New 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe recalled for airbag issue

• 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe gas and hybrid models are subject to the recall
• Airbags can fail to deploy, or deploy inadvertently in the recall population
• A wiring harness fix is available now, so if you see something wrong, take it in to a service center

Hyundai has recalled nearly 50,000 of its newly redesigned 2024 Santa Fe SUV for a potential malfunction of its airbag system, the NHTSA disclosed Monday.

The recall affects only the 2024 model, but it applies to both the gas (40,144 units) and hybrid (9,575 units) powertrains. The recall covers most if not all of the new Santa Fe models made from late last year through late in July. The midsize Santa Fe grew into the three-row segment this year, giving the automaker two three-row models along with the larger Hyundai Palisade. 

The popular three-row crossover SUV might have a main floor wiring harness that could get caught in the second-row bench seat’s folding assembly. If that wiring harness gets caught in the folding seat assembly, it could damage or sever the connection to the airbag deployment system. The airbag warning light could illuminate or the airbags could deploy unintentionally, or they could fail to deploy in the event of a crash. 

Hyundai acknowledged eight instances of this happening in the 2024 Santa Fe. The automaker said it knew of no crashes or injuries related to the recall. 

Owners will be notified by mail as early as Sept. 23, and will be advised to bring their Santa Fe in for a fix, though the remedy is available now. If the wiring harness under the second-row seat on the passenger side is damaged, it will be replaced. If it’s not, the service center techs will use a couple zip ties to better secure it to the anchor point. If you see such damage, it’s advised to bring in your car immediately to a dealer for the fix. 

For more info, contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 or visit Hyundai’s recall hub.