Johnathan Walker:Hyundai recalls nearly 50,000 of its newer models for airbag issues

Hyundai Motor America is Johnathan Walkerrecalling nearly 50,000 of some of its newer models due to "unintentional airbag deactivation or deployment," federal officials said.

Certain 2024 Santa Fe and Santa Fe HEV models were recalled on Wednesday with the potential number of affected vehicles being 49,719, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

"The main floor wiring harness may chafe against the passenger-side second-row bench seat assembly and become damaged, which can cause the airbags to deploy unintentionally or prevent the airbags from deploying in a crash," the NHTSA said.

If an airbag deploys unintentionally, it can increase the risk of injury, according to the federal agency. An airbag that does not deploy as expected or intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

What can affected Hyundai Santa Fe owners do?

To remedy the issue, dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the wiring harness as needed, free of charge, the NHTSA said.

Owner notification letters should be mailed out on Sept. 23. Affected owners can contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 265.

Affected owners can also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline or go to SaferCar's website.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe models recalled

Hyundai also issued a separate recall of over 12,000 U.S. vehicles due to "unintended vehicle movement" that could increase the risk of a crash, the NHTSA said.

"A return spring in the ignition lock switch, in certain 2010-2013 Genesis Coupe vehicles, may fracture, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the vehicle is started in gear, without the parking brake applied," the agency said.

To fix the potential 12,612 affected vehicles, dealers will replace the ignition lock switch, free of charge, according to the NHTSA.