More Than 500,000 Cars Recalled Due to Seat Belt Problem
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NEED TO KNOW
- Hyundai recalled over 500,000 vehicles due to concerns about defective seatbelts in a report on Sept. 11
- The car manufacturer stated that there is a “risk of injury” from seat belts potentially not fastening correctly
- The recalled cars are Hyundai Palisade models produced between 2020 and 2025
Some Hyundai owners are being urged to return their cars to the dealership amid concerns about defective seatbelts.
On Thursday, Sept. 11, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall of 568,580 cars from the South Korean manufacturer due to potential issues with securely fastening seatbelts.
“The subject vehicles are equipped with seat belt buckle assemblies in the front row and second row outer seating positions that may contain out-of-specification components manufactured by the supplier,” NHTSA said in a report.
“These components can cause interference within the latch channel, potentially increasing friction, particularly under cold ambient temperatures,” the report continued. “Improperly produced seat belt buckles, combined with slow insertion of the seat belt tongue plate, may prevent the seat belt buckle from fully latching.”
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The affected vehicles are Hyundai Palisade models produced between 2020 and 2025.
According to the report, the recalled seatbelts are located in the driver and passenger seats and in the front row and second row outer seating positions. They may contain “out-of-specification physical dimensions,” which could potentially lead to an increased risk of injury.
Customers are informed that they “may notice a lighter than normal audible ‘click’ during the fastening process.”
If the seatbelt becomes unbuckled, “Palisade is equipped with visual and auditory notifications for all seating positions within the vehicle,” per the report.
Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty
Despite the large number of vehicles recalled, the report stated that just 1% of the items are estimated to actually be defective.
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NHTSA stated that defective vehicles can still be driven with caution. Occupants should make sure to check their seatbelt is fastened “firmly” into the buckle.
“All owners of the subject vehicles will be notified by first-class mail with instructions to bring their vehicles to a Hyundai dealer for inspection and/or replacement of the applicable seat belt buckle assemblies,” the report concluded.
Credit to Nypost AND Peoples
