Hyundai issued a recall for almost 50,000 of its 2024 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid SUVs due to concerns that the airbags may not deploy during crashes or, conversely, may deploy unexpectedly without any impact.
The recall, which affects vehicles in both South Korea and North America, stems from a problem with the main floor wiring harnesses.
The issue was first flagged in April 2024 when a rear-seat side airbag in a Santa Fe SUV deployed without cause in South Korea. Following the incident, Hyundai initiated an investigation and discovered the wiring harnesses could chafe against the passenger-side second-row bench seat assemblies, leading to potential damage.
This damage has already led to eight incidents, though no crashes or injuries have been reported.
Affected Santa Fe drivers should monitor their vehicles for illuminated airbag warning lights, which could indicate a malfunction.
"As a precaution, if any of the warning symptoms specified in this report are confirmed present in the vehicle, owners are advised to visit a dealer immediately for diagnosis and repair as the recall remedy is currently available," Hyundai said.
Owners will receive recall letters starting Sept. 23. Hyundai dealerships will either secure the floor wire harness or replace any damaged harnesses to resolve the issue.
For further information, Santa Fe owners can contact Hyundai at 855-371-9460 and inquire about recall number 265.
Check for open recalls on any vehicle at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
