Hyundai Issues Safety Recall for Kona and Kona Electric Models Due to Faulty Rear Seat Belts

Hyundai has announced a recall affecting certain Kona and Kona Electric vehicles after discovering a defect in the rear seat belt assembly. The issue, which involves a potential malfunction in the belt’s locking mechanism, could prevent the seat belt from properly restraining an occupant during a crash.

The recall covers select model years, and owners are urged to check their vehicle’s eligibility.

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the problem stems from a manufacturing error in the rear seat belt retractor. In affected vehicles, the belt may not lock as intended under sudden deceleration, increasing the risk of injury to rear-seat passengers.

Hyundai has not reported any accidents or injuries linked to the defect, but the company is taking proactive steps to fix the issue free of charge.

Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the rear seat belt assemblies at no cost to owners. Hyundai is expected to begin notifying affected customers by mail starting next month. Owners can also check their vehicle’s status using Hyundai’s recall lookup tool or by contacting their local dealer.

For those driving a Kona or Kona Electric, it’s a good idea to verify your VIN and schedule a service appointment as soon as possible to ensure your family stays safe on the road.