Hyundai ix35 recalled :: 32,525 small SUVs with airbag fault

The recall affects 32,525 Hyundai ix35 models built from January 2011 to December 2013, and has been caused by a fault with the fitment of the car's steering wheel-mounted airbag.

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's recalls website, the airbag module bolt could be incorrectly tensioned, which "could affect the function of the horn and the correct deployment of the airbag".

Hyundai claims there have been no incidents involving the airbag fault in Australia, but that owners may notice a noise from the steering wheel. The company's Australian arm says the fault "will not cause the airbag to deploy unintentionally" but that the "effectiveness of the airbag could be reduced if the bolt is not tightened properly".

The recall is part of a broader global action for the fault which affects more than 137,000 vehicles worldwide.

Owners will be sent a letter and asked to return their vehicle to the nearest Hyundai dealer for an inspection and fix if required. Any work required will be completed at no charge to the owner.

It's the second recall in 2014 for the ix35, after 6500 vehicles were called back to dealers over a seatbelt fault in January.