Hyundai Recalls 200K Vehicles Over Seat Belt Anchor Defect

Hyundai Recalls 200K Vehicles Over Seat Belt Anchor Defect...

Hyundai is recalling nearly 200,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to a faulty seat belt anchor that could fail during a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall Thursday after discovering the defect in certain 2019-2022 models.

The issue affects Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs and Sonata sedans, where the front seat belt anchor pretensioners may not properly secure occupants. These pretensioners are critical for tightening seat belts during collisions to reduce injury risks. A malfunction could increase the chance of serious harm in an accident.

This recall comes just weeks after Hyundai settled a $200 million class-action lawsuit over unrelated engine failures. The company has faced increased scrutiny over safety issues, with six recalls issued in 2026 alone. Owners of affected vehicles will receive notifications by mail starting April 25.

Hyundai dealers will inspect and replace faulty seat belt anchors free of charge. The NHTSA urges drivers to check their vehicle identification numbers (VINs) on the agency's recall website. No injuries have been reported yet, but safety experts warn the defect poses a clear hazard.

The recall is trending nationally as it impacts popular family vehicles during peak travel season. Consumer advocacy groups are calling for stricter oversight of Hyundai's manufacturing processes. This marks the third major seat belt-related recall by automakers this year, following similar actions by Ford and GM.

Affected owners can contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 for immediate assistance. The company has set up a dedicated webpage with recall details and repair scheduling options. Repair parts are expected to be available by late May at all U.S. dealerships.