Hyundai recalls over 978 vehicle models with defective seat belt pretensioners (Full List)

*The automaker says it is working with dealers to replace the part at no cost to consumers

Emmanuel Akosile | ConsumerConnect

Hyundai Motor America is recalling more than 978 model year 2021 Elantra, Elantra HEV, Venue, and Genesis GV80 vehicles, as well as model year 2022 Genesis GV70 vehicles, because the front driver-side and passenger-side seat belt pretensioners could explode during a crash.

ConsumerConnect learnt the automaker said the seat belt pretensioners in affected vehicles were installed from a suspect production lot that contained pyrotechnic-type pretensioners that could deploy during a crash.

The company noted if this happens, metal fragments could be sprayed into the vehicle occupant compartment and cause injury or even death to drivers or passengers.

Hyundai Motor said in a reported case, a crash involving a Hyundai Elantra caused metal fragments to enter the rear cabin of the vehicle and injured a passenger’s leg.

In regard to what to do in correcting the defect, Hyundai disclosed that it is working with dealers to replace the seat belt pretensioners at no cost to vehicle owners.

Notification letters are expected to be mailed to owners December 10, 2021.

Meanwhile, affected consumers can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline on 1-888-327-4236, or visit the agency’s Web site for more information.