Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Hyundai Recalls 48,000 Kona SUVs Over Seat Belt Concern
Hyundai is recalling almost 48,000 Kona and Kona Electric SUVs in the US.
The problem is with the seat belt in the middle back seat.
It might not work properly in a crash, which could hurt people.
Hyundai will fix the seat belts for free.
They will send letters to owners about the recall starting in September 2026.
The company found the problem after some tests failed.
They don't know of any crashes or injuries because of this issue yet.
Owners can check if their car is affected by using the NHTSA recall website.
Hyundai is recalling 47,749 Kona and Kona Electric vehicles in the US due to a defective rear centre seat belt buckle.
The defect may cause the seat belt to fail to properly restrain occupants during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The recall affects 47,733 model-year 2026 Kona gasoline vehicles and 16 model-year 2025 Kona Electric vehicles.
Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assembly free of charge, with notification letters expected to be mailed September 11, 2026.
Hyundai traced the issue to improper maintenance of a supplier's stamping die, resulting in out-of-specification buckle components.
- Who
- Hyundai Motor America
- What
- Recall of 47,749 Kona and Kona Electric vehicles due to a defective rear centre seat belt buckle
- When
- Recall announced on July 13, 2026; notification letters expected to be mailed September 11, 2026
- Where
- United States
- Why
- The rear centre seat belt buckle assemblies may have been manufactured outside specification, increasing the risk of injury during a crash
- Number of Vehicles Affected
- 47,749
- Models Affected
- 2026 Kona gasoline vehicles and 2025 Kona Electric vehicles
- Defect
- Rear centre seat belt buckle may fail to properly restrain occupants during a crash
- Recall Announcement Date
- July 13, 2026
- Notification Letters Sent
- Expected to be mailed September 11, 2026
- Recall Remedy
- Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assembly free of charge
- Production Dates
- July 8, 2025 - February 13, 2026 (Kona), July 8, 2025 - October 21, 2025 (Kona Electric)
- Customer Service Contact
- 1-855-371-9460, recall number 306