Kirtland, NM
AIR BAGS
The air bag light came on and it is staying on
NHTSA complaint #11623311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2005 Hyundai Elantra airbag problems
74 of the 180 complaints about the 2005 Hyundai Elantra are about the airbag system — 41% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 39,000 miles.
74
Complaints
25
Crashes
0
Fires
17
Injuries
Exactly what failed
AIR Bags
50
67.6%
Frontal
11
14.9%
Sensor/Control Module
9
12.2%
Side/Window
2
2.7%
Occupant Classification
1
1.4%
Front Passenger
1
1.4%
Airbags across every Hyundai Elantra year
1994
33
2.5%
1995
38
2.8%
1996
14
1.0%
1997
21
1.6%
1999
20
1.5%
2000
40
3.0%
2001
125
9.4%
2002
72
5.4%
2003
49
3.7%
2004
116
8.7%
2005
74
5.5%
2006
60
4.5%
2007
49
3.7%
2008
42
3.1%
2009
42
3.1%
2010
46
3.4%
2011
77
5.8%
2012
124
9.3%
2013
167
12.5%
2014
32
2.4%
2015
23
1.7%
2016
26
1.9%
2017
32
2.4%
2018
12
0.9%
What owners said
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
at 200,000 miles
Saint Helens, OR
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact was made aware of various recalls for similar vehicles. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in an air bag recall. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed there was no active recalls on the vehicle for the air bags. The contact scheduled a service appointment for the vehicle to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11488414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lebanon, OR
AIR BAGS
Passenger airbag sensor registers when someone sits down, but randomly turns off and displays “Passenger Airbag Off” light for a couple minutes before turning off again. Vehicle was inspected by an authorized Hyundai service center and no codes were produced. No indicated problems prior to the first incident.
NHTSA complaint #11461088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 166,000 miles
Beaverton, OR
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN USE, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. BEAVERTON HYUNDAI (13255 SW FARMINGTON RD, BEAVERTON, OR 97005, (877) 812-0866) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE CONTACT PURCHASED A SCANNER AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG OCS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 166,000.
NHTSA complaint #11287130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 166,000 miles
Beaverton, OR
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN USE, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. BEAVERTON HYUNDAI (13255 SW FARMINGTON RD, BEAVERTON, OR 97005, (877) 812-0866) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE CONTACT PURCHASED A SCANNER AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG OCS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 166,000.
NHTSA complaint #11287130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Florence, SC
AIR BAGS
I CALL A DEALER LAST YEAR (LEE HYUNDAI) FLORENCE, SC. AND WAS TOLD THAT IF I WANT TO HAVE IT FIXED THAT IT WOULD COST ME ABOUT 500 DOLLARS, I ALSO THOUGHT THAT I HAD MADE A REPORT WITH NHTSA BEFORE AND THEN WHEN IT CAME ON TV, IT WAS SAID THAT HYUNDAI WAS LIABLE FOR FIXING IT.
