1999 Hyundai Elantra airbags problems

Filed Oct 4, 2016 · Airbags, Electrical · MD · fire

I have a 99 hyundai elantra 4 door. Last week the steering column caught on fire while it was being driven. More specifically, I was at the time in the hardee's drive thru when the smoke and flames started. I was able to get my car to roll out of the drive thru and into the parking lot. I have spoken to a few mechanics who say that it seems like it was a short in the electrical system in the steering wheel. It melted all of the steering column, dash, cracked the windshield with the heat, and other fire damage. The car is now totaled and undriveable. I am a single mother of 2 kids and this was my only means of transportation. Also about a year ago, I was in a head on collision that was not my fault, and the airbags did not deploy in the steering wheel. I had contacted hyundai afterwards, but they said that the car was fine and not to worry. I have no way to scan my documents, but I have a police report as well as several emails from hyundai from last year, as well as pictures of the damage.

Filed Nov 1, 2015 · Airbags · 99,000 miles · IN · crash · 1 injury

12/2/2014 multi-car/semi accident. Front end collision with rear end damage. Total loss, air bags did not deploy. 465 s @ mm 41 near pendleton pike exit. At fault driver spun on ice, came into my lane that I was traveling south in so she was traveling north. Hit drivers side to drivers side, semi trailer ran over the passenger side of car. Total loss.

Filed Oct 27, 2004 · Airbags, Electrical · 62,000 miles · GA

The "air bag" and "check engine" lights stays on all the time. Both driver and rear passenger windows will not work, both must be taped up. Car has had a "electrial burning" smell off and on for a year. The headlights goes bright while driving. Getting less than 20 mpg gas. Batteries frequently goes dead.

Filed Apr 7, 2003 · Airbags, Seat belts · NE · crash · 1 injury

While traveling 35-40 MPH the consumers vehicle struck another vehicle in the rear. Upon impact neither air bag deployed and the shoulder belts failed to restrain the driver. The vehicle was totaled from the accident. The owners are aware of (4) similar cases of air bag deployment failure.

Filed Sep 20, 2002 · Airbags · NY · crash · 1 injury

In a frontal impact none of the air bags deployed, causing injuries to driver.

Filed Mar 13, 2002 · Airbags · MI · crash · 1 injury

Vehicle was involved in a rear end collision in which air bag cover popped off, but neither air bag deployed. Manufacturer was notified. *ak

Filed Jan 10, 2002 · Airbags · FL · crash · 2 injuries

While driving 45 MPH consumers vehicle rearended another vehicle, upon impact, neither airbag deployed. Driver hit his head on windshield, and passenger suffered back injuries. Damage to vehicle was $ 5500.00. *ak

Filed Oct 1, 2001 · Airbags · TX · crash · 1 injury

Vehicle was going 60mph on express way when consumers vehicle rearended a stalled vehicle, drivers and passengers air bags did not deploy, passenger was injured, consumer was in the process of contacting manufacturer. *ak

Filed May 23, 2001 · Airbags, Seat belts · CA · crash · 1 injury

I was involved in a front end collision (I hit the back bumper of a pickup truck). Although no damage occurred to the truck, my car ended up with almost $5,000 worth of damage. Neither my air bags nor shoulder restraints worked. I ended up hitting my forehead on the front windshield causing some moderate to severe neck trauma. I reported the failure to hyundai and seem to be getting no help. They insist that there is no problem. I still can sit in my car and move my chest forward against the shoulder restraints as fast as I can and never have the even slow me down. However, if I use my hand to move the straps forward, they lock up immediately as they should. I spoke again to hyundai (1‑800‑633‑5151 file #[xxx]) and they insist that it is normal to move forward like my restraints do. All I know is that my shoulder restraints do notand did not move forward in any other car I have driven in. Something is wrong here. I would appreciate any help you can offer as I am very nervous about driving a vehicle that has proven to me to be unsafe. I look forward to any help you can offer. Sincerely, [xxx]. *ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *js

Filed Feb 23, 2001 · Airbags · OH · crash · 2 injuries

Consumer was struck by another car at 15mph and both air bags failed to deploy.