Hyundai has discovered a “pyrotechnic” component connected to the seat belt that can cause it to explode and send metal fragments throughout the car.
The recall came about after U.S. government regulators found that the seat belt pretensioner, an important safety device that tightens and locks the seat belt in place during the event of a crash was malfunctioning.
The pretensioner is intended to help prevent injuries.
The problem is the pretensioners are being deployed unnecessarily, which can cause the seat belt to explode, resulting in shrapnel or metal fragments being sent throughout the car.
The following vehicles are included in the recall:
- 2019-2022 Hyundai Accents
- 2021-2023 Hyundai Elantras
- 2021-2022 Hyundai Elantra HEVs
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, all owners of the vehicles on the recall list will be notified by July 15th.
They will be instructed to go to a Hyundai dealership to have a seat belt pretensioner fastened with a cap installed, free of charge, the cap prevents the pretensioner from being opened.
Two people in the U.S. and one person in Singapore have been injured from their seatbelts exploding due to a faulty pretensioner.
The Korean automaker says they’re further investigating the cause of the issue, and they have added the Venue and Genesis GV70/GV80 models to their investigation.
ICC friends, if you own a Hyundai vehicle on the recall list, please don’t hesitate to take your vehicle to the dealership.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact Hyundai customer services at 855-371-9460, and reference the recall number 229.
Source: Newsweek
