Recall 17V801 affects 1,209 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vehicles for detaching side curtain air bag components. Free repair at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 1,209 2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles because a side curtain air bag component can detach during deployment. If that happens during a crash, the curtain air bag can fail to inflate properly or the loose component can enter the cabin, increasing injury risk; Hyundai dealers will repair the air bag system free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The side curtain air bag in the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is the inflatable curtain that drops along the side windows during certain crashes. Its inflator sends gas into the curtain so it fills quickly and helps separate occupants from the side glass and trim. A small diffuser on the inflator helps control that gas flow during deployment.
On affected Santa Fe Sport SUVs, the curtain air bag diffuser was not formed to the correct dimensions during manufacturing. If the side curtain air bag deploys, that misshaped diffuser can detach from the inflator instead of staying secured. The recall issue is the part separating during deployment, not a problem the driver can inspect during normal use.
There is no warning sign before failure. Hyundai did not identify a dashboard light, noise, or change in driving feel that tells an owner the diffuser is out of shape before the air bag is needed.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport | side air bag |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1,209 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A detached curtain air bag component can keep the air bag from inflating properly in a crash, increasing injury risk. A loose component can also enter the occupant compartment and injure someone inside. There is no warning sign before failure, so confirm your VIN and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the free side-curtain-air-bag replacement that fixes the deployment defect.
- Bring the recall notice if Hyundai has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V801 when you call.
- Ask Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059 if you need help finding a dealer or confirming the recall.
- Complete the repair before relying on the side curtain air bags for crash protection.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician replaces the driver and passenger side curtain air bags covered by this recall. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket for a related side curtain air bag repair before the recall work, Hyundai's reimbursement plan covers eligible documented costs. Bring your repair paperwork to the service desk and ask Hyundai customer service how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 13, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 20, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| December 20, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 5, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 9, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V801?
Recall 17V801 covers 1,209 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vehicles with side curtain air bag components that can detach during deployment. If that happens, the curtain air bag can fail to inflate properly in a crash, increasing injury risk. Hyundai dealers replace both side curtain air bags for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Santa Fe Sport is included in recall 17V801. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule replacement of the driver and passenger side curtain air bags. Reference recall 17V801 or Hyundai recall number 171 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Hyundai dealers replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags free of charge. The free repair applies at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is injury during a crash. If the side curtain air bag component detaches during deployment, the curtain air bag can fail to inflate properly, and the detached component can enter the occupant compartment. Hyundai's remedy is replacement of both side curtain air bags.
What if I bought my 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Santa Fe Sport is included, then call a franchised Hyundai dealer and reference recall 17V801 or Hyundai recall number 171.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V801000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-855-671-3059 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V801 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V801000 |
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →