Car has a B1448 (ACTIVE) Passenger Occupant Detecting System (PODS) Circuit Fault Related to the passenger detecting pad in the front passenger seat problems started at 120,000 miles
2008 Hyundai Sonata airbags problems
137 complaints (32% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 71,000. 10 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 137
- of this car's complaints
- 32%
- typical mileage
- 71,000
- crashes
- 10
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Frontal13
- Frontal: sensor/control module6
- Sensor: occupant classification: front passenger1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Hyundai Sonata airbags problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Hyundai Sonata airbags
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Air bags
- What is wrong
- Hyundai is recalling 393,308 my 2006-2008 sonata vehicles equipped with an advanced air bag system which features an occupant classification system (ocs) in the right front seat. The purpose of the ocs is to disable the right passenger seat front air bag when it detects the presence of a child restraint system or small child in the right front seat. The right front air bag is disabled to prevent injuries to a child that may result from a right front air bag inflation during a crash.
- Risk
- Misclassification of a small stature adult as a child in the right front passenger seat may cause the right front air bag to not inflate in an accident that merits air bag deployment and may result in injury to the right front occupant.
- Remedy
- Dealers will verify that the ocs does not properly recognize a properly seated adult occupant. After verification, dealers will remove the right front seat cushion assembly and ship it to an evaluation and repair facility. This facility will evaluate and repair or reprogram the seat cushion and ocs as necessary. The recall is expected to begin on or about may 26, 2008. Owners may contact hyundai at 1‑800‑633‑5151.
Recall number 08V161000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Seat Belt Buckle Electrical Malfunction
On July 22, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation to further analyze allegations of seat belt pretensioner malfunctions on model year (MY) 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata vehicles.ODI received 131 unique reports alleging a failure within the seat belt pretensioner system, which was typically preceded by SRS light illumination.ODI requested more information from Hyundai in order to understand the nature of the failure and how the airbag deployment algorithm, the seat belt pretensioners, and/or the airbag function may be affected. In response to ODI?s information request (IR), Hyundai submitted 764 unique consumer and field reports and 19,847 warranty claims related to a failure in the front seat belt buckle assembly potentially causing a malfunction of the seat belt pretensioners.In it's response, Hyundai advised that if the resistance specifications for the seat belt buckle pretensioner circuit, located in the seat belt stalk, exceed the nominal range, a diagnostic trouble code will be set and the SRS warning indicator lamp will illuminate.The presence of this stored code will not affect the ability of the SRS Control Module (SRSCM) to detect a collision and command deployment of the pretensioners and airbags, if warranted.In fact, the wiring harness connector may be unplugged from the seat belt buckle pretensioner, and the signal to deploy the pretensioner will still be commanded and recorded.MY 2006-2008 Sonata?s utilize a dual pretensioner system by incorporating pretensioners into both the driver and front passenger seat belt retractor and the seat belt buckle assembly.The retractor pretensioner is located inside the B-pillar and winds (pretensions) the seat belt webbing back into the retractor housing during a collision, helping to remove seat belt slack and restrain the upper torso and hips.In contrast, the buckle pretensioner is located within the stalk of the seat belt assembly and acts to supplement lower limb protection.Both pretensioners are controlled by the SRSCM but utilize separate wiring and connectors.The seat belt retractor pretensioner circuitry and operation is independent of the seat belt buckle pretensioner connector and circuitry.Hyundai produced analysis indicating that increased resistance in the seat belt pretensioner which occurs in vehicle service does not result in a loss of buckle pretensioner.Hyundai further advised that in the unlikely event that a seat belt buckle pretensioner may not deploy due to increased resistance, the retractor pretensioner would still activate.Hyundai advised that the subject vehicles maintain their 5 STAR the federal safety agency safety rating using the retractor based pretensioner only.ODI notes that MY 2009-10 Sonatas reverted back to a single pretensioner system, and do not utilize seat belt buckle pretensioners. Hyundai advised its intention to initiate a warranty extension program to address concerns with the seat belt buckle prentensioner faults in MY 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata vehicles.This action will extend the warranty coverage for this issue for 15 years or 250,000 miles, whichever occurs first.Given Hyundai's action and the minimal safety consequence this issue presents, further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference, se
PE14023
What 2008 Hyundai Sonata owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 08V161000 (Air Bags); however, the dealer informed the contact that he had to pay for a diagnostic test prior to the recall repair. The contact declined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 181,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the passenger's side occupancy sensor and occupant classification system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was unknown.
