Hyundai Recalls Nearly 38,000 Vehicles Over Airbag Software Fault
The recall affects specific Kona Electric and Veloster N models due to a software issue in the airbag control unit.
Technical Fault in Safety Systems
Hyundai has officially confirmed a recall of 37,901 vehicles due to a software flaw in the Airbag Control Unit (ACU), which could lead to the deactivation of the vehicle's safety system. According to the company, the issue primarily affects the Kona Electric and Veloster N models.
Specifically, the recall includes 2019-2023 Kona Electric models (29,058 units) and 2019-2022 Veloster N models (8,843 units). The defect occurs when data is corrupted during a system reset or power supply interruption, which prevents the airbag control unit from properly writing to its memory.
What Owners Need to Know
At present, Hyundai is aware of 331 instances where this fault has been identified. The company emphasizes that despite these incidents, the issue has not resulted in any accidents, fires, or injuries. In the event of a system malfunction, the corresponding warning light (MIL) will illuminate on the dashboard, notifying the driver that the airbag system is deactivated.
Hyundai urges owners to contact authorized service centres. The fix is free of charge and involves a software update for the control unit. Official notifications will be sent to owners starting January 1, 2027, though interested parties may contact the company's hotline for further information immediately.
Implications for International Drivers
While this decision by Hyundai is focused on international markets, recalls of this scale are significant for drivers in Georgia who acquire vehicles directly from the U.S. or other foreign markets. If you own these specific models, it is recommended to check your vehicle's VIN on the manufacturer's official website or the NHTSA database.
Such faults in safety systems highlight the complexity of modern automotive digital systems. Contemporary electric vehicles are essentially "computers on wheels," where a software error can be just as critical as a mechanical failure. The safety campaign number for official inquiries is 26V728.