Hyundai recalls some Santa Fe, Sonata for air bags

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

DETROIT (AP) - Hyundai Motor Co. is recalling some Santa Fe SUVs and Sonata sedans because of problems with their air bags.

The Santa Fe recall involves nearly 200,000 vehicles in the 2007 to 2009 model years. Hyundai dealers will reprogram the front passenger air bag sensors so they will accurately detect when a small adult is seated.

Hyundai said it received complaints from some adults under 130 pounds whose air bags didn't deploy. No injuries have been reported. The air bags were originally programmed not to go off to protect children.

The company is also recalling 22,500 Sonata sedans from the 2012 and 2013 model years because their side air bags could go off without warning.

FULL story at link.


Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20120728/DA0A1APO2.html

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In this July 26, 2012 file photo, the logo of Hyundai Motor Co. is seen on its car at the company's showroom in Seoul, South Korea. Hyundai Motor Co. is recalling some Santa Fe SUVs and Sonata sedans because of problems with their air bags. The Santa Fe recall involves nearly 200,000 vehicles in the 2007 to 2009 model years. Hyundai dealers will reprogram the front passenger air bag sensors so they will accurately detect when a small adult is seated. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File)

[Atman]

1. Our Santa Fe was recalled for this nearly a year ago.

It makes me nervous because, even after they "fixed" it, the airbag alert lights stay on. They told us not to worry, they made the repair, but that they just couldn't get the light to turn off. Huh? What kind of "fix" is that?!

[AdHocSolver]

2. If the light stays on when it is supposed to go out, they did NOT fix it.

It could be the case that the electronics that controls the "alert" lights has a problem. If this controller is part of the "master" computer, then that indicates that there are other problems in the circuitry. This is not good.

If the problem was part of a recall issued by the NHTSA, you can research it on the Internet.

At Cars.com, you can input the year, make, and model of your car to see what recalls are listed for your car.

Their web site is at: http://www.cars.com/go/recalls/index.jsp?aff=cartalk

There are other ways to get there as well.

Another strategy might be to contact the manufacturer's customer relations department and relate your experience. It may be that the dealer you took your car to is covering up incompetence, and the manufacturer may well take your side in the matter.

You might try the Hyundai web site at https://www.hyundaiusa.com/contact-us.aspx

It lists an 800 number and a form for submitting questions or comments.

In any event, they did NOT properly fix the problem.

[AdHocSolver]

3. I input 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe at the cars.com website.

This data came back:


2008 Hyundai Santa Fe

Recalls current as of 07/27/2012

NHTSA Model Name:
SANTA FE

Component:
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Recall Number:
11V472000

Date recall entered into NHTSA database:
09/13/2011

Summary:
HYUNDAI DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S DRIVER'S AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN IN NOVEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER CONNECT CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

The manufacturer first notified owners of this recall on 05/28/2012.

This recall affects vehicles manufactured between 04/19/2006 and 03/20/2008.


You might compare the recall number on whatever documentation you received with the number listed here.

[Atman]

4. Crazy shit...my Hyundai dealer acknowledged that something wasn't right.

They said to bring the Santa Fe back in, which I did today. The two air bags lights should not still be on. they acknowledged this much. The car was in the shop for nearly four hours and they found that the sensor under the passenger seat was bad. They swore, though, that the airbags were still good and would deploy in a crash.

"How, if the sensor is bad?" I asked. He said it was only the part that operated the warning light, that's why they won't go out. They tried to reset it via the diagnostic computer, but couldn't get the lights to turn off. So they ordered a new sensor.

Not so fast...Hyundai won't ship them a new sensor. Only an entire new passenger seat assembly. Like, the ENTIRE SEAT. $2000. My Santa Fe has 97,000 miles on it. It's got a 100,000 mile warranty. But now no one seems to want to eat the $2000 repair. They reinstalled the faulty sensor and put the passenger seat back together and told me not to worry. They were waiting for a call from Corporate to see how to proceed.

Meanwhile, I have two warning lights on my dash telling me my airbags don't work, and some mechanic in Podunk telling me not to worry, it's just an electronic part. The irony is, if they DON'T work when I need them, I'll be dead anyway.

.

[snooper2]

6. It's a Hyundai dude

[Atman]

7. Yes, top rated by most car magazines.

It is a phenomenal car. Not sure what your point is. Superb quality. Lexuses and Toyotos have been recalled many more times for far more serious problems. This is the "problem" we've had in nearly 100,000 miles. The Santa Fe still looks and runs like it did when we bought it in 2007. Our Elantra has also been one of the best, most reliable cars I've ever owned.

Do your research, man. Hyundai is building some of the best vehicles on the road today, and most automotive reviews concur. Road & Track selected the Elantra as the best small car on the road, ahead of the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagon Jetta, and every other car in its class.

[snooper2]

8. glad you enjoy it

[midnight]

5. Thank you for this info..