Hyundai has issued a significant recall for nearly 50,000 of its newly redesigned 2024 Santa Fe SUVs. This Hyundai Santa Fe Recall includes both gas and hybrid models due to a potential malfunction in the airbag system, as disclosed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Monday. Specifically, the recall affects 40,144 gas-powered and 9,575 hybrid-powered units, all from the 2024 model year.
Scope and Impact of the Hyundai Santa Fe Recall
The Hyundai Santa Fe recall is strictly limited to the 2024 model year but spans almost all newly manufactured Santa Fe models from late last year through July. The 2024 Santa Fe represents a significant addition to Hyundai’s three-row SUV lineup, alongside the larger Palisade. This new design was expected to enhance Hyundai’s standing in the competitive SUV market, making the recall a critical issue for the brand and its reputation.
Details of the Malfunction Leading to the Hyundai Santa Fe Recall
The core of the problem lies in a main floor wiring harness that can become entangled in the second-row bench seat’s folding mechanism. If this harness gets caught, it can either damage or sever the connection to the airbag deployment system. Such damage can lead to multiple serious issues:
- The airbag warning light may illuminate, signaling a problem.
- The airbags might deploy inadvertently, posing a safety risk.
- In the event of a collision, the airbags could fail to deploy, significantly increasing the risk of injury.
Hyundai has reported eight instances of the defect in the 2024 Santa Fe but states that there have been no accidents or injuries related to the issue to date. The company’s prompt acknowledgment of this serious manufacturing defect and its swift actions to address the problem highlight its commitment to safety and customer satisfaction.
Steps for Owners During the Hyundai Santa Fe Recall
Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by mail starting September 23. They will be advised to bring their Santa Fe to a Hyundai service center for an inspection and necessary repairs. However, Hyundai has already made the remedy available, so concerned owners can seek immediate assistance if they suspect any issues with their vehicle.
The repair process includes:
- Inspecting the wiring harness under the second-row seat on the passenger side.
- Replacing the harness if it is found to be damaged.
- Securing the harness with zip ties to the anchor point if no damage is detected.
Immediate Actions Advised in Light of the Hyundai Santa Fe Recall
If owners notice the airbag warning light illuminated or suspect any issues, it is recommended they take their vehicle to a Hyundai service center immediately. Quick action can prevent potential risks associated with this defect.
