A software glitch can turn off the airbags
No crashes or injuries have been reported
28,250 vehicles are affected in Canada
The recall covers 2019 through 2023 Kona Electric models and 2019 through 2022 Veloster N models.
The problem lies in the airbag control unit. Under certain driving conditions, data the system routinely writes to memory can become corrupted. When that happens, the airbag warning light comes on, and the system shuts itself off.
A Very Real Risk
The concern is that, should this occur, neither the airbags nor the seatbelt pretensioners will fire in a collision. That significantly raises the risk of injury.
Hyundai says it isn’t aware of any crashes or injuries tied to the glitch. The automaker has, however, logged 331 reports since 2019. In fact, a spike in warranty claims over an illuminated airbag light prompted the investigation. No “do not drive” advisory has been issued, but any owner who sees that warning light come on should book a service appointment right away.
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The fix is a simple software update, which dealers perform free of charge. Hyundai will also reimburse owners who already paid out of pocket to have the problem corrected.
Owner notification letters will go out starting January 1, 2027.
What About Canada?
In Canada, the recall involves 26,318 Kona Electrics and 1,932 Veloster Ns.
It’s remarkable that nearly as many vehicles are being recalled here as south of the border. That, of course, comes down to the Kona Electric’s popularity in Canada, and in Quebec in particular, compared with the more modest interest it generated in the U.S.
