NHTSA Expands Hyundai Airbag Probe

U.S. safety officials have expanded a probe into a possible defect in the driver's side-airbag system of Hyundai Elantra sedans that were produced in South Korea.

The investigation, originally opened for 75,600 models produced in 2012, now encompasses vehicles produced during the 2011-2013 model years. The probe does not involve Elantras built in the U.S.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also upgraded the probe to an engineering analysis, often a signal that a recall is likely.

The investigation was prompted by an Elantra owner whose ear was badly cut by a long metal bracket that came loose when his side airbag system deployed. NHTSA says the bracket used as a stiffener for the car's headliner is not installed in American-made versions of the car.