Hyundai Sonata Air Bags

asdf9

Well isn't this great. I had hope for hyundai and now this happenned. Not so sure about buying now. I'm interested in hearing what the salesperson has to say when I talk to them.
The recall affects 2006-2008 models equipped with an advanced air bag system. The system is supposed detect when small children are in the front seat and then disable the air bag.

backy

Why should this recall dissuade you from buying a Sonata, once the recall has been performed? Many cars have recalls, for safety reasons. If you took every car that has been recalled off your "buy" list, you would have few choices!

bhmr59

Following up on backy's post, I just saw that there a recall on '03 Accords for the windshield wiper motor. I'd say that is a safety issue every time it rained or snowed.

An air bag issue, while important, is not nearly as important, IMO, as being able to see where one is trying to driving.

In my state, CT, small children are supposed to be put in the back seat.

m6user

What if you have 4 kids or a pick-up?

06sonata

It does not detect when a child is in the seat; rather when any object over a certain weight is in the seat.... and turns the bag on. Just needs to be reprogrammed to detect for lighter weight adults...no big deal!

jrod9707

I have been trying to get this problem fixed at a few hyundai dealers and I'm really glad Hyundai stepped up to address this. My wifes between 120-130 Lbs would not set off the air bag and the car would think she is a child so when I talked to dealership they said she needs to sit perfectly centered and also straight up. Told them to get bent thats just plain retarded(it did not fix the problem all of the time either). Now I get to at least say thanks for listening when I brought it in last month and they can fix the problem with Hyundai's blessing.

deecur64

I have had this problem with my car since the 1st day I bought it in November and brought it back to the dealer within 2 hours of purchase to tell them that something was wrong. My daughter (150 lbs) was sitting in the seat with her legs crossed on the seat instead of on the floor and they told me the same thing - she needed to sit with her feet on the floor and in the center of the seat. Yeah whatever... And since then (5 months later) it has happened probably 5 or 6 times with different (and heavier) people sitting in the seat. Because I am a woman, the dealer thought I was out of my mind this week when I called and told them the issue and that I heard there was going to be a recall. They had me bring the car in to check it out yesterday (wasted my time and thiers) and when they couldn't find the problem, told me that they found out that there was going to be a recall. Duh!!!! That's what I told them 2 days prior! Oh well - at least now that Hyundai is calling the shots, it'll get fixed and maybe they will realize that I am not just a dumb woman afterall.

pat

Here's the link: ntclaw, "Hyundai Sonata 2006-2007" #7644, 3 May 2008 9:40 am.

cadmonkey

Hopefully this post won't appear twice - the first attempt to reply failed. If you discount buying a car due to a recall - you may want to look into a Cannondale or Trek road bicycle. Every manufacturer has had a recall, the good ones are those that do it voluntarily.
I'm impressed with Hyundai voluntarily recalling to check or replace a defective part. Usually it takes a class action lawsuit to get a recall (i.e. 94-95 Ford Taurus transmissions, 94-96 Chrysler minivan transmissions, Toyota's engine sludge - I could go on).
I own an 07 Sonata, my daughter an '06, both exhibit the issue of recall. Yes, it is an inconvenience, but Hyundai is making a voluntary effort to correct it and not making the consumer pay.
If you choose to look at a Sonata, and compare prices vs. standard equipement, I think you be impressed. I recommend them without hesitation. If you want economy-get a 4 cylinder model. If you want a screamer, get the LX V6 with 17 inch tires-then hang on for dear life. Either way for under $16k or $20K, look at the standard equipment, then look at anything else.
I've owned a Santa Fe for six years, with no problems, good economy, safety rating, and enjoyed it fully.

imfedup

I read about all the problems with the sonata, I can feel sorry for those folks but at least the company came around finally and said they have a problem. I have a accent with the very same problem, It is a 2007 and from the very 1st day I bought it I have had problems with the passenger air bags. My husband always drives and I sit in the passenger side. The air bag off light is always going off. I have had it to the dealer numerous times. They always said the same thing the computer did not register anything. well finally a month ago it did and they said they fixed it after 2 trips to the dealer(which this dealership has its major issues) the very next day the same thing. We had them call in a factor rep. He gave us the same BS. I weigh 160 and they are telling me it is not detecting me in the seat, I say they got a problem. The factor rep went so far to tell me that as long as I had my seat belt on I didn't need any air bags I was perfectly safe. That is when I walked out and let my husband talk. Now I have a car I bought to save on fuel that I will not ride in and we have to drive a diesel to work.
I sure would like to see one of those 5 star safety rated cars they claim they have, it is only 5 star when nobody is riding in it.
Is there anybody else out there with this problem in a Accent? :sick:

backy

You should file a report with the NHTSA. That can trigger an investigation and a recall action.

