Hyundai Sonata Air Bags
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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:
Did your seat problem get resolved ?? :lemon:
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"
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.
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.
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).
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.
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?
Thanks for your comments
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!!!!
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?
:shades:
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!