SAFETY RECALLCampaign status: Open

Hyundai recalls 37,901 Veloster N and Kona Electric models for air bag software issue

Hyundai will update the air bag control unit software free of charge starting January 2027 to fix improper air bag and seat belt pretensioner deactivation.

By Drive Edition NewsroomNovember 5, 20261 min read

Hyundai Veloster N · 2019–2022
Hyundai Kona Electric · 2019–2023

37,901 vehicles in the US. Only vehicles in the campaign are affected — your VIN tells you for sure.

Check Your VIN on NHTSA Open — the automaker will notify owners

What to Do

Hyundai dealers will update the air bag control unit software free of charge, with owner notifications beginning January 1, 2027.

1Check if your vehicle is affected by entering your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls starting November 6, 2026.
2Contact your local Hyundai dealer to schedule the free software update once notified.
3Call Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 for additional information.
4Watch for the official recall notification letter arriving by mail starting January 1, 2027.

Hyundai recalls 37,901 Veloster N and Kona Electric models for air bag software issue — Drive Edition graphic

NHTSA Campaign

26V-728

Vehicles Affected

37,901

Report Date

November 3, 2026

What Is the Problem?

A software error in the air bag control unit may improperly deactivate the air bag system and seat belt pretensioners in certain Hyundai Veloster N and Kona Electric vehicles.

Safety Risk

Failure of air bags and seat belt pretensioners to activate in a crash increases the risk of injury.

Affected Vehicles

Model	Model years	Production range
Hyundai Veloster N	2019–2022
Hyundai Kona Electric	2019–2023

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 37,901 vehicles, including 2019-2022 Veloster N and 2019-2023 Kona Electric models, due to a software error in the air bag control unit (ACU). This defect may cause the air bag system and seat belt pretensioners to deactivate improperly during a crash.

The Safety Risk

If the air bags and seat belt pretensioners fail to activate in a crash, the risk of injury to vehicle occupants increases significantly. This recall addresses a critical safety component designed to protect drivers and passengers.

The Remedy and Owner Notification

Dealers will update the ACU software free of charge to correct the issue.
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed starting January 1, 2027.
VINs involved will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 6, 2026.
Owners can contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 for more information.

Key Takeaways

• 37,901 Hyundai Veloster N (2019-2022) and Kona Electric (2019-2023) vehicles are affected.
• A software error may prevent air bags and seat belt pretensioners from activating in a crash.
• Hyundai will update the air bag control unit software free of charge starting January 2027.

Helpful answers

Recall Questions

What is the Hyundai Veloster N recall about?

The recall is due to a software error in the air bag control unit that may improperly deactivate the air bag system and seat belt pretensioners, increasing injury risk. Hyundai will update the software free of charge.

Is my Hyundai Kona Electric affected, and how do I check?

The recall affects 2019-2023 Kona Electric models totaling 37,901 vehicles. Owners can check if their vehicle is included by searching their VIN on NHTSA.gov/recalls starting November 6, 2026.

Is it safe to drive my Hyundai Veloster N, and is the fix free?

There is no interim advice restricting driving. The software update is free, and owner notification letters will be mailed starting January 1, 2027.

Hyundai

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Sources

This content is produced through Drive Edition’s configured AI workflow. Publication date, source attribution and material updates remain visible so readers can evaluate the information.

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Comments

Official Contacts

NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline
1-888-327-4236

Check any VIN: nhtsa.gov/recalls

Important

Recall details come from official NHTSA and manufacturer campaign data. Confirm eligibility for your vehicle by VIN.

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