Hyundai recalls more than 106,000 i30s

HYUNDAI Australia has recalled more than 106,000 FD (first generation) i30s over fears the driver and or passenger airbags may deploy at random.

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) notice, the recall affects all 106,441 MY07-12 vehicles sold here, with the added risk of the seatbelt pretensioners also activating.

The notice attributes the defect to “improper programming of the airbag control unit,” which a Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) spokesperson told GoAuto could be rectified with a simple software update.

“A reprogram of the airbag control software is all that is needed to rectify the problem, no parts need to be replaced,” said the spokesperson.

So far there has only been one reported incident relating to the defect in Australia, with a driver sustaining bruises when the airbag unexpectedly deployed.

HMCA assured GoAuto that the recall had no relation or relevance to the global Takata scandal that yesterday had another 78,000 vehicles added to its tally.

“We haven’t used Takata in the past or present,” said the spokesperson.

Hyundai Australia is currently notifying affected owners in writing as to the defect and urging them to take their vehicles to the nearest authorised dealership to have the airbag control module reprogrammed free of charge.