Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 4 hrs ago
Hyundai recalls nearly 30,000 Kona Electric vehicles over airbag fault
Hyundai is recalling 29,058 Kona Electric vehicles in the United States over a fault that could affect their airbag systems.
The affected electric crossovers were built in South Korea from 2018 to 2023 and are model years 2019 through 2023.
The problem is in the airbag control unit, where data may become corrupted during a system reboot or power interruption.
If that happens, the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not work as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The recall also covers nearly 9,000 Veloster N hatchbacks, and Hyundai says it knows of 331 incidents involving the issue across both models.
Owners need a free software update from a Hyundai service center to fix the problem.
Hyundai says it knows of no related crashes, fires or injuries in the United States.
Hyundai is recalling 29,058 Kona Electric vehicles in the United States because an airbag control unit fault may prevent airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from working as intended.
The affected vehicles are model years 2019 through 2023 and were built in South Korea between August 28, 2018, and July 26, 2023.
Hyundai says corrupted data in the airbag control unit may cause the airbag system to deactivate.
Owners can have technicians install a software update at a Hyundai service center free of charge.
Hyundai reported 331 incidents related to the issue and said it knows of no associated crashes, fires or injuries in the United States.
- Who
- Hyundai and owners of affected Kona Electric vehicles.
- What
- Hyundai is recalling 29,058 vehicles over a fault that may deactivate the airbag system. A free software update is the remedy.
- When
- The article was published November 9, 2026. The affected vehicles were built from August 28, 2018, to July 26, 2023.
- Where
- The recall covers vehicles in the United States; the affected vehicles were built in South Korea.
- Why
- Data in the airbag control unit may become corrupted during a system reboot or power interruption while data is being written, potentially disabling the airbag system.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Hyundai’s North America office opened a new investigation after airbag warning light warranty claims increased.
InsideEVs reported that Hyundai was recalling nearly 30,000 Kona Electric vehicles in the United States.
- Affected Kona Electric vehicles
- 29,058
- Model years
- 2019 through 2023
- Build dates
- August 28, 2018, to July 26, 2023
- Remedy
- Free airbag control unit software update at a Hyundai service center
- Related incidents
- 331 reported incidents; no associated U.S. crashes, fires or injuries known to Hyundai
What people are saying
The car manufacturer is not aware of any crashes, fires, or injuries associated with the ACU data corruption problem in the U.S.