Among the recalls are 2012 and 2013 Sonatas. (Stradablog/Creative Commons)

The models in question are Santa Fe SUVs from 2007 and 2009 whose front passenger airbags might not deploy during a crash, as well as 2012 and 2013 Sonata models whose airbags might randomly deploy.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a report filed Saturday that the Santa Fe airbag defects stem from a larger problem with the cars' occupant classification systems, which regulate airbag inflation based on who is sitting where in a car. These systems are in place to prevent airbags from going off when a smaller person is sitting in the front passenger seat.

Hyundai will be upgrading these occupant classification systems free of charge. The Sonata defects stem from a manufacturing error, and can be fixed with an airbag replacement.

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