Airbag Defect Prompts Hyundai, Genesis Recall
» Posted January 9, 2026 • Resources | Share This Post
Hyundai is calling back a relatively small number of vehicles over a serious problem with their airbags.
About 300 vehicles across models are equipped with side airbags that may not properly deploy in the event of a crash, Hyundai recently told federal auto safety regulators. The defect appears to stem from a mishap at the factory, according to the company.
“The subject vehicles are equipped with Side Curtain Airbags that might have been improperly installed,” Hyundai said in a recall notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The problem “can potentially result in abnormal airbag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to occupants,” Hyundai added.
The recall covers certain vehicles across these models:
- 2025 Hyundai Tucson
- 2025-2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
- 2025-2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2025-2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
- 2026 Genesis GV70
Hyundai plans to notify owners of recalled vehicles by mail by Jan. 19 and ask them to bring their vehicles to authorized service providers for inspection and repair. “The side curtain airbag will be installed in the proper orientation and positioning,” the company told NHTSA.
These kinds of recalls are unfortunately common for Hyundai. The company’s Kia brand in September said it would call back some 39,000 Sorrento sport utility vehicles over a heating, ventilation and air conditioning defect that could increase fire risks.
Hyundai also recently recalled more than 50,000 Tucson SUVs due to separate fire risks associated with optional tow-hitch wiring harnesses. The company warned owners to park their vehicles outside and away from physical structures until the defect is addressed.
Know Your California Lemon Law Rights
Hyundai and other carmakers call back millions of vehicles in the U.S. every year, citing serious defects that increase the risks of accidents. The recalls are often announced long after malfunctioning vehicles have been sold to unsuspecting buyers.
That is where the California lemon law comes in. Car owners in the Golden State do not have to wait for recalls to be issued before getting defective or malfunctioning vehicles repaired.
The lemon law forces carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also requires the manufacturers to buy back (or replace, in some cases) cars that they are unable to or flat out refuse to fix.
The buyback requirement includes compensating the owner for any down payment on the car, as well as for monthly loan payments and the outstanding balance on any loan. The manufacturer is also responsible for towing, rental car, and other related expenses.
There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.
Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney
If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.
Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.
