Recall 10V061 affects 515 2010 Hyundai Tucson vehicles for a PODS module programming defect. The module reprogramming is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 515 2010 Tucson vehicles under recall 10V061 because the passenger detection system can turn on the air bag warning lamp when an adult right front passenger weighs over approximately 240 pounds. If that lamp is on, the passenger air bag will not deactivate for a child in that seat during a qualifying crash, raising injury risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The right front passenger seat in the 2010 Hyundai Tucson uses a passive occupant detection system, or PODS, to help the air bag control unit decide how the passenger air bag should respond. Sensors and a control module read the seat occupant and send that status to the air bag system. When that signal is wrong, the air bag warning lamp tells the driver the system needs attention.
In NHTSA campaign 10V061, the issue is in the PODS module programming. A properly seated adult passenger in the right front seat weighing over approximately 240 pounds can trigger the program to turn on the "AIR BAG" warning lamp. The filing describes a software recognition problem, not a broken seat frame or deployed air bag.
There is no warning sign before failure. Once the condition occurs, the owner notice is the illuminated "AIR BAG" warning lamp on the instrument panel.
Who's affected?
| 2010 Hyundai Tucson | front air bag |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 515 |
Not every 2010 Hyundai Tucson is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the air bag warning lamp is on, the passenger air bag stays active in a crash severe enough for front air bag deployment. That means it will not deactivate for a child in the right front seat. That raises the child's injury risk. Repair will be free at any franchised Hyundai dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010 Hyundai Tucson is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hyundai dealer and ask whether the free PODS module reprogramming is open for your VIN.
- Schedule the PODS module reprogramming that corrects the front passenger air-bag detection problem.
- Bring the recall notice if Hyundai mailed one. If not, reference recall number 10V061 when you call.
- Call Hyundai customer assistance at 1-800-633-5151 with questions about scheduling or owner notification.
What happens at the repair
The record does not list the final remedy status, but the stated dealer repair is to reprogram the PODS module. Once the repair is available, a Hyundai technician updates the passive occupant detection software so the right front passenger sensing system reads the seat occupant correctly. Parts and labor are covered by the recall. Ask the Hyundai service desk to confirm the campaign applies to your 2010 Tucson before the visit.
Timeline
| February 25, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 5, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V061?
Recall 10V061 covers 515 2010 Hyundai Tucson SUVs with a passive occupant detection system module programming issue. When the "Air Bag" warning lamp is illuminated, the passenger air bag will deploy in a qualifying crash and will not deactivate for a child in the right front seat.
What should I do if my 2010 Hyundai Tucson is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Tucson is included in recall 10V061. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer and ask for the PODS module reprogramming. Reference recall number 10V061 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Hyundai dealers will reprogram the PODS module free of charge. Hyundai also lists customer assistance at 1-800-633-5151 for owners with recall questions.
What is the safety risk in recall 10V061?
The safety risk is child passenger injury in a frontal crash. If the "Air Bag" warning lamp is illuminated, the passenger air bag will not deactivate for a child seated in the right front passenger position, increasing injury risk during air bag deployment.
When did Hyundai notify owners about recall 10V061?
Hyundai began owner notification by telephone on February 15, 2010, and mailed the written notification on March 5, 2010. If you bought the Tucson used or never received a letter, the VIN decides whether the free dealer repair applies.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V061000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-800-633-5151 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V061 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V061000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →