Recall 16V956 affects 110 2017 Hyundai Sonata and Elantra vehicles for a driver air bag inflator seal defect. Free repair at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 110 2017 Sonata and Elantra vehicles under recall 16V956 because the driver's frontal air bag inflator end seal was not properly installed. In a crash, an air bag that does not fully inflate increases injury risk; Hyundai dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The driver's frontal air bag inflator in the 2017 Hyundai Sonata and Elantra is the device that fills the air bag when a frontal crash triggers deployment. The inflator releases gas into the air bag so it can cushion the driver. A small end seal helps keep the inflator closed and ready to build the right pressure during that event.
For NHTSA campaign 16V956, the defect is an end seal that was not installed properly during manufacturing. If the vehicle is in a crash and the driver's frontal air bag deploys, the inflator can lose pressure instead of filling the bag as designed. Reduced inflation means the air bag gives the driver less protection than intended.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is inside the air bag inflator, so the driver will not feel a change in normal driving or see a symptom before a crash deployment.
Who's affected?
Includes the 2017 Sonata and 2017 Elantra, both tied to the driver-side front air bag inflator module.
| 2017 Hyundai Sonata | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2017 Hyundai Elantra | front air bag |
| Units affected | 110 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific sedan.
What's the safety risk?
If your VIN is included, the driver's frontal air bag can fail to inflate fully in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. There is no warning sign before the air bag module fails, so schedule the recall repair soon and use normal restraint precautions until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Hyundai Sonata or Elantra is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the free driver's frontal air bag module replacement that fixes the inflator seal problem.
- Bring the recall notice if Hyundai mailed one, and reference recall number 16V956 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Remember that the driver's frontal air bag can inflate with less force in a crash.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician replaces the driver's frontal air bag module. The replacement parts and labor are free under recall 16V956, and the repair is available now. Hyundai lists a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who paid out of pocket for a related air bag repair before the recall notice. Contact Hyundai customer service with your repair paperwork so the service team can explain the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 30, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 13, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| February 13, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 13, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 13, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V956?
Recall 16V956 covers 110 2017 Hyundai Sonata and Elantra vehicles with a driver's frontal air bag inflator end seal that was not properly installed. In a crash, the air bag can underinflate. Hyundai dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Hyundai Sonata or Elantra is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V956. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the driver's frontal air bag module replacement. Reference recall number 16V956 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Hyundai's remedy says dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is reduced driver air bag inflation in a crash. If the air bag does not inflate fully, injury risk increases. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free driver's frontal air bag module replacement at a franchised Hyundai dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V956000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-855-371-9460 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V956 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V956000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →