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.
2008 Hyundai Sonata: airbag warning light
94 of the 425 complaints about the 2008 Hyundai Sonata describe airbag warning light.
- owner complaints
- 94
- of this car's complaints
- 22%
- typical repair cost reported
- $575
- typical mileage
- 82,900
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Airbag warning light by model year
What owners say
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.
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 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.
Red airbag warning light is on. Passenger air bag light always off, even if seat is empty. Red passenger seatbelt light always flashing until seat belt is latched, even if there is no one sitting in seat. This is while vehicle is in motion. Received b1448 error code. Dealer says VIN isn't in the recall. I have called 2 local hyundai dealers and hyundai corporate. Same answer.
Air bag light has come on and hasn't gone off...mechanic say it may be a senor but when I looked up the VIN to check open recalls nothing pops up but from further reading this is a main issue with these vechiles
Airbag light came on while the vehicle was in motion and has not turned off.
The airbag light is on and the passenger seat belt sign is off. The vehicle was in motion.
My air bag light came on in my car about 2 months ago I didn't pay it any mind at first until I realize that it is a safety issues when driving and an accident occurs. Not sure what is the problem with it but it needs to be fix
Service bulletins that may apply
- The federal safety agency has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit...
- The federal safety agency has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag...
- Occupation classification system (OCS) "passenger air bag off" indicator light may not turn off when small...
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
Questions about the 2008 Hyundai Sonata airbag light
Is airbag warning light a common problem on the 2008 Hyundai Sonata?
94 of 425 owner complaints about the 2008 Hyundai Sonata (22%) mention airbag warning light. The model year with the most reports is 2006.
How much does it cost to fix airbag warning light on the 2008 Hyundai Sonata?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $575 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2008 Hyundai Sonata?
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 2008 Hyundai Sonata
Check engine light 19Knocking 19Grinding brakes 16Fire or smoke 13Seat belt 13No deployment 11Engine failure 11Door locks 10Stalling 10Headlights 9Brake failure 7Premature wear 7Adaptive cruise 6Overheating 6Sudden acceleration 6Jerking 5Loss of power 5Won't start 5
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