Hyundai recalled 37,901 vehicles due to a software error that could prevent airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from deploying in a crash. The recall covers 8,843 Veloster N models from 2019 to 2022 and 29,058 Kona Electric vehicles from 2019 to 2023.
The issue originates in the Airbag Control Unit (ACU), which detects crash signals and triggers deployment. According to NHTSA documents, the ACU's software may become corrupted when the system reboots while the ACU writes data to its internal memory. When corruption occurs, the airbag malfunction indicator light will illuminate on the dashboard, alerting drivers to the problem.
Hyundai identified the issue following an increase in airbag warranty light claims in August 2024. The company and the ACU's supplier spent more than a year testing and attempting to recreate the fault. As of October 2026, Hyundai reported 331 incidents related to the complaint but no crashes, fires, or injuries.
Hyundai dealers will update the ACU software at no cost to owners. The company will also reimburse owners for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred before the recall was filed. Notification letters will be mailed to dealers and affected owners on January 1, 2027.