Hyundai Motor Company is recalling over 49,700 Santa Fe and Santa Fe HEV sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in the United States due to a potential issue affecting the function of their airbags. This recall, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on July 26, pertains to vehicles from the 2024 model year.
Details of the Recall
According to the recall report, the affected SUVs might experience problems such as the “illumination of the airbag warning light, inadvertent airbag deployment, and/or an inability to deploy the airbags during a crash.” These issues stem from a problem with the main floor wire harness, which could become damaged due to contact with the passenger-side, second-row bench seat’s folding hinge assembly.
“The main floor wire harness used in the subject vehicles could become damaged due to contact with the passenger-side, second-row bench seat’s folding hinge assembly,” the report detailed.
Hyundai’s Response and Safety Measures
Hyundai Motors North America has assured customers that the recall is a preventive measure to ensure safety, as there have been no confirmed crashes or injuries related to this condition in the U.S. or Canada. The recall also affects 3,658 vehicles in Canada.
“Hyundai issued the recall to address the issue in the affected U.S. Santa Fe gas and hybrid SUVs, plus 3,658 others in Canada, to ensure the safety of its customers,” Hyundai Motors North America told FOX Business.
Affected U.S. owners will receive letters by September 23, instructing them to bring their vehicles to a Hyundai dealer for inspection and proper securing of the wire harness. The remedy involves replacing damaged harnesses with new ones, a service that is already available and free of charge.
“Hyundai will provide owners of affected vehicles reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred to obtain a remedy for the recall condition in accordance with the reimbursement plan submitted to NHTSA on February 22, 2024,” the report added.
Manufacturing and Impact
The production of the recalled gas-powered Santa Fe SUVs occurred between late December 2023 and mid-July 2024, while the affected Santa Fe HEVs were manufactured over a nearly 20-week span this year. The 2024 model year of the Hyundai Santa Fe was released earlier this year.
This recall highlights Hyundai’s proactive approach to vehicle safety and its commitment to addressing potential issues before they result in accidents or injuries. The company’s transparency and swift action aim to maintain customer trust and ensure the continued safety of its vehicles on the road.
Future Implications
While the recall affects a significant number of vehicles, Hyundai’s prompt response and the provision of free repair services are steps towards mitigating any adverse impact on customer safety and satisfaction. This incident underscores the importance of rigorous quality control and monitoring in the automotive industry, ensuring that potential hazards are identified and resolved swiftly.
Hyundai’s recall serves as a reminder to other automakers about the critical nature of vehicle safety and the importance of addressing even minor issues that could potentially lead to significant safety risks. As technology in vehicles continues to advance, the complexity of maintaining and ensuring the safety of all components becomes increasingly challenging yet vital.