Took vehicle to independent Hyundai factory trained technician due to air bag light. Was advised this is due to failure of Occupant Classification System sensor in front passenger seat. This is related to the federal safety agency Campaign 08V161000, but technician advised my VIN was not listed under this recall. Technician advised me to contact Hyundai due to the recall and inquire if my vehicle could be covered, since leaving unaddressed could cause injury or death during collision. Manufacturer is aware of issue due to previous recall cited above. Spoke with Hyundai customer service phone line on 12/13/2022 and informed of issue, asking if the recall would cover my vehicle even though my VIN was not indicated in the previous recall. Customer service advised this could not be done. Asked customer service to file complaint about known safety issue and was given case #20713402. Customer service advised I could pay for repairs out of pocket and receive refund if recall was later issued. Action requested: expand recall 08V161000 to include additional 2008 Hyundai Sonatas exhibiting same manufacturer defect which is a risk to public safety.
AIR BAG light is on, with defect in Occupant Classification System (passenger weight sensor), with OCS system lights flashing erratically with no passenger in seat. Hyundai dealer and corporation keep telling me that there is no relevant campaign related to my vehicle. There is information for "Campaign 083 – 2006 – 2008 Sonata – Occupant Classification System (OCS) Reprogramming" online. Internally labeled as 08-01-006 Body Electrical issue. Campaign clearly states that problem is to be fixed on individual customer basis, meaning it wouldn't show up as a official recall. Hyundai currently refuses to take responsibility.
"AIR BAG" light stays on. Passenger side seatbelt light blinks on and off. Likely a Sensor issue, but seems to be a recurring problem with 2008 Sonatas.
The front driver side door handle has came off and so has the passenger side. The inside door handle on the driver side has came off and the driver side door is totally inoperable. This s a total safety hazard in the event of an emergency, a car crash god forbid or even the car catching fire. Getting to safety would be very difficult. I cant afford to continuing fixing an issue that is defected to begin with. The brake lights doesn't illuminate all time when engaged and my air bag lights are on and my car sways in the back due to the control arm being rusted
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact initially took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed her of the federal safety agency campaign number: 08v161000 (air bags) which he linked to the failure. The contact then took the vehicle to gurnee hyundai (6251 grand ave, gurnee, il 60031) where a diagnostic test was performed and the contact was informed that the occupant classification system mat needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 82,900.
The passenger seat air bag sensor mat is malfunctioned. There has been a recall for the item and it's everywhere online but yet my car wasn't in the recall but it's the same exact problem. I have contacted company they won't say why only some cars were in the recall but yet mine wasn't even though it's same problem.
The airbag light went on on the dashboard and the 'passenger airbag off' light was no longer illuminated when there is no one sitting in the seat. Error code b1448 was found to be the error, which is a faulty passenger seat sensor mat. I have small children and this may be an issue because the airbag will always deploy regardless of who is sitting there. This happened while stationary upon turning the car on one day.
Questions about the 2008 Hyundai Sonata airbags
Does the 2008 Hyundai Sonata have airbags problems?
Owners have filed 137 complaints about the airbags of the 2008 Hyundai Sonata, 32% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2008 Hyundai Sonata airbags problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 71,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Hyundai Sonata airbags?
Yes, 1 recall: 08V161000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Hyundai Sonata have bad airbags?
The Hyundai Sonata model years with the most airbags complaints are 2006 (435 complaints), 2011 (419 complaints) and 2007 (257 complaints).
Other 2008 Hyundai Sonata problems
Visibility 96Brakes 55Engine 49Driver assistance 32Electrical 32Lights 20Seat belts 19Body 15Acceleration 14Transmission 14Suspension 9Seats 8Tires 8Fuel system 6Steering 6Locks 4Wheels 1
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