Hyundai is recalling 65,226 model year 2006 through 2009 Hyundai Azera vehicles manufactured from September 27, 2005 through October 1, 2008. The wiring harness for the right front seat belt tension sensor may sustain damage after repeated use of the seat belt. If the seat belt tension sensor wiring becomes damaged, it will not communicate with the Passive Occupant Detection System (PODS). This defect may cause recording of Diagnostic Trouble Code B1495 (Belt Tension Sensor Defect) and also possibly B1489 (PODS ECU Defect). If the wire becomes damaged, the air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash requiring front air bag deployment. The seat occupant is at an increased risk of injury should the air bag not deploy as intended.

Hyundai first made changes to its production lines to re-route the wiring harness and to increase the space between the inner sill and lower B-pillar trim. Later, based on replacement of seat belt assemblies from consumer’s cars, Hyundai determined that a safety recall should be conducted. The safety recall is expected to begin during February 2010. Hyundai’s recall campaign number is 094. NHTSA recall number 09V-497.