Hyundai recalling 186k Elantras due to possible headliner detachment

Wed, 10 Apr 2013

Following at least one reported incident of a man who claimed his ear was sliced in half following the deployment of his side airbag, Hyundai has announced a recall for certain model year 2011 through 2013 Elantras; specifically those manufactured from November 12, 2010 through March 5, 2013. In these Elantra models, a support bracket that is attached to the car's headliner may become dislodged when the side curtain airbag deploys. If that should happen, occupants may be in danger of a laceration injury by way of the flying bracket.

Hyundai will notify owners of affected vehicles, while dealers will service the dangerous bracket by applying adhesive strips. (Feel free to insert your own duct tape joke here.) The service will be performed free of charge, starting in May of this year. Follow on to read the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notice, below.
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-hyundai-elantra-review/

Report Receipt Date: APR 01, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V115000
Component(s): AIR BAGS , STRUCTURE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 186,254

Details

Manufacturer: Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center Inc

SUMMARY:
Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 05, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.

CONSEQUENCE:
If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.

REMEDY:
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. A remedy is expected to be available in May 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

By Seyth Miersma