Seatbelt issues leads to recall of 47,749 crossover SUVs

Seatbelt issues leads to recall of 47,749 crossover SUVs says Hyundai is recalling 47,749 Kona crossover vehicles due to a rear center seat belt concern. The documents filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate the affected models are certain 2025 Kona Electric and 2026 Kona SUVs. The issue involves rear center seat belt buckle assemblies that may have been manufactured outside specifications, which could reduce seat belt effectiveness in a crash and raise the risk of injury. Hyundai states it has not received any confirmed reports in the U.S. of incidents, crashes, fires, or injuries related to the problem. Until a fix is completed, owners are advised not to use the rear center seating position. Hyundai will replace the rear center seat belt buckle assembly at dealerships and provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket repair expenses, with notification letters beginning Sept. 11, the same day the remedy is expected to be available.