HYUNDAI has pulled over 568,000 vehicles after a life-threatening defect was discovered.
The car manufacturer has issued a notice to dealerships and drivers regarding a dangerous seatbelt malfunction.
Hyundai has recalled over 500,000 vehicles due to a seat belt fault (stock)[/caption]
The seat belt buckle has been found to not latch correctly due to incorrect size dimensions used by the supplier (stock)[/caption]
Seatbelt buckles in several sets inside certain Hyundai vehicles may not lock in correctly.
This fault can prevent the safety belt from working as it should in the event of a crash or sudden stop.
“An inability to fasten the seat belt in an occupied seat could increase the risk of injury to occupant(s) during a crash,” the recall notice states.
Hyundai believes 568,580 vehicles are involved in the recall.
However, it is estimated that only one per cent of these actually have the defect.
It affects the Palisades model from the years 2020 to 2025.
The recall states that the seatbelt in the following seats may not be latching correctly:
- Driver’s seat
- Passenger seat
- Second-row window seats
Hyundai reported the recall to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on September 11.
It states that the issue is caused by “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.”
Those driving a faulty vehicle may know there is a problem by listening out for it.
The notice says occupants of faulty seats may hear a “lighter than normal ‘click’ during fastening”.
The push button may also look or feel slightly different to usual and if the belt unbuckles itself that is a tell-tale sign.
Hyundai has said that the vehicle can still be driven with the defect but that those using affected seats must take extra precautions to ensure the belt buckles correctly.
It “advises occupants to fasten the seat belt firmly into the buckle with quick and direct motion,” the notice states.
“Once buckled, pull on the belt to confirm the seat belt is fully secured.”
Equally, owners can take their vehicle to a Hyundai dealer and get an inspection and if necessary, a replacement seat buckle for free.
Many drivers can expect notifications of the defect and instructions on what to do in the mail.
So far there have been no reported injuries as a result of the defect.
Meanwhile, 100,000 Ford pickups have been recalled due to an airbag defect that can cause them to tear during a crash.
Hyundai Palisade models between the years 2020 and 2025 could be impacted (stock)[/caption]