davis22

So, my car (08 Sonata) was affected by the air bag recall and I took my car in to be repaired. After the proper adjustments were made, the problem still persisted. It has always been inconsistent and it only occurs when I am in the passenger seat. Today, my dealership installed a brand new passenger seat because they were stumped as to why my first seat couldn't be repaired and tonight I had the same problem. They told me to be sure to sit up straight in the center of the seat, which I do. Tonight when the light stayed on, I had to lift my body off of the seat and then sit back down for it to turn off. Unbelievable, right? So, my car will be back in the shop tomorrow and hopefully someone can fix this problem. Has anyone else continued to have problems after their seat was supposedly fixed?

craigbrooks

I'm not sure a new passenger seat is the problem or maybe you recv'd a seat from a previous batch. Have them try again and ask for an Azera loaner.

davis22

Yeah, no kidding!! I am not sure why this is happening. I shouldn't have to lift my weight off of the seat repeatedly to have that darn light turn off. Anyway, I bring it back on Monday and they'll try again. I wish they'd give me an azera but instead they send me over to enterprise and get whatever they give me. BOO!!

davis22

Just an update from me, my Hyundai dealership had my car for the 4th time from Monday to Friday and unfortunately, the problem still persists. I suppose they will want me to bring it back this Monday making it the fifth time they've tried to fix the seat/airbag issue. Such a bummer.

m6user

In a lot of states when a safety related item on a car can't be fixed after 3 times or so it qualifies as a lemon law car. You may be able to use this. I think the car can only be so old though but they probably vary a lot by state. Anyway, it might be something to check out.

crdrivemecrz

I bought a used 2008 Sonata. 10 days later I brought it to the dealer because of the passenger air bag light. The cushion was sent to California and I got the car back 5 days later. The passenger air bag light eventually goes off when someone is sitting in it, but if I sit in it (116 lbs) or my teenage daughter sits in it, the light comes on and goes off. We pretty much have to bounce in the seat to make the light go off !!!! Besides that this car has an awful odor to it. When I first bought it, it smelled like a bottle of window cleaner. After that odor went away, it had a strange chemical odor - it's been described as paint, superglue, sweat, cigarettes - awful !!! I called the dealer tonight. If I don't get a response, my plan is to call the manager, call the dealership owner, contact Hyundai Customer Relations, contact the Better Business Bureau, and the Federal Traffic Administration.
Did your seat problem get resolved ?? :lemon:

Bad08Sonata

ALL HYUNDAI OWNERS WITH SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS.

Did anyone inform you prior to your purchase that you could not install any accessory seat covers in your new car?

Well this TSB has been out since August, 2005.

Hyundai vehicles are equipped with side impact air bags INSTALLED IN BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEATS. Any modification(s) of the seats may prevent proper operation of the side impact air bags when they are intended to deploy in a collision and can result IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. To ensure proper operation of the side impact air bags:

1 Do not install any accessory seat covers.

2 Do not reupholster the seat backs with after-market upholstery (such as a leather kit).

3 Do not repair damaged upholstery without using Hyundai Genuine Parts.

THE TAG on the side of the seat is where the air bag will deployed from, it is not there just to let you know you have "Side Impact Air Bags"

fushigi

This is hardly specific to Hyundai. My Mitsubishi has a similar warning and I've seen warnings on other vehicles as well. Side Impact Airbags deploy by literally bursting through the stitching on the side of the seat. The stitching is strong enough to survive seat usage so the airbag must use sufficient force to rip through it in a small fraction of a second. Anything like a seat cover that might impede the rapid deployment of the airbag would not only reduce passenger safety, it could even cause harm should the airbag be redirected (via the seat cover's design) towards a passenger.

That said, there are some seat covers that are designed to be compatible with side air bags. Or, as an alternate, you can have custom upholstery created or simply replace the seating surfaces without touching the panels where the airbags deploy.

Bad08Sonata

I am in complete agreement with you.

My Point, IS A WARNING!

We purchased a new 08 Sonata, while looking my wife stated a concern about the light color seats and then said it would be o.k. we would just get a good set of seat covers to protect them. She even asked the salesperson about purchasing seat covers for the car (We know now, they are not compatible with Side Air Bag Systems). He did not say anything about not being able to use seat-cover because of the side air bags. I don't think he truly understood the system, nor did we when we bought the car (Side Air bags deploy from the seats, Side curtains deploy from somewhere around the roof for each side). He only talked about how this was the safes car for the money and how the side curtain air bags deploy from the side of the roof to protect you. (All of this was standard)

Hyundai has a booklet all about the Airbag Safety WARNINGS...comes with the car when you purchase it! NOT ONE WORD ABOUT THIS IS IN THE MANUAL, ONLY STATED IN THE TSB AND THE TSB IS VERY HARD TO FIND.

