2007-'09 Hyundai Elantra Recalled for Two Problems

WASHINGTON — Hyundai has issued two recalls of the 2007-'09 Elantra over airbag sensors that could malfunction, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The first recall covers 188,697 2007-'09 Elantras to fix a front passenger airbag that could deploy in crashes when it shouldn't, increasing the risk of injury.

If someone spills a liquid in the cupholder on the center console, the spilled liquid may seep through the cupholder and may contaminate the weight classification system connector. A contaminated connector could cause the front passenger airbag to deploy regardless of the weight of the occupant, increasing the risk of injury, according to NHTSA.

The second recall is for nearly 100,000 2007-'08 Elantras — many covered by the first recall — to reprogram an airbag module that could cause the airbag to deploy at a higher pressure than intended.

The recalls will begin in April.

Hyundai dealers will install a protective cover to prevent contamination of the seat sensor in the first recall. They will reprogram the airbag module in the second recall. Owners can contact Hyundai at (800) 633-5151.

Inside Line says: If you own the aforementioned Elantra, be aware that recalls are in the works. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent