Hyundai Santa Fe airbag light comes on

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Airbags, Seat belts · AZ

The passenger restraint system in my vehicle has suffered a critical safety failure, and the manufacturer (Hyundai Motor America) is refusing to remedy the defect, leaving the front passenger airbag completely disabled. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag warning light is permanently illuminated on the dashboard, accompanied by the "Passenger Airbag Off" indicator, even when an adult is seated in the front passenger seat. A diagnostic scan performed by an authorized Hyundai dealership confirmed a catastrophic failure of the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor mat located inside the front passenger seat cushion. The specific Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) retrieved was B1490 (OCS Sensor Mat Defect). The dealership confirmed that due to this hardware failure, the front passenger airbag is completely deactivated and will not deploy in the event of a collision, posing an immediate, severe injury risk to front-seat occupants. Hyundai previously recognized widespread safety defects with this exact component and issued an 18-Year OCS Sensor Warranty Extension (Campaign Z01) to replace the front passenger seat cushion/OCS sensor free of charge. However, Hyundai Corporate and the local dealership are refusing to honor the warranty extension on my vehicle based strictly on a technicality. They state that Campaign Z01 only covers the physical replacement of the OCS sensor if the computer outputs code B1764, whereas my vehicle is outputting code B1490. Both trouble codes identify an internal, unprovoked hardware failure of the exact same OCS sensor mat assembly, resulting in the exact same hazardous condition: a permanently disabled passenger airbag. By denying coverage based on a software code variation for an identical component failure, Hyundai is failing to remedy a known restraint system defect. I am filing this complaint to document this critical safety hazard.

Filed Aug 6, 2026 · Airbags · AZ

I request that the federal safety agency review what I believe is a misleading Hyundai warranty extension involving the Occupant Classification System (OCS/ODS), part of the air bag system. Around Mid May 2026, my air bag warning light began illuminating intermittently. I waited because I needed to save up the cash. Around June 2026, Hyundai mailed me a Warranty Extension Notice stating that if the air bag warning light came on, I should take the vehicle and the letter to a Hyundai dealer. The notice contains no exclusions or limitations. I was excited because my local repair shop said it would cost $800 to $2000 depending on the issue. Relying on Hyundai's written instructions, I took my vehicle to the dealer. I was told my repair not covered under the scope of the warranty and was charged over $900. I paid under protest because I felt it was a safety risk to continue driving with an air bag warning. Although my initial goal was to receive a full refund, my main concern is that owners may rely on Hyundai's notice, only to discover the repair is denied. Some may delay repairing an air bag system because of the unexpected cost, creating a potential safety risk. I have written Hyundai July 2026 requesting a full explanation as to why my repair was excluded or a full refund but to date I have not received a response. I ask the federal safety agency to review whether Hyundai's warranty notice adequately discloses its actual coverage and limitations. I have attached the warranty letter, which contains no exclusions, and my repair invoice. Thank you for your attention to this matter [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 21, 2026 · Airbags · MA

I was quoted $3,000 to replace defective mat sensor in seat so that the airbag light will go off and my vehicle can be inspected. My family can’t afford this fix and I’m stressed out and do not know what to do. My vehicle was not in an accident nor was anything done that would cause damage and result in this fault. I am aware that the 2019 Santa Fe has an extended warranty for this exact defective mat sensor. My 2020 has the identical setup and failed just past the standard mileage limit. Because this is a critical SRS safety system that prevents my airbags from working properly I request help form the federal safety agency. I read online a lot of owners are in my same situation.

Filed Jul 15, 2026 · Airbags · NJ

This email serves as a formal dispute of the warranty denial issued by [Lester Glenn Hyundai Toms River NJ] regarding the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) passenger airbag sensor in my 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe.The dealership has refused coverage, attributing the failure to "water damage." I strongly dispute this finding and am formally requesting a Corporate Goodwill Repair Exception or a tier-two engineering review of my vehicle due to the safety-critical nature of this component.

Filed Jul 3, 2026 · Airbags, Electrical · CA

Airbag light on. La Quinta Hyundai verified light on scanned codes found active b134800 Driver airbag resistance circuit short to ground 1st stage. Testing found clock spring issue internal fault. Since this clock spring is related to driver airbag, & horn, it would seem that this would be a safety hazard that would be under warranty. The extended warranty (Z01) that I received from Hyundai doesn’t cover my problem.

Filed May 6, 2026 · Airbags · 77,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated and remained on, despite no accident occurring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who could not determine the failure and advised the contact to visit the dealer. At the dealer, the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed passenger air bag inflator that needed replacement. The dealer also found that the SRSCM (Supplemental Restraint System Control Module) required replacement due to the part shorting the inflator. The airbag was replaced, but the dealer refused to replace the SRSCM as it was no longer under warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure occurred at approximately 77,000 miles.

Filed Apr 8, 2026 · Seats · CA

On my Driver/passenger seat the recline switch with not go back only forward. The dealer explains to me that just diagnosing the issue is 250 then the switch is going to cost me over $800. If replace the Power Seat Switch for $49.99 and the Power Seat Switch Knob only cost $ 15 plus dollars, also to replace the motor $200-300 now my air bag light is on not sure if it's because of the seat functioning or not, my kid's car seats are right behind the seats so its concerning to me. Looking online they are hundreds of people complaining of this, but no action has been taken such as a recall.

Filed Mar 5, 2026 · Engine · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate to 40 MPH. In addition, the Hill Descent Assist and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, and the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that previously, there was a delay with the engine cranking with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was taken to alternate dealers; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jan 21, 2026 · Airbags · 115,305 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that after the completion of an unknown air bag recall repair, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer determined that the front passenger's side lower seat assembly needed to be replaced due to the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) failure, Part Number: B149000; however, the part was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent automated emails advising of the estimated time of availability of the part; however, the part had not been available, and there was no further communication from the manufacturer. The dealer advised the contact to remove the vehicle from the property because of the manufacturer. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 115,305.

Filed Nov 17, 2025 · Airbags · MA

For at least 14 months, the air bag light on the dash is on more often than not. The code that comes up on the OBD shows it's from the passenger side seat sensor. Occasionally, the seat belt indicator will flash when there is no occupant, as well. The car has never been in an accident, and the air bags have never been set off.