Some Hyundai owners are being asked to take their cars back to dealerships because of problems with their seatbelts.
On Thursday, Sept. 11, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that 568,580 Hyundai cars are being recalled due to possible issues with fastening seatbelts securely.
According to NHTSA, “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. These components can cause interference within the latch channel, potentially increasing friction, particularly under cold ambient temperatures. Improperly produced seat belt buckles, combined with slow insertion of the seat belt tongue plate, may prevent the seat belt buckle from fully latching.”
The affected cars are Hyundai Palisade models made between 2020 and 2025. The recalled seatbelts are in the driver and passenger seats, as well as the front and second row outer seats. They may have “out-of-specification physical dimensions,” which could raise the risk of injury.
Customers might notice a lighter-than-normal “click” when fastening the seatbelt. If the seatbelt comes undone, “Palisade is equipped with visual and auditory notifications for all seating positions within the vehicle,” the report added.
Even though many cars are being recalled, only about 1% of the seatbelt buckles are estimated to actually be defective.
NHTSA said that cars with the problem can still be driven safely if drivers and passengers make sure the seatbelt is firmly fastened.
“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 said.
