Hyundai recalling over 200,000 Sonata and Santa Fe models

By Amir Iliaifar July 30, 2012

Hyundai recalling over 200,000 Sonata and Santa Fe models — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Hyundai has issued a recall of certain model year Sonatas and Santa Fes over possible airbag failure.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Hyundai dealers in the United States are set to recall 199,118 Santa Fe SUVs built between April 19, 2006, and July 7, 2008 as well as 22,512 Sonata sedans manufacture between January 24 and June 21 of 2012.

The NHTSA reports that the recall is being undertaken in the Santa Fe due to problems with the front passenger airbags. Apparently the affected Santa Fe models appear to have improper occupant classification system, meaning they could fail to deploy in the event of accident, greatly placing small-bodied passengers at risk.

Meanwhile, certain 2012-2013 Sonata model airbags appear to have issues with their side-curtain airbags deploying inadvertently, which could not only reduce visibility, but potentially injure drivers in the process.

According to the NHTSA, owners will begin to be notified by Hyundai shortly whereupon Hyundai will replace the airbags free of charge.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Hyundai

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Associate Automotive Section Editor for Digital Trends, Amir Iliaifar covers the ever increasing cross-section between tech…

Mobile

The 6 best car phone holders in 2024

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger with an iPhone 14 Pro.

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Installing a car phone mount in your vehicle is the best way to make sure that you have easy access to your smartphone when behind the wheel. While you shouldn't be using your phone while driving, having it mounted on your windshield, dashboard, vent, or anywhere else will let you take a quick glance when you're using a navigation app, or to change your playlist when you stop for a traffic light, for example. Instead of having to pick up your device, it will be easier and faster to get these done while it's on a car phone mount for less time of having your eyes off the road.

Cars

Should you buy a used EV? Maybe, but it’s complicated

Electric cars are slowly but surely getting cheaper. Over the past year or so, Ford and Tesla have been discounting their most popular electric cars while other brands, like Rivian, are laying the groundwork for all-new cheaper models.

But you'd still be hard-pressed to call electric cars cheap, and buying a completely new car in the first place is a hurdle in and of itself for many potential buyers. According to Statista, used car sales represented around 74% of all car sales in 2022, and while this figure is likely to change as electric cars get cheaper, the fact remains that most car buyers would prefer to save cash and buy used rather than buy something new.
Buying a new car ain't what it used to be
Buying a car with an electric powertrain doesn't necessarily need to be all that different from buying an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. But there's a little more to it than that.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Will the R2 be a better buy?

Side of the Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it could end up being the go-to EV for drivers who want a decently affordable electric car with a rugged look and feel. But when it finally launches to the public, it won't be the only option in its price range -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be one of its main competitors.

The Mustang Mach-E may not be quite as rugged-feeling as the Rivian R2, but it does have a lot going for it -- like an increasingly low price, sleek design, and comfortable interior. Is one of these EVs better than the other? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The first thing to note about the two cars is their design, as they’re pretty different. The Rivian R2 is built to be a little more rugged and outdoorsy, while the Mach-E instead has a sleeker and sportier look to it. Both cars look stylish and modern.