I think it's semantics. When I say it is "off" when I put my briefcase in the front seat I mean that the light is "off" indicating that the airbag is "on", which is not the way it is supposed to work. Something as light as a briefcase should not trigger the airbag.

 

Hyundai just recalled their Sonatas for the similar issues:

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Hyundai recalling some Sonata cars

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hyundai Motor Co. said Tuesday it was recalling 393,714 Sonata passenger cars in the United States to fix a problem with the air bag system in the front passenger seat.

The automaker said the recall affects 2006-2008 Sonata vehicles equipped with an advanced air bag system. The system disables the front passenger seat's front air bag when it detects the presence of a child restraint system or a small child in the seat.

The right front air bag is disabled to prevent injuries to a child that could result from the air bag inflating during a crash.

Hyundai said it received some complaints that the system was misclassifying a small adult as a child and shutting off the passenger air bag. The automaker said the misclassification would prevent the air bag from inflating in a crash, potentially leading to an injury to the passenger.

Hyundai spokesman Miles Johnson said the company was not aware of any injuries and was conducting the recall to "ensure the safety for our customers."

Dealers will evaluate the air bag system and the make any necessary repairs. The recall is expected to begin in late May.

For more information, owners can contact Hyundai at (800) 633-5151.

On the Net:
Hyundai Motor Co.: http://www.hyundai-motor.com/