Hyundai Recalls 37,901 Kona EV and Veloster N Vehicles Over Airbag Software Defect

Hyundai Motor America filed NHTSA campaign 26V728, recalling 29,058 Kona Electric and 8,843 Veloster N vehicles. A software error in the airbag control unit can deactivate the entire airbag system. Canadian owners should check their VIN before January 1.

Hyundai Motor America filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on November 4, 2026, recalling 37,901 vehicles over a critical airbag software defect. The recall, designated NHTSA campaign 26V728, covers 2019–2023 Kona Electric and 2019–2022 Veloster N vehicles. A software error in the airbag control unit (ACU) can cause the airbag malfunction indicator light to illuminate and the entire airbag system to deactivate under certain driving conditions.

What the defect does

According to the filing, the ACU data can become corrupted during a system reboot or power interruption while the system is writing to memory. When this occurs, the airbag malfunction indicator light (MIL) illuminates on the dashboard, and the airbag system may fail to deploy in a subsequent crash. Hyundai acknowledged 331 alleged incidents as of October 22, 2026, though the company reports no crashes, fires, or injuries associated with the defect to date.

Affected vehicles

2019–2023 Hyundai Kona Electric — 29,058 units
2019–2022 Hyundai Veloster N — 8,843 units

The Kona Electric is a popular compact EV in Canada, particularly in Ontario and British Columbia where EV charging infrastructure is most developed. The Veloster N, a performance hot-hatch, has a smaller Canadian footprint but shares the same ACU hardware.

What owners should do

Hyundai will update the ACU software at an authorized dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning January 1, 2027. In the interim, owners can call Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 or check their VIN on the NHTSA recall database (VINs become searchable on November 6, 2026). Canadian owners should also contact their local Hyundai dealer directly, as some dealers have begun scheduling appointments ahead of the official mail-out.

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