IF ANYONE ELSE HAS FOUND THIS INFORMATION FOR THE 08 SONATA ELSEWHERE PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

Additionally, you know those aftermarket seat-warmers & massager, this may also impede the Side Air Bags located on the side of each front seat, within each front seat. Or for that matter, how about someone hanging their coat over the seat or the side of the seat.

I think people need to be made aware of this.

Your sugestions are well taken...Not sure if Hyundai would approve of these special seatcovers in writing.

Did you buy your car new?

Does you Mitsubishi identify this in your Airbag Safety Warning manual or is it attached somewher on your car?

Thanks for your post and suggestions.

Bad08Sonata

I correct myself.

Nothing about this is in the NP100-07004 Hyundai Airbag Safety Warning manual.

I found even more warning for my 08 in its Owner's manual on pg 47

Nothing about the Side Impact Airbags are located inside the seat.

Additionally, Warnings are:

4 Do not install any accessory on the side near the side impact airbag.

5 Do not place any objects over the air bag or between the airbag and yourself.

6 Do not place any objects (an umbrella, bag, etc.) between the front door and the front seat. Such objects may become dangerous projectiles and cause injury of the supplemental side airbag inflates.

7 To prevent unexpected deployment of the side impact airbag that may result in personal injury, avoid impact to the side impact sensor when the ignition key is on.

WHERE IS THE STATEMENT THE SIDE IMPACT AIRBAGS ARE LOCATED WITHIN THE UPPER PORTION OF THE SEATS, ON THE SIDE OF THE SEAT THAT FACES EACH FRONT DOOR?

I wonder what positive thing Backy would have to say about this?

Maybe I needed to do a lot more research before I purchased my new 08 Sonata last year. The one that is currently parked because I feel it is unsafe to drive (Not because of this issue, but because of many others).

backy

I wonder what positive thing Backy would have to say about this?

I would only ask, of someone who seems to have no problem doing a lot of research to find the answer to a question, I wonder why they wouldn't have known that the Sonata, and indeed almost every modern car, has side air bags that come out of the outboard sides of the front seat backs? And that there are tags on the seats to remind owners (and drivers) of that fact? Also, in the brochure for the 2006-8 Sonata (not sure about the 2009), there is a full-page photo that shows the interior of the car with the airbags deployed. The photo clearly shows the side airbag coming out of the front seatbacks. On the opposite page is a description of the airbags which notes "front seat mounted side airbags." So these brochures can be pretty useful during the car-buying process. And also they are kind of fun to look at (at least I think so) as you make the car-buying decision. A good thing to pick up on your first visit to the dealer to take a look at a car you are considering.

Also, there is LOTS of information on the Web (including right here in Town Hall) regarding the fact that cars with side airbags should not be fitted with 3rd party seat covers that obstruct the airbags. So someone who is good at doing research on the Web, as you seem to be, should be able to easily find out about the problem of seat covers with side airbags.

The other thing I'd add is that in my years of car-buying experience, I have never taken at face value ANYTHING a car salesperson has told me, especially if it is regarding something important such as safety.

And, one of the first things I do when I buy a new car is read the owner's manual from cover to cover, and look over any other booklets that came with the car.

Bad08Sonata

I expected nothing less from you, thanks for putting me in my place.

I wish I had only saw all of todays remarks about the 2008 in earily September of 2007 before I bought it.

I found these forums after I started having problems. I can assure you I will do better research on my next purchase.

Our family does not replace cars year after year, so we need reliable ones that will last for 5 years or 60,000. For me, Hyundai has not been a good choice (wife's car), my old 92 Mazda Najvo has stood the test of time (new in 93, 130,000 and is my everyday driver.

Looking at your posts, you are dedicated to Hyundia Motor of America.

Are you a dealer, Platinum Service Technician or HMA representative?

Or are one of the very lucky few who has not had any problems with any of their Hyundai purchases or the Hyundais they get to drive?

Bad08Sonata

What year, make and model of Hyundai Sonata do you own?

