There definitely is a problem with the Hyundai air bag, but I have no idea if this relates to your car since you did not give enough information. Just saying, Hyundai encompasses all their models and years. I'll point you to the link below that mentions a problem with the side airbag unexpectedly deploying and you take it from here. There should be a recall on that item; Maybe it is yet to come, but there is a definite problem, do don't let them cower you.

http://www.autotrader.com/car-recall/hyundai-santa-fe-sonata-recalled-for-airbag-issue-190393

Not sure who you've been speaking with but have you taken the car to a dealer? That would be the place to start because if there's a recall, that's where the work would be done.

First I must say that would have scared me to death. I probably would have wrecked the car. I'm sorry you had to go through that experience. I'm so glad you weren't hurt.

Nissan recalled my passenger side airbag last year because of a sensor problem. The recall stated that sometimes the airbag sensor didn't recognize if someone was actually in the passenger seat or not, which decides whether it inflates that airbag during an accident.

Hyundai should be taking care of everything for you. I agree with Jem, there could either be an active recall on the passenger airbag or it definitely needs looked into.

A little more information. It's an 04 Sante Fe with over 140,000 miles on it. When this thing EXPLODED, one of the first things I did was go online and check for recalls for airbags. There was a recall in models a few years newer... like 2007, maybe. Can't remember exactly how I ended up there, but went to NTSB (?? National Traffic Safety Board, or something like that) and filed a report... not a claim or anything. Thinking if same "report" comes in from significant # of people, it might prompt an investigation/recall?

Went to dealer within first week. Just to look at it was gonna be something like $150... that could be applied to the repair, if I chose to have them do it. With no inspection, was told seat back would need to be replaced... upholstery neatly ripped, right on seam, from shoulder to butt right next to door. After guy looked at odometer for mileage, was told "probably" due to "years" of stuff being shoved under passenger seat?? The Sante Fe has a nice pull out "tub", so no shoving of stuff under seat. Passenger seat has probably not even been sat on more than a few dozen times since I bought it in 2004?!

Played significant amount of email and phone "tag" over this matter. Can't help but think they think it'll be come an aggravation and I'll giver up? Have NO idea what it will cost for repair, but I just don't want to pay for it! I imagine well more than my $500 deductible?!?

My argument is that it just shouldn't have exploded for NO reason! Didn't hit or get hit by anything. Smooth dry road. Nothing unusual about driving... like sudden stops. Just BOOM, outta the blue... scared the you-know-what outta me!

Just keep refusing to pay for it and if possible, go to another dealer. We have a dealership (for another brand) in our area that is always trying to get you to pay for something that should be covered by the manufacturer. It is usually because the manufacturer doesn't reimburse the dealer as much as we pay for the same repair. Income maximization...I've "won" several times with this particular dealership, but I'm very, very persistant with daily telephone calls and often escalate to someone well above the service writer.

The link that I sent to you did not cover your model. You have a 2004 Sante Fe. The link was for:

2007 - 2009 Santa Fe: Front air bag. Problem with classification of front passenger.

2012 - 2103 Sonata: Firing of side airbag without reason.

Search for more problem identifications. There could be more.

Filing a report with NTSB was the proper thing to do. Sometimes, its by these reports that NTSB becomes aware of a problem.

Have you checked with your insurance company to see if they are going to do anything about this? I can only see this as a possible comprehensive claim but I wouldn't count on it. They will be looking for a sudden and accidental reason for this to have happened. It will be interesting to see what they say, please let us know.

This happened in my 2002 Ford Ranger. I went to the dealership to find out how to get it replaced. The cost, if I decide to have it replaced - $1,300! I won't have it replaced.

An "independent" inspector (who incidentally knew all the service guys by first names?) inspected the car in mid-March. Said in 6-8 weeks, Hyundai would decide what they would do. Then same guy needed more information from car's computer... did that right in school parking lot. About a week ago, I got a call that they will fix and pay for ALL repairs! Said all other air bags were inspected and are fine. WOO! HOO! Have no idea what this would cost, but thinking big $$$?!?

Often quite useful to be persistent ... while being diplomatic throughout.

ole joyful