Hyundai has issued a recall of 394,000 Sonatas model years 2006-2008 to check the front seat sensors.
Apparently some of the seat sensors are having difficulty distinguishing between adults and small children. Normally when a small child is present in the front seat the sensors will sense this and turn off the passenger airbag. However, Hyundai has informed the NHTSA that some of the sensors are not turning the airbag off when it is necessary.
Owners are being asked to check if the front passenger airbag is on when there is an adult in the seat. Hyundai estimates that the "bad sensors" are only in 1 percent of the vehicles. If the sensor is deemed defective the seats will be removed and sent out for reprogramming and owners will receive a rental car while the problem is being fixed.
Full Story: Autoblog
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Comments (16)
This doesn't matter.
It's a stupid sensor anyways. Children should ride in the back seat where it's safer.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | April 16, 2008 10:59 PM
Posted on April 16, 2008 22:59
Actually it does matter as it doesn't just effect children. My wife is 5'1" and only weighs about 100 lbs. The airbag often wont' turn on or off when she's in the seat as well, so yes it does matter to me, especially when I'm driving it and she's riding in it.
Any issue dealing with air bags needs to be addressed as it's a crucial part of the safety of the car in an accident.
Posted by Gary | April 16, 2008 11:55 PM
Posted on April 16, 2008 23:55
A rental car while being fixed?
If its free that is a nice gesture by Hyundai. They are really going after Honda and Toyota.
Posted by Tim | April 17, 2008 12:58 AM
Posted on April 17, 2008 00:58
Yeah, the rental car part is nice. Every manufacturer does a recall sometime, and it's not too bad if it's only in 1% of the cars...
Posted by SEALBoy | April 17, 2008 1:05 AM
Posted on April 17, 2008 01:05
Although I don't have any children and don't know anyone who weights less than 100 lbs to carry in my passenger seat, I agree that this is an important issue. I commend Hyundai for doing this recall even though only 1% of the sensors are affected and doubly so by offering a rental car. Good job, Hyundai! Never act like Ford!
Posted by Optimummind | April 17, 2008 1:06 AM
Posted on April 17, 2008 01:06
5'1" and 100 lbs...oh man a spinner. Post a pic, post a pic!!
Posted by Noya | April 17, 2008 1:12 AM
Posted on April 17, 2008 01:12
I like the part "Hyundai has informed the NHTSA................", rather than other way around. That builds more confidence in their concern for safety features. I didnt even knew there was any such thing as seat sensors.
I m sure we gonna see more of this company in coming years.
Posted by Andy | April 17, 2008 1:12 AM
Posted on April 17, 2008 01:12
Gary:
"My wife is 5'1" and only weighs about 100 lbs."
Yes, but is she good in bed? I've always wondered about petite women.
Posted by Tommy Boy | April 17, 2008 2:29 AM
Posted on April 17, 2008 02:29
@ Tommy Boy
Wow, you're such a clever guy.
Posted by Vlad | April 17, 2008 8:32 AM
Posted on April 17, 2008 08:32
The sensor is stupid? Stupid is mandating a "safety" device that in reality is harmful to some people, and telling them to sit somewhere else. If you must require them like seat-belts, then people that could be harmed by them should be able to manually turn them off. The auto-switch should be a convenience item only. Until they can guarantee that they are safe for everyone, there should always be a manual override.
Posted by Rod | April 17, 2008 10:31 AM
Posted on April 17, 2008 10:31
Hyundai should pulling out of US market. Theirs cars are not beautiful and not well equipped.
Posted by paul | April 17, 2008 11:01 AM
Posted on April 17, 2008 11:01
@Noya: Lol, spinner is a good term, especially since I'm 6'6" 210. Not sure how to post pics on here :)
@TB: I tend to think so, the few I dated before her were too. Perhaps they're making up for lack of height, or perhaps my standards are low...
Back on topic...
Posted by Gary | April 17, 2008 1:28 PM
Posted on April 17, 2008 13:28
Big deal, my '05 Honda Odyssey has been recalled three times now, airbag problem was one of them. I'm still impressed at Hyundai's gains in value and quality, my next car will be an '09 Sonata...go Hyundai.
Posted by WS | April 17, 2008 2:43 PM
Posted on April 17, 2008 14:43
@ Rod, I agree. I just don't think Airbags should be mandated. They're an added expense and added weight that not everyone wants.
Posted by Cheap Car Lover | April 17, 2008 4:58 PM
Posted on April 17, 2008 16:58
Just for sayin' to you,these cars present so defects which they present defects to airbags too.
Posted by paul | April 17, 2008 5:28 PM
Posted on April 17, 2008 17:28
Hey Gary. Your wife have any sisters that are 5' 100#? Don't keep us waiting!
Posted by Rich | April 23, 2008 9:41 PM
Posted on April 23, 2008 21:41