Hyundai is recalling 37,901 vehicles in the United States because a software problem could prevent airbags and seat belt pretensioners from activating during a crash. The recall affects certain 2019-2023 Kona Electric and 2019-2022 Veloster N models, creating a potential safety risk for affected owners.
The investigation followed an increase in warranty claims involving illuminated airbag warning lights. Although no crashes or injuries have been linked to the issue, 331 reports of the problem have been recorded since 2019.
Hyundai Airbag Recall Affects Two Models
The problem involves a software error in the Airbag Control Unit (ACU), which detects crash signals and commands the deployment of airbags and seat belt pretensioners.
Under certain driving conditions, data may become corrupted during routine writing to the control unit’s memory. This can cause the airbag malfunction indicator light to illuminate and deactivate the airbag system.
The recall covers the following vehicles:
- 2019-2022 Hyundai Veloster N: 8,843 vehicles.
- 2019-2023 Hyundai Kona Electric: 29,058 vehicles.
The total number of affected vehicles is 37,901, and none of the recalled models remain in production.
The software malfunction could prevent airbags and seat belt pretensioners from activating during a collision, potentially increasing the risk of injury.
How Hyundai Plans to Fix the Airbag Problem
Hyundai dealers will resolve the issue through a software update to the airbag control unit. The repair will be performed free of charge for affected vehicle owners.
Owners who have already paid out of pocket to address the problem will also be reimbursed.
However, the repair program will not begin immediately. Hyundai expects to mail recall notification letters on January 1, 2027, with the software update expected to become available shortly afterward.
How to Check If Your Hyundai Is Recalled
Owners of the Hyundai Kona Electric and Veloster N can check whether their vehicles are included in the recall using the vehicle recall search tool on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. A vehicle identification number (VIN) is required.
Hyundai owners can also contact customer service at 1-855-371-9460 for additional information. The recall reference number is 311.
Drivers should pay particular attention to the airbag warning light before the software update is completed. If the light illuminates, it could indicate that the airbag system has been deactivated, creating a safety risk.
Hyundai has not issued a Do Not Drive warning for the affected vehicles.
Hyundai Has Issued Other Airbag Recalls in 2026
This is not Hyundai’s first airbag-related recall in 2026. In January, the automaker recalled almost 570,000 Palisade SUVs after identifying a problem that could prevent third-row airbags from deploying properly during a crash.
In April, nearly 3,000 additional Hyundai vehicles were recalled because their side-impact sensors in the B-pillars may have been incorrectly assembled. The affected vehicles included certain Tucson and Elantra models, with the defect potentially interfering with airbag deployment.
The latest Kona Electric and Veloster N recall is not known to be directly related to those earlier campaigns.
Airbag systems have become increasingly advanced, with deployment designed to account for factors such as occupant size and the force required. However, the technology involved has also become more complex.
Another concern is the number of unrepaired airbag recalls, with millions of recalled airbags still awaiting repairs because some vehicle owners never complete the required work.
For the 37,901 Hyundai vehicles included in the latest recall, the planned software update is intended to address the airbag control unit problem and restore the system’s proper operation.
