Hyundai Recalls 580,058 Sonatas for Airbag Failures, Deaths Reported

Hyundai announced a recall for more than half a million Sonata sedans, stating the electrical issues could render airbags and seatbelts useless in the event of a collision. Multiple deaths have been linked to the defect.

Hyundai Sonata Airbag Failures Likely Part of Larger Issue

According to Car and Driver, the defect lies in the airbag control unit (ACU) for the Sonata vehicles. Hyundai says it is aware of four crashes in which electrical damage was found in the ACU. These crashes have been linked to four injuries and two deaths.

A fifth incident which resulted in one death is still under investigation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation also report two similar incident involving Kia Fortes, one of which resulted in a death. The Fortes and the Sonatas both use ACUs supplied by ZF-TRW, but Kia has yet to issue a recall.

ACUs supplied by ZF-TRW were also at the center of a 2016 recall by Fiat Chrysler. That recall affected 1,425,627.

Vehicles Affected by the Airbag Recall

Currently, the recall is limited to Hyundai Sonatas from the 2011-2013 model years. The Kia-related incidents were associated with 2012 and 2013 Kia Fortes; however, it is unclear if Kia will issue a recall.

Owners of affected Sonatas should prioritize the recall once a remedy is finalized, and owners of both the affected Sonatas and the aforementioned Kia Fortes should take their vehicle to a dealer if the airbag warning light comes on.

To see f your vehicle is affected by this recall or another, enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website.

Contact an Experienced Vehicle Defect Attorney

Drivers have enough to worry about while traversing the roadways on a daily basis. When a person gets behind the wheel of a car, there is a reasonable expectation that the car is going to perform in a matter that would not put the operator’s life in jeopardy. Unfortunately there are hundreds of vehicle recalls each year due to manufacturer defects, from the tires to the ignition switches, that can cause catastrophic injuries and in some cases death. If you or a loved one have been injured due to a defective part in a vehicle, contact Thomas J. Henry.

Our experienced defective vehicle lawyers have handled a multitude of injury claims caused by recalled vehicles. We continue to handle cases involving faulty and dangerous GM ignition switches and Takata airbags. Our firm has offices in Corpus ChristiSan AntonioAustin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free legal consultation — our attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends.

 

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