems, sensors, and controls cracks could indicate underlying damage to these components. In a collision, these systems may fail or behave unpredictably which could further reduce safety features. Cracked dashboards present a significant risk during a collision and should be addressed by the manufacturer promptly to ensure its customer safety.

This is the 2nd Hyundai I've owned, same year make and model. The first one was totaled due to the air bag deployment. The accident did not warrant the air bag deploying. I should have reported it at the time. I didn't realize that I could and now it's too late. The claim has already been submitted. Now, we have the same exact car and a crack has appeared on the passenger dash. My concern is the airbag. The crack just appeared from nowhere. I do not feel that we should have to pay for a replacement dash. Is this something that can be repaired by Hyundai, as it poses a risk to my 18 year old student driver. My number is 540-686-5624, c. Wills136@comcast. Net.

I am submitting this complaint as a follow-up to my prior NHTSA complaint regarding the defective passenger seat occupant classification sensor (OCS) in the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. Previous tracking number: 11689976 since my initial submission, I have prepared a detailed technical and comparative report, which I am attaching here. The report documents how Hyundai’s repair policy for the OCS creates excessive repair costs (over $3,600 for a single sensor failure) and forces consumers to operate vehicles with compromised safety systems, in violation of the intent of fmvss 208. The attached report provides: • technical analysis of the OCS design and failure mode • cost comparison with other manufacturers (Toyota, Honda, Ford, BMW, mercedes-benz) • legal and consumer protection implications, including potential violations of the texas deceptive trade practices act • supporting exhibits (service estimate and parts documentation) I respectfully request that NHTSA review this additional evidence in connection with my prior complaint and consider appropriate regulatory or enforcement actions. Thank you for your attention.

The problem originates from a single faulty passenger seat airbag sensor, but Hyundai requires replacement of the entire seat cushion module, quoted at approximately $3,200 for the part alone and around $4,000 total repair cost. This creates the impression that a single failed sensor affects the entire airbag system. I was not provided with a definitive answer as to whether this fault impacts the driver airbag, which leaves a critical safety uncertainty. By designing the sensor as an inseparable, non-serviceable part of the cushion module, Hyundai forces consumers into an unreasonable expense. This situation puts drivers in the position of either paying thousands of dollars or risking driving with potentially compromised airbag safety. I strongly believe this constitutes a serious safety defect and should be subject to recall.

The air bag light came on on the dashboard of my 2013 Hyundai and wouldn’t go off. When I took it to the local Hyundai dealership, they diagnosed the problem as the airbag clock spring. I asked if there was a recall for the clock spring, and was told no. They install a new om clock to fix the problem, and it cost me $805. 77. When I returned home, I did my own research and found there was a recall for the clock spring in 2011 - 2013 Hyundai Sonatas, but only for certain VIN numbers. I then contacted the service manager who confirmed that the recall is only for certain VIN numbers. Since Hyundai know this is a problem, why not cover the repairs for all Sonatas with the problem. It’s unfair for they to cherry pick certain VIN numbers for repair and deny others with the same problem.

We pulled up at hillgreen circle cockysville MD to drop my boyfriend off at his apartment. I went to pull in the parking spot. I went to put the car into park and it had no brakes. I was slamming them and pumping them. It excellerated and took off. Jumped the curb,went down the hill and into the apartment building. A red light had came on the dash, right before it took off. Seemed like it was changing to gas or the electric mode,or the other way around. The airbag on the passenger side came out deflated,and filled with smoke going into the car. He was the belted front passenger and his elbow went in to the front window. You can tell by looking at it,the hole and spidered around it. He broke his right elbow. It is available anytime at the moment. It's at Hyundaii in glen burnie. I need to get it to state farms lot,to get the kelly blue book value. We look forward to hearing from you.

See all problems of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed air bag clock spring. The contact was informed that the driver's air bag clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The contact had received an unknown recall notification previously for the air bag. The contact was informed that he was nine days late for the coverage of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under repair. The failure mileage was unknown.

Airbags failed to deploy. I was involved in a hit and run accident. Vehicle has not been inspected. I had a recall done on it with paperwork confirming it was fixed. I have 4 herniated discs in my back and neck.

During a front end collision the car did not auto brake and the air bags did not deploy. The car has been totaled and is currently at a dealership for insurance appraisal.

