Recall 11V143 affects 188,697 2007-2009 Hyundai Elantra vehicles for passenger airbag weight-sensor connector contamination. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 188,697 2007-2009 Elantra vehicles because the front passenger seat weight-sensor connector can become contaminated and malfunction. When that happens, the right frontal airbag deploys in crashes where it should stay off, increasing injury risk for the passenger; the Hyundai dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The front passenger seat in the 2007-2009 Hyundai Elantra uses a weight sensor to help the airbag system decide whether the right frontal airbag should be active. The sensor reads the passenger seat load and sends that information through an electrical connector under the center console, between the front seats. When it works correctly, the system deactivates the right frontal airbag for occupants in the weight range specified by the recall filing.
On affected Elantras, that connector can become contaminated. Contamination interferes with the sensor circuit, so the airbag system no longer responds correctly to the passenger's weight. The result is that the right frontal airbag remains set to deploy regardless of the occupant's weight.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is in the connector and sensor signal, so an owner should not expect a visible seat defect or a change in how the vehicle drives.
Who's affected?
| 2007 Hyundai Elantra | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2008 Hyundai Elantra | front air bag |
| 2009 Hyundai Elantra | front air bag |
| Units affected | 188,697 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
In NHTSA campaign 11V143, the front passenger air bag can deploy in crashes where it should stay off. That raises the risk of injury to the seat occupant from the deployed air bag. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Hyundai dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2009 Hyundai Elantra is included in this recall.
- Use the Hyundai owner notice if you have it; owner letters were mailed April 8, 2011.
- Contact a franchised Hyundai dealer about the free connector-cover repair that keeps contamination from causing incorrect front passenger air bag deployment.
- Reference recall number 11V143 when you call the dealer or Hyundai customer assistance.
- Bring the recall notice to the dealer if Hyundai mailed one to you.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician installs a protective cover over the weight classification system connector under the center console. The cover keeps contamination away from the passenger seat weight sensor connector, so the airbag system can read the seat sensor correctly. The filing lists this as a free recall service. Because remedy availability is not confirmed here, scheduling depends on the dealer. Parts and labor are covered once the dealer repair is available.
Timeline
| March 15, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 8, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V143?
Recall 11V143 covers 188,697 2007-2009 Hyundai Elantra vehicles with a front passenger seat weight-sensor connector that can become contaminated and malfunction. When that happens, the front passenger airbag can deploy in a crash when it should stay off. Hyundai dealers install a protective connector cover for free.
What should I do if my 2007-2009 Hyundai Elantra is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Elantra is included in recall 11V143. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer and ask for the protective cover installation for the weight classification system connector. Reference recall 11V143 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost, and Hyundai's remedy states that dealers will perform this service free of charge. The repair is a protective cover over the weight classification system connector.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the front passenger airbag can deploy in crashes where it should not deploy. That raises the risk of injury to the seat occupant from the deployed airbag. If your VIN is included, have a Hyundai dealer complete the free connector-cover repair.
What if I bought my Hyundai Elantra used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to see whether your specific 2007-2009 Elantra is included, then call a franchised Hyundai dealer and reference recall 11V143.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V143000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-800-633-5151 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V143 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V143000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- 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 →