NHTSA complaint #11270264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, VA
AIR BAGS
MY AIR BAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO AWAY
NHTSA complaint #11217358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Florence, SC
AIR BAGS
TALKED TO DEALER (HYUNDAI LEE), AND WAS TOLD RECALL WAS CLOSED AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAID TO HAVE FIXED. I BROUGHT THIS CAR FROM DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #11130735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 miles
Brooklyn, NY
AIR BAGS
JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED AND THE AIR BAG DASHBOARD LIGHT WENT ON. THE DEALER CHARGED ME $140 TO DIAGNOSE INFORMING ME THAT THE SEAT SENSORS NEED REPLACEMENT ADDING THAT THE ENTIRE SEAT ASSEMBLY MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. I FEEL THIS IS A FAILURE OF HYUNDAI'S RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLUS QUALITY CONTROL OF A MAJOR SAFETY SYSTEM DEVICE. ITS REPLACEMENT SHOULD BE FREE BASED ON THIS. AS A NOTE THE LIGHT COMES ON IMMEDIATELY AT START AND WHILE DRIVING, STAYS ON CONSTANTLY
NHTSA complaint #11122043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 miles
Port Orange, FL
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON AND I NEED SAFETY IN THE CAR,WONDERING IF RECALL HAS BEEN REPORTED
NHTSA complaint #11076318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Latrobe, PA
AIR BAGS
PASSENGERS SEAT WAS CHECKED .FAULTY SENSOR IN SEAT .$1800. 00 TO FIX .CANT AFFORD TO FIX ON A FIXED INCOME
NHTSA complaint #11048331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 miles
Flowery Branch, GA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE OCS MAT FAILED AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTONATION HYUNDAI MALL OF GEORGIA (3445 BUFORD DR NE, BUFORD, GA 30519) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11011135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,850 miles
Pembroke Pines, FL
AIR BAGS
23,000 ORIGINAL MILES. NEVER INVOLVED IN A CRASH. FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT INDICATES AIR BAG OFF EVEN WITH AN ADULT PASSENGER SEATED AND BELTED IN THE SEAT. INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY, FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AT A TIME, WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY. HAPPENS ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. CAUSE FOR SERIOUS CONCERN FOR SAFETY OF DRIVER AND PASSENGER OF THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10955101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 miles
Bellevue, WA
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG LIGHT KEEP ON COMING AND GOING OFF
NHTSA complaint #10907399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 miles
Vienna, VA
Crash
3 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH OR HIGHER, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW SHATTERED AND THE DOOR FRACTURED ON THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES, ARM PAINS, BRUISING TO THE HIPS, AND A PULLED MUSCLE IN THE RIGHT LEG. THE REAR PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISING TO THE LEFT EYE, HIP, AND HEAD. THE CHILD PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND ABRASIONS TO THE ARM. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND PARKED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V395000 (AIR BAGS), BUT DID NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. UPDATED 07/27/16
NHTSA complaint #10870948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,104 miles
Yuba City, CA
AIR BAGS
THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) INSTALLED IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT OF THE VEHICLE WILL NOT TURN OFF AND WILL NOT DETECT A PERSON IN THAT SEAT AND TURN THE "PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OFF" LIGHT OFF. THIS HAS BEEN A REOCCURRING PROBLEM IN OTHER HYUNDAI VEHICLES AND RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED. FOR SOME REASON, THE ELANTRA HAS NOT BEEN INCLUDED EVEN THOUGH IT USES THE SAME SYSTEM AND THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS. THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS ATTENTION..
NHTSA complaint #10779843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,500 miles
Great River, NY
Crash
1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, A VEHICLE IN FRONT STALLED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO REAR END THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THIS FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,500.
NHTSA complaint #10716223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,769 miles
Newport, TN
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON AT ANY SPEED.
NHTSA complaint #10694393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 miles
SAN Ramon, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000. UPDATED 8/11/14
NHTSA complaint #10595889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 miles
Syosset, NY
AIR BAGS
WHEN I DRIVE THE CAR WITH AN ADULT PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT THE INSTRUMENT LIGHT INDICATES THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS OFF. IT STAYS LIT FOR A FEW MILES, THEN GOES OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN. THIS KEEPS HAPPENING THROUGHOUT THE TRIP.
