Recall 18V715 affects 8,204 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs for side curtain air bag bolt interference. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 8,204 2019 Santa Fe SUVs because side curtain air bag mounting bolts can interfere with the air bags during deployment and damage them. In a crash, damaged air bags can fail to inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury, and Hyundai dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The side curtain air bag in the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is mounted along the upper side of the cabin, above the doors and windows. In a side impact crash, it deploys downward to help protect occupants' heads from the side glass and interior trim. Mounting bolts hold that air bag assembly to the vehicle body.
On affected Santa Fe vehicles, the bolt heads used for that mounting point were made with sharp corners. Those corners sit close enough to the side curtain air bag that they interfere with the bag as it deploys. Instead of opening cleanly, the air bag can be torn or damaged by the bolt head during deployment. Hyundai later used bolts with rounded corners to remove that interference.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is hidden in the mounting hardware, so an owner is not expected to see, hear, or feel it before a crash deployment.
Who's affected?
| 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe | side air bag |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 8,204 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If a crash deploys the air bags, damage during deployment can keep them from inflating properly and injury risk increases. There is no warning sign before this deployment problem, so confirm your VIN and schedule the repair. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the free protective-cover installation that keeps the side curtain air bag mounting bolts from damaging the air bags during deployment.
- Bring the recall notice if Hyundai mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V715 when you call.
- Call Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 with questions about scheduling or dealer availability.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician installs a protective cover over the side curtain air bag installation bolts so the bolts do not interfere with the air bags during deployment. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. If you already paid for a related repair, Hyundai provides reimbursement under its submitted reimbursement plan. Contact Hyundai customer service or ask the service desk how to submit documentation for that claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 11, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 30, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| November 30, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 30, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 3, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V715?
Recall 18V715 covers 8,204 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs with side curtain air bag mounting bolts that can interfere with and damage the air bags during deployment. In a crash, damaged air bags can fail to inflate properly, increasing injury risk. Hyundai dealers install a protective cover over the bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Santa Fe is included in recall 18V715. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer and ask for the protective cover installation for the side curtain air bag mounting bolts. Reference Hyundai recall number 177 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Hyundai will install the protective cover over the side curtain air bag mounting bolts free of charge at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What is the safety risk for recall 18V715?
The safety risk is reduced side curtain air bag protection in a crash. If the mounting bolts damage the air bags during deployment, the air bags can fail to inflate properly, increasing the risk of injury. Hyundai did not issue a do-not-drive instruction for this recall.
What if I bought my Hyundai Santa Fe used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner, so a used 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is still eligible if its VIN is included. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Hyundai dealer with recall number 18V715 or Hyundai recall number 177.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V715000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-855-371-9460 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V715 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V715000 |
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 →