NHTSA Complaint #11612618 — 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA

The air bag sensor located in the front passenger seat does not function. It is available for inspection upon request. Because the sensor doesn't engage, the passenger-side air bag will not deploy in the event of an accident, leaving my passenger at risk of serious injury or death. The Hyundai of Cool Springs dealership in Franklin, TN, has inspected the car and confirmed that the sensor is not functioning. The sensor, if properly working, will show a glowing red light on the dashboard that goes on when a passenger sits in the passenger seat, and goes off after a few seconds. In the case of my car, however, the dashboard light goes on when a passenger sits and stays on (glowing red) the entire time the passenger is seated. This defective dashboard light, according to the Hyundai service technician, indicates that the sensor needs to be replaced. The cost the technician quoted is prohibitive at $3,500.