The passenger airbag sensor is malfunctioning and does not recognize that a passenger is in the car. The dealership advised that they don't know if the airbag would deploy if an accident occurred, which presents a risk to passengers. The airbag light stays on all the time. The dealership performed the diagnostics on the vehicle on 2/5/2025 and confirmed that the sensor was malfunctioning. They advised that the parts were on back order (88104-4Z591-VAS and 88952-4Z500). We still have not been able to obtain both parts as of 8/26/2025. We have contacted dealerships in other states who advised that they've been waiting on these parts for over a year. We are unable to fix the vehicle, and it is unsafe to drive with anyone in the passenger seat. We opened an issue with Hyundai Corporate, but did not receive any resolution. We were told that they would reimburse us for the cost of a rental when we needed to transport additional passengers. They later denied our request because 1) They claim it is not a safety-related issue, and 2) it occurred outside the state where we initially took the vehicle to the dealership since we are on a long-term work assignment and temporarily living in another state.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: airbag warning light
5 of the 326 complaints about the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport describe airbag warning light.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 1
Airbag warning light by model year
- 20185
- 20175
- 20161
- 20152
- 20141
What owners say
The day after I purchased this 2018 Used Hyundai Santa Fe, the passenger air bag light came on. July 2024. I have been working with the dealership where I purchased the vehicle (Larry H Miller Chevrolet, in Murray Utah), and calling Hyundai Corporation for months. Hyundai called me every 3 days for almost 3 months with a customer update and they would say is "We have no updates". This is extremely frustrating. The main idea Hyundai Corporate office is telling me is that they don't have a contract with someone that would provide the vehicle part to fix this issue. They don't have a car part available in existence to fix this issue. This is a huge safety concern. I asked them "does that mean my passenger airbag could randomly go off while I'm driving down the road, or does this mean that my passenger airbag won't go off in case I got in a wreck?" They said that it could mean a number of things, but at this time, do not put anyone in the front seat of my car. The car part is a passenger airbag plate sensor that is underneath the passenger seat. Hyundai said there are no after market parts that are sufficient enough to put into the vehicle. Especially with it being a safety issue. How can this be on the consumer??? This is very crippling. This is a huge safety concern with no timeline for resolve. I am very mad. I have been fighting this for 9 months now.
Heavy oil consumption. Burning oil. Constant oil replacement needed. Airbag light stays on. Passenger air bag turns off when person is sitting in seat.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the dome light had failed and the air bag warning light would illuminate while there was a passenger seated in the front passenger’s seat. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that they could not assist as the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Defective Passenger Airbag,the Airbag warning light flickers on and off periodically I was told by a Licensed Mechanic the Sensor for the front passenger seat may not deploy during a Collision
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Air bags: side/window
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
- Risk
- If the component detaches during deployment, the curtain air bag may not inflate properly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, if the detached component were to enter the vehicle occupant compartment, there could be an increased risk of occupant injury.
- Remedy
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑671‑3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 171.
Recall number 17V801000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport airbag light
Is airbag warning light a common problem on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
5 of 326 owner complaints about the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (2%) mention airbag warning light. The model year with the most reports is 2017.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport?
There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Oil consumption 99Check engine light 68Engine failure 67Stalling 40Knocking 33Hesitation 21Loss of power 21Fire or smoke 20Misfire 15ABS 12Jerking 12Fuel pump 6Headlights 5Sunroof shattered 5Won't start 5
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