Thanks for your comments

pat

The personal confrontations are neither helpful nor productive so what say we just skip them and move on... please.

pondtom

Had my carpet cleaned and they unpluged the air bag, now it blinks and stays on.

anaree

Can anyone tell me what a b1352 code is for air bag light? My light has been on since 1/2007 and was told the passenger air bag needed to be replaced @ $600. Didnt have it fixed for many reasons/cost and Just dont think I should have to pay for something faulty since my car has never been in an accident. Well now it wont pass inspection cuz the govt says it cant be on, went back to Hyundai and they got the SAME code but now they say I need a passenger side seat back @ a cost of $2034.26?????????
How can this be? same code 2 diff problems and prices....PLEASE if anyone knows something or what I can do I would really appreciate it. Called the customer service and they were useless!!!
PLEASE HELP!!!! :mad:

erichb

I am the original owner of a 2006 Hyundai Sonata. Since I have owned the car (July 2006) I have had an intermitant problem with the front passenger seat air bag sensor. The car was brought to the dealership for other service issues and at each occurance I would mention the air bag problem. The service department would state that they could not re-create the problem and therefore not fix it. THEN a recall notification comes out detailing the same siutation that I am experiencing. As of this date the service department still reuses to honor the recall notification due to thier inability to duplicate the problem.

I have spoke with Hyundai USA and they back up the dealership. This is a safety issue not a cosmetic problme with the vehicle. Given that I informed the dealership of the porblem prior to the recall, I feel that it should be repaired regardless of their ability to re-creat ethe problem during the 15 mins they spend on the car.

Any suggestions?

ctc1

I had similar problem with dealer not being able to reproduce problem. This may help I noticed problem would occur more often if passenger seat was empty when car was started and then passenger sat down . After several attempts light stayed on and they repaired problem which required shipping seat to california to be reprogrammed.

lorgu3

Is there any way you can share that recall notice with me? My 2006 Sonata just flunked its annual car inspection, and I want to show the recall notice to the dealership. There are no worries...I can recreate the problem...I hope these are not "famous last words"!

LASHAWN

As long as you have the recall notice with your vehicle vin# on it, they have to honor it. But if your're just going by the notion that there is a recall for the concern than they can not honor it. You have to have a notice with YOUR VEHICLE'S VIN# on it, it's they only way Hyundai will pay the dealer for the repairs.

sadhyndaiowner

Wondering if you ever had your accent air bag repaired? We have had ours in 9 times for the air bag. I have sat in the passenger side seat weighing 220 lbs. and sometimes the air bag off light is lit. Hyundai says i am not sitting in it properly. The light has stayed on with at least 8 different people in that seat, most of them over 150 lbs. The dealer even took pictures of it with my wife sitting in the seat. Hyundai's response it works as designed. We bought the car in July of 2007 and still cant get it fixed. It doesn't qualify under the lemon law because they only tried to fix it once. The other times they told us it works fine. Another way to dodge the lemon law.

davis22

Never got mine fixed. I gave up. They pretty much replaced the seat and then said I was sitting it in incorrectly. I know this isn't true but I can get the light to turn off if I bounce around in the seat so that is my method right now. It really sucks but I got so tired of going to the dealership. Even worse, our local dealership went out of business so I'm pretty much out of luck.

nancylk

There is a class action against Hyundai re: airbags for several models which was filed a few months ago.

06sonatav

I have had this problem with my 2006 Sonata continuously. They reset the light over and over and over and then in SEP 08' replaced the seat belt buckle. Light is back on but now out of warranty period. I have to pass inspection, so it is $125 for the diagnositc (active code B1706) and $179 for a new buckle plus labor. I will have to do this yearly to pass inspection. I would like to know about the lawsuit and how I can follow it or apply to be part of it please? Thank you. (FYI- no accidents ever, no car seats or kids used, and my car only has 61K miles) :mad:

06sonatav

I am willing to try to turn it off using your method, just so it lasts long enough for the light to stay out for the inspection. Thanks for the hint!

:shades:

nancylk

There is a class action going on for this sensor issue; Google it and you should be able to locate the firm and how to join.

thndrstm

I had this problem for 2 years, was unwilling to pay for a new seat and was unable to find it used back then. Recently I had more luck and found an exact match at car-parts.com for $150. Installation was another $80. It works!!!.

dubiouscynical

My 2006 Sonata also has the air bag issue. Finally rec'd recall letter. Took to a dealership and was told the 'codes' didn't match the recall, that mice may have chewed the wiring. Also that I need to replace the air filter ($40) and have the transmission serviced. The cost to replace the sensor and wiring harness given at $395+ tax. Told to do the air bag sensor. Called the next day to say the parts were insufficient and that the wiring harness now is the engine harness and the repair is in excess of $2,000. Had to get the comprehensive insurance company involved and I'm waiting to hear. How do I know the recall was not valid? I do not trust dealerships!