Genesis, Hyundai And Kia Seat Belt Pretendioners Investigated For Ruptures
The NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has opened a recall investigation into certain 2020-2022 model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles for a problem affecting the seat belts. The investigation was opened after receiving customer complaints alleging that the seatbelt pre-tensioners in their vehicle ruptured and/or exploded.
The ODI is aware of 3 separate incidents with allegations of faulty seatbelt pre-tensioners. In all three incidents, the driver side seat belt pre-tensioner deployed abnormally and ruptured. When the pre-tensioner ruptured, shrapnel was sent flying causing abrasions and/or other injuries to occupants in the back seat.
The vehicles being investigated include:
| 2022 Genesis GV70 |
| 2021Genesis GV80 |
| 2020-2021 Hyundai Accent |
| 2021-2022 Hyundai Elantra |
| 2021-2022 Hyundai Elantra HEV |
| 2021 Hyundai Venue |
| 2022 Kia Motor Sorento Hybrid |
| 2022 Kia Motor Sorento PHEV |
| 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid |
| 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid PHEV |
From October 2021 to April 2022, Hyundai and Kia issued five separate recalls because of pre-tensioner ruptures (21V-796, 22V-069, 22V-123, 22V-127, and 22V-218). Due to the serious nature of the failures and multiple safety recalls issued, ODI has opened this investigation to better understand the scope and remedy of the recalls issued to date.
This ODI may expand the scope of the subject population during the investigation if needed. Currently, the failure mechanism and contributing factors remain unclear to the ODI.