See all problems of the 2021 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

My 2012 Hyundai Sonata (VIN: [xxx] ) experienced complete engine failure at 241,433 miles on August 7, 2025. The failure aligns with known safety defect symptoms described under NHTSA recall campaign 15v568000 and 17v226000, which cite premature bearing wear due to metal debris during engine manufacturing. My vehicle had previously received the knock sensor update under campaign t3g and failed the bct (bearing clearance test), confirming bearing damage. Despite this, Hyundai denied my engine replacement claim, stating the issue was related to a fuel pipe and not a rod bearing issue—this is contrary to their own recall documentation and dealer diagnosis. Hyundai continues to deny engine replacement, in violation of their federal recall obligations under 49 u. S. C. §30120. Their refusal endangers public safety by ignoring engine failures that can lead to stalling and crashes. I request NHTSA intervention to compel Hyundai motor America to comply with federal law and perform the necessary recall repairs on my vehicle. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

With no warning my car left me sit on the side of the road and when started the engine made an awful knocking noise. Hyundai denied to replace the engine despite there being at least 2 engine recalls. When I asked why they said it was due to no maintenance records so I provided them with maintenance records like they requested and then they deny it again and say they aren’t replacing the engine because the problem with my engine had nothing to do with the 2 engine recalls my vehicle is affected by.

The airbag indicator light for the driver came on after I got into the car. The light being on means the airbag protection system for the driver is off. This occurred at about 137,000 miles. I called my closest Hyundai dealership, eckert Hyundai, within a month to report the problem and I was told by the dealership that there was no recall on the vehicle regarding the issue I was reporting. I have been driving a vehicle that will not protect me in any type of collision.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the airbag system warning light on my 2014 Hyundai Sonata GLS has turned on. I suspect it may be related to a faulty clock spring or another issue within the supplemental restraint system (srs). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? if the airbag system is not functioning properly, the airbags may not deploy in the event of a collision, putting my life and the safety of passengers at serious risk. This is particularly concerning as this vehicle is used for daily commuting and family travel. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I have not yet had it diagnosed by a dealer or repair shop, but I plan to schedule a diagnostic check soon. The airbag light remains consistently on during vehicle operation, indicating a persistent fault. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? no, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer or any third-party representative. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? yes, the airbag warning light illuminated on the dashboard without any prior physical impact or incident. It first appeared approximately [two days ago], and it has remained on continuously since then. Additional information: I am aware that certain Hyundai Sonatas have been subject to airbag-related recalls, including issues with the clock spring and airbag deployment failures. Given the similarity of symptoms, I would like to know whether my vehicle may be affected by one of these recalls, or if Hyundai will provide inspection and repair support based on this known issue.

Air bag light is not coming on at all.

The airbag warning light in my car is always on, it won't go off. It was repaired by Hyundai service center under an extended warranty a few years back but now they said that they won't fix it again.

See all problems of the 2007 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

On June 24, 2025, while driving approximately 1. 5 hours away from home, a warning message appeared on my dashboard stating: “hybrid system warning. Stop and do not drive. ” I immediately pulled over and contacted my insurance company, who arranged for the vehicle to be towed to the nearest authorized Hyundai dealership (thomas Hyundai in cumberland). The warning clearly indicated that it was not safe to continue driving. Later, I found out that the issue reported (recall 198) have presented cases ending with fire of the engine. It is critical to mention that in January 2025, I attended the official manufacturer recall for this vehicle, which was supposed to ensure safety and reliability. Despite this, the vehicle failed and left me stranded in an unsafe area. Since then, I have been without my vehicle for over three weeks. I contacted Hyundai customer care and opened a case. I was repeatedly told a case manager would call me within three business days, but I never received any follow-up until I insisted. I was eventually assigned a case manager named snowy, and also remained in contact with the dealership. On several occasions, both snowy and the dealership assured me that the vehicle would be ready by Thursday, July 10 and that it was not until then that I could start to request a reimbursement for my rental expenses. I repeatedly asked for confirmation because I am renting a car at my own expense in order to go to work and manage my life. However, on Thursday, July 10, I called again and was told the vehicle would instead be ready by Tuesday, July 15. Then, on Friday, July 11, I received an email stating that the engine had just arrived, and that the dealership was only now able to begin repairs. After that, and only once the car is finished, Hyundai will “review” the case and determine whether I qualify for reimbursement. This is unacceptable. I have been without a vehicle for over three weeks, forced to rent a car entirely at my own expense.

See attached document for complaint.

See all problems of the 2019 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

Air bag light stays on and cannot pass stare inspection without repair. Nhsta site has 54 reports of this issue and dealer cannot figure out how to repair. What can be done?.

See all problems of the 2005 Hyundai Sonata 🔎.

The airbag warning light on the dash is illuminated. Diagnostic code b1481 driver airbag resistance too high.