2005 Tucson air bags failed to deploy. The consumer's vehicle struck a pole head on yet the air bags did not deploy. The consumer sustained severe contusions to his head, chest and neck.

- Mahopac, NY, USA

Airbag safety: In December 2004, I bought two 2005 Hyundai Tucson LX SUV 2wd advertised with six standard airbags. Warmer weather arrived, coats shed and the passenger airbag off light illuminated on the dash with my wife in the passenger seat. The light went out when her pocketbook was in her lap and on when not, weight sensitive. She feels upset and unsafe. Hyundai explained the advanced SRS takes many readings including weight. They explained the passenger needed to be 110 lbs for the airbag activate to protect front seat children. My wife is not a child (we''re in our 50''s), exercises and eats right. Her weight varies from 107-110 lbs. And is 5''2''. ironically, my wife has full airbag protection in her car as a driver but not as a passenger in the ''death seat of own car. Many women fit this profile. No-where in Hyundai''s owner''s manual or airbag brochure are specific weight limits referred to. Multiple complaints to the dealer, then to Hyundai America got nowhere. My wife rides with her pocketbook in her lap to fake out the weight sensor. All I want is to weigh down seat (2 lbs) or re-program the weight limits, and not to return the cars. Hyundai''s liability could be huge if a life is lost when the airbag could have/should have been active. According to NHTSA and the New York state motor vehicle safety code, my wife is over 12 years old and more than 5 feet tall and qualifies to ride up front on both accounts. With advanced or smart airbag technology she should be protected, even at a reduced deployment rate? with respect to ''warning labels, consumer information and telltale signs:'' proper use of and air bag warning labels are important but there is no disclaimer that if you are an adult front seat passenger and fall into a specific body weight category you will not have air bag protection. Neither is it stated in the owner''s user manual or any other Hyundai documentation provided to the customer prior to the point of sale].

- E. Northport, NY, USA