Hyundai Motor America is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N and 2019-2023 Kona Electric vehicles due to a software error in the air bag control unit. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced on November 3, 2026, that this issue may improperly deactivate the air bag system and seat belt pretensioners.

The recall affects 37,901 vehicles, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Dealers will update the ACU software free of charge, with owner notification letters expected to be mailed on January 1, 2027.

Press Release: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Published November 3, 2026. Reproduced in full from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Hyundai Motor America recall: Air Bags & Seat Belt Pretensioners May Not Deploy in a Crash

  • NHTSA campaign number: 26V728000
  • Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
  • Vehicles potentially affected: 37,901
  • Component: AIR BAGS

The problem

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Kona Electric vehicles. A software error in the air bag control unit (ACU) may improperly deactivate the air bag system and seat belt pretensioners.

The risk

Air bags and seat belt pretensioners that do not activate in a crash increases the risk of injury.

The remedy

Dealers will update the ACU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 1, 2027. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 311. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 6, 2026.

Check your vehicle identification number at NHTSA's recall lookup.