NHTSA complaint #10573449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 miles
Machesney Park, IL
Crash
1 injured
AIR BAGS
TOOK SHARP TURN RIGHT TO MISS A CAR THAT WAS HEADED FOR ME HIT A TELEPHONE POLE, NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. INJURIES INCLUDED CONCUSSION, WHIP LASH, BROKEN HAND, BRUISED RIBS, GLASS AND CUTS IN HEAD FROM WINDSHIELD, LIP WAS TORN IN HALF AND BRUISED, TWO DAY HOSPITAL STAY AND A TOTALED CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10552995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 miles
Saint Louis, MO
Crash
AIR BAGS
THE HYUNDAI ELANTRA REAR ENDED ANOTHER CAR GOING APPROX. 30 MPH. THE DRIVER HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF THEM AT FULL SPEED, WITHOUT BRAKING. THE DRIVER DID NOT KNOW THE CAR IN FRONT OF THEM ABRUPTLY STOPPED, CAUSING THE ACCIDENT. THE DRIVER WAS THRUSTED FORWARD ON IMPACT INTO THE WINDSHIELD. THE DRIVER AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10546721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plano, TX
Crash
AIR BAGS
I WAS DRIVING DOWN HWY I-45 SOUTH IN DALLAS, TX AND HIT BLACK ICE. THAT IS ICE THAT CANNOT BE SEEN ON THE ROAD. I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 50 TO 55 MPH. I HIT THE BRAKES AND HIT THE BACK OF A METAL TRAILER. THE WELDED MESH LANDSCAPER TRAILERS POPULAR IN DALLAS. IN OTHER WORDS I HIT A FLAT VERTICAL HARD SERVICE. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I TOLD HYUNDAI OF THE ISSUE AND THEY SENT OUT SOMEONE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THEY SENT A LETTER STATING "THE ELANTRA'S FRONTAL AIRBAGS ARE NOT INTENDED TO DEPLOY DURING EVERY IMPACT THAT IS GENERALLY DIRECTED AGAINST THE VEHICLE'S FRONT END." I AM CONFUSED, I THOUGHT A AIR BAG SHOULD WORK WITH ALL FRONT END IMPACTS AND COLLISIONS. WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE I DID NOT GET A DISCLAIMER STATING WHEN THE AIRBAG SHOULD WORK AND SHOULD NOT WITH A 50 MPH FRONT END COLLISION. I AM UPSET WITH THE WAY HYUNDAI IS RESPONDING. I DID NOT EXPECT A NEW CAR, ONLY FOR HYUNDAI TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10524261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 miles
Middletown, DE
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTINUOUSLY. THE MALFUNCTION WOULD OCCUR EVEN WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V395000 (AIR BAGS) BUT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000. UPDATED 03/15/13
NHTSA complaint #10483754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 miles
Sunrise, FL
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #10471939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 miles
Matawan, NJ
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW THE CAUSE OF THE DEFECTIVE AIR BAG BUT THE MECHANIC COULD NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC NOTICE A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER 05V395000 (AIR BAG) AND SUGGESTED THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE AIR BAG RECALL BUT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #10467791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 miles
Saint Petersburgh, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. AFTER CALLING THE DEALER THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V395000 (AIR BAGS) DID NOT APPLY TO HIS VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #10456867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 miles
Quincy, IL
Crash
AIR BAGS
SON WAS INVOLVED IN CRASH. REARENDED ANOTHER CAR. TOTALLED BOTH CARS. THANKFULLY, NO INJURIES HIS AIRBAGS IN 2005 HYUNDIA ELANTRA DID NOT DEPLOY. CONTACTED HYUNDAI AND THEY SAID THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. HAVE READ ON INTERNET MANY OTHER STORIES JUST LIKE THIS INVOLVING HYUNDAI MODELS.
NHTSA complaint #10455370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,000 miles
Rockville, MD
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SEAT SENSOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V179000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE), THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.UPDATED 07/06/12 *BF THE DEALER FOUND AN INTERNAL FAILURE IN THE AIR BAG SENSOR. UPDATED 08/06/12
NHTSA complaint #10453222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 miles
Ithaca, NY
AIR BAGS
MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. I SENT TO THE HYUNDAI ITHACA DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT OCS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. BUT I FOUND OUT FROM THE WEB THAT MY HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2005 HAS A HISTORY OF MALFUNCTIONING IN AIR BAG AND WAS BEING RECALLED AT SOME POINT. I TALKED TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE RECALL AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY CAR WAS NEVER RECALLED AND I HAD TO PAY MORE THAN $400 FOR THE REPAIR. I WASN'T CONFIDENT THAT THE AIR BAG ISSUE WILL BE SOLVED EVEN AFTER SENDING FOR REPAIR AFTER READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE AIR BAG ONLINE. WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THIS?
NHTSA complaint #10447812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.