Hyundai is moving ahead with a recall that will fix more than 200,000 SUVs from the 2007-2008 model years for a problem with their airbags.
The South Korean automaker says that the airbag assembly can deteriorate over time, which could potentially prevent the bags from deploying during a crash. The issue affects nearly 27,000 Veracruzes and 178,000 Santa Fes from the aforementioned model years. The issue will cause the airbag warning light on these vehicles to become illuminated, so drivers will know if there is a problem. Hyundai is replacing the airbags free of charge.
Autoguide reports that the manufacturer is employing a slightly different strategy with this recall. Hyundai says that they do not have enough parts to fix every vehicle in question. Thus they are asking drivers who have the light illuminated to bring their vehicles in first. Once all of those cars are repaired, they will fix the other vehicles in question.
Airbags are obviously an important part of vehicle safety, but drivers need to be up-to-date on the maintenance for all parts of their cars. Vehicle inspections and diagnostic checks can help determine any problems, while regular oil changes, brake service and tire inflation are good preventative maintenance tactics.