Laguna Hills, CA – October 29, 2018 – Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. The Side Curtain Air Bag (SCAB) mounting bolts may interfere with and damage the air bags during deployment. The number of units affected by this recall is 8,204, with a 100% estimated affected rate.
The Defect
According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, this safety recall involves subject vehicles which are equipped with Side Curtain Airbags (“SCAB”) that were installed using bolts that could interfere with and damage the airbags during deployment. The bolts were produced with sharp corners on the hexagonal bolt head, increasing the risk of interference with the SCAB during installation. If the SCAB becomes damaged during deployment, the air bag may not inflate properly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Timeline of Events
On August 8, 2018, Hyundai Motor Company (“HMC”) discovered a torn Side Curtain Airbag (“SCAB”) during an NCAP crash test conducted in Europe. The initial investigation revealed the SCAB could have become damaged due to interference with the bolts which were used to install the airbag and connect them to the body of the vehicle. HMC searched through past crash test records and did not find any previous instances of a deployed, torn SCAB.
On September 3, 2018, HMC conducted internal crash testing. This test successfully replicated the damage to the SCAB and confirmed that it was caused by interference from the mounting bolts. HMC immediately notified all regional distributors of vehicles using these specific bolts, and subsequently convened its Technical Committee on October 2, 2018 and began voluntary safety recall to address the condition in the subject vehicles. Hyundai has not, to date, been made aware of any incidents, crashes, or injuries related to this defect.
The Solution
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the SCAB installation bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 30, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 177.
Owners may also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V-715.