Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Hyundai Elantra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
In the case of air bag, I was hit by a f350 pickup at 40 miles ph and the bag did not deploy, but the light came and it will not go off. Called Hyundai dealer and they said my VIN number is not applicable for the recall. In the case of the gas problem, the smell of gas permiates through out the car with no logical explanation. In the case of the wiring failure, it was the wiring harness which caught on fire and was to be replaced at my cost , which was done by rick case Mazda in 1999.
While driving at 65 MPH vehicle was struck from the rear by another vehicle traveling at 110 MPH, consumer's vehicle was pushed into a guardrail, and the air bags did not deploy. Driver suffered injuries to the neck/back/ hip, and chest. Also, passenger suffered back/neck injuries. Dealer has not been contacted.
Driving down a hill when another turning into same lane, hit driver in front. Pushed bumper into motor area. Air bag did not deploy upon impact. Took to dealer after insurance investigator checked to see why air bag did not deploy.
This vehicle rear ended a 9 ton truck @ approximately 30 MPH. Truck went up and over vehicle. Air bags did not deploy. Previously this vehicle was rear ended on freeway at 45 MPH with a red air bag light being the only result.
Air bag light came on when car was started. Dealer doesn't know why after running a diagnostic test. Dealer wants to start by replacing air bag parts until light goes off (starting with the $600 chip). Dealer claims recall was performed on this car in July 1995. In 1996, this vehicle was in a "fender bender" but air bag light did not come on and air bag did not deploy. This vehicle was never in a major accident and there should be no reason why the air bag system should just fail out of the blue.
Airbag light would stay on. Dealer ran vehicle through a diagnostic test, and ran code out which turned off the light. However, airbag light came back on later that day. Dealer did not mention of any recall announced.
Recall 95V101000//95-01-997; the air bag light stays on all the time. Dealer contacted, and stated if in a crash, the air bag would not come out. Estimated $50 computer check to find the defect to remedy the problem.
The airbag light is coming off and on . The dealer told the owner that the airbag has gone bad and could explode. Dealer told owner that airbag is not covered under the extended warranty that is on the vehicle.
While driving on highway travelling north bound, lost control of vehicle, ran off the road, and struck a tree. Upon impact, driver's side airbag didn't deploy. Contacted dealer.
Involved in a frontal collision and the airbag did not deploy. Tt the seat belt also did not lock and the driver partialy hit the dash board and windshild during the accident.
Related recalls
Air bags › Frontal
The driver's side air bag was improperly assembled and could cause the air bag warning light to illuminate from increased electrical resistance.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the air bag assembly wiring harness connector to determine if it contains a terminal holder. If it does not, one will be installed.
Airbag complaints in other Elantra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 1995 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the air bags of the 1995 Hyundai Elantra, 31% of the model year's 112 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (23 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Hyundai Elantra airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 95V-101 (frontal, May 24, 1995). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 18 crashes, 0 fires and 16 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.