Hyundai Recalls SUVs and Sedans for Airbag Defects

Hyundai Motor Company is recalling Santa Fe SUVs and Sonata sedans because of potential airbag defects. According to a news report in The Associated Press, the Santa Fe recall involves nearly 200,000 vehicles in the 2007 to 2009 model years. Hyundai officials say they received complaints from some adults under 130 pounds whose airbags failed to deploy. No injuries have been reported. The airbags were originally programmed to not go off in order to protect children. When the recall begins, Hyundai dealers will reprogram the front passenger airbag sensors so they will accurately detect when a small adult is seated.

Hyundai is also recalling 22,500 Sonata sedans from the 2012 and 2013 model years because their side airbags could go off without warning. So far, the Korean automaker has received 16 complaints about the Sonata’s airbags, but no injuries have been reported. Anyone with questions about these recalls is asked to contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

Dangerous and Defective Airbags

Airbags are designed as a safety feature in our vehicles to protect us in the event of a car accident. Often times, airbags are lifesaving, helping prevent traumatic injuries. However, when airbags are defective, they can end up causing catastrophic injuries as well. There are two ways in which airbags can cause injury or death:

• Failure to deploy: This occurs when airbags do not deploy in the event of a crash. This leaves vehicle occupants without any cushion or protection during the auto accident. When airbags fail to deploy, serious injuries or even fatalities may occur.
• Sudden or inadvertent deployment: This type of airbag deployment can be dangerous because occupants are shocked by the airbag suddenly going off. When an airbag deploys with tremendous force, vehicle occupants may suffer injuries such as fractured ribs and facial injuries. Sometimes, when airbags deploy, sharp pieces of plastic and metal may get discharged into the vehicle’s compartment, which may also cause serious injuries.

Compensation for Injured Victims

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a defective airbag or some other auto defect, it is important that you preserve the vehicle for a thorough examination by an expert, who will check it for defective parts, faulty design and other evidence. It is also crucial that you contact an experienced auto products liability lawyer who has successfully handled cases against large automakers. The best auto defect law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.