Recall 21V185 covers 10 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles for an ODS module defect. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 10 2021 Santa Fe SUVs because the Occupant Detection System module can fail to turn off the front passenger air bag when it detects a child restraint in that seat. In a crash, air bag deployment with a child seated there can increase injury risk, and Hyundai dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Occupant Detection System module in the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is the controller that classifies who or what is sitting in the front passenger seat. It helps the restraint system decide whether the front passenger air bag should stay active or turn off when a child restraint system is detected.
In the recalled Santa Fe vehicles, the ODS module was calibrated incorrectly during production. Because of that calibration error, the module does not turn the passenger air bag off when it detects a child restraint system in the front passenger seat. That means the restraint system does not respond the way the occupant protection standard requires.
The warning sign is in the passenger air bag indicator. When a child restraint system is in the front passenger seat, the "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" light stays off instead of lighting up.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe | air bag system |
| Units affected | 10 |
| 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 your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash, the front passenger air bag can deploy while a child is in that seat, which increases the risk of injury to the child. The "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" light staying off is the warning sign tied to this defect. Keep children out of the front passenger seat until the vehicle is repaired. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to confirm completion or schedule the free ODS module replacement that fixes front passenger child-restraint air bag detection.
- Reference recall number 21V185 and Hyundai recall 202 when you call.
- Keep children and child restraint systems out of the front passenger seat until the dealer confirms the ODS module repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician replaces the Occupant Detection System module, the front passenger seat sensor module that tells the air bag system when a child restraint is present. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall, and Hyundai says all affected vehicles were remedied as of May 12, 2021. If you already paid for an ODS module related repair before recall service, contact Hyundai customer service or the dealer about submitting documentation under Hyundai's reimbursement plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 17, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 12, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 14, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| May 14, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 14, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V185?
Recall 21V185 covers 10 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles with an Occupant Detection System module that does not properly deactivate the front passenger air bag when a child restraint is detected. Hyundai dealers replace the ODS module for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your Santa Fe is included in recall 21V185. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer and ask for the ODS module replacement. Hyundai reported all affected vehicles were remedied as of May 12, 2021, but your VIN confirms the current status.
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 replace the ODS module free of charge. Use recall number 21V185 when you contact the Hyundai dealer service desk.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is to a child seated in the front passenger seat. If the front passenger air bag deploys during a crash while a child is in that seat, it can increase the risk of injury to the child.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V185000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-855-371-9460 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V185 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V185000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →