The problem
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 elantra vehicles manufactured from July 14, 2006, through November 1, 2008. The front passenger seats in the vehicles contain a weight sensor designed to deactivate the right frontal airbag when occupants of certain weights occupy the seat. The electrical connector for the weight sensor is located under the center console, between the front seats. Under certain circumstances the connector could become contaminated and malfunction such that the front passenger airbag will deploy regardless of the weight of the occupant.
The risk
The front passenger air bag could deploy in crashes in which it should not deploy, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant from the deployed air bag.
The fix
Dealers will install a protective cover over the weight classification system connector to prevent contamination. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expecting to begin during April 2011. Owners May contact Hyundai's customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 11V-143 (11V143000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 099 |
| Manufacturer | Hyundai Motor America |
| Component | Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive |
| Report date | March 15, 2011 |
| Owners notified | April 8, 2011 |
| Vehicles affected | 188,697 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the air bags
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 11V-143 repair free?
Yes. Hyundai dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install a protective cover over the weight classification system connector to prevent contamination. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expecting to begin during April 2011.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 188,697 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.