Detroit, MIHyundai has announced vehicle recalls linked to problems with defective airbags. In all, more than 220,000 cars are affected by the recall, which was announced after Hyundai determined there were flaws in the passenger side airbag and the side curtain airbags.
According to reports, the first recall involves a defect in which the airbag does not deploy in a crash if a small-statured adult is sitting in the front passenger seat. The issue affects almost 200,000 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles from 2007 through 2009 model years. The airbags were programmed to not go off if children were in the front passenger seat—to prevent injury to children—but Hyundai reportedly received complaints from adults who weighed less than 130 pounds that the airbags did not deploy while they were in the front passenger seat.
Meanwhile, the second recall involves 2012 and 2013 Hyundai Sonata vehicles. Approximately 20,000 vehicles may contain a defect in which the side curtain airbags deploy even in situations where no collision has occurred.
So far, no injuries have been reported linked to the Sonata airbag defect, although 16 complaints were filed with Hyundai. The Santa Fe recall was reportedly issued after a class action lawsuit was filed concerning the defect.
Although airbags are designed to lessen the risk of injury or fatality in a car accident, some airbags have been defectively manufactured or designed, putting passengers in vehicles at increased risk of harm. Airbags deploying with no accident, deploying too late or not deploying at all are all problems that have been reported. Such defects can put people in vehicles at even greater risk of harm. For example, an airbag that deploys late could hit the person at an awkward angle—when he or she is too close to the unit when it deploys—causing more serious injury.
Furthermore, some airbags have deployed improperly, sending debris into the vehicle and causing harm to passengers. Lawsuits have been filed against car manufacturers alleging that some airbags were defectively designed or manufactured, putting people at risk of serious injury.
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