Hyundai Motor Company has announced a recall affecting nearly one million Sonatas and Sonata Hybrids due to concerns that a faulty fastener may cause the front seat belts to detach during a collision. Official documents indicate that the anchor securing the seat belt pretensioner to the vehicle’s frame might not have been properly installed during manufacturing. Hyundai reports being aware of only one minor injury linked to this issue. The recall spans regular Sonatas from the 2011 to 2014 model years, as well as Sonata Hybrids from 2011 to 2015.
Car owners can check if their vehicle is involved in the recall by visiting the NHTSA website and entering their VIN or utilizing Hyundai’s online tool. However, it is noteworthy that the company will not begin notifying individual owners until next month, leaving it to consumers to determine if their vehicle is affected. Dealerships are ready to inspect the seat belt assembly and repair the fastener if it is deemed defective.
If you read the headline and thought, “Not another recall!”, rest assured you’re not mistaken. The Department of Transportation reports that auto manufacturers set a record by recalling 53.2 million vehicles in 2016 alone in the U.S. This surge is partly attributed to the ongoing Takata Airbags scandal, and it’s striking to note that the previous record of over 51 million recalls was established just one year prior, in 2015.
What’s behind this trend? Several factors contribute to the increase. First, advancements in technology have made vehicles more intricate than ever. Additionally, the stricter enforcement of fines and penalties imposed by the NHTSA has urged automakers to be more proactive about identifying and reporting issues, especially following incidents like Toyota’s “unintended acceleration,” GM’s ignition switch crisis, and the Takata debacle. Furthermore, the use of common parts suppliers across various manufacturers has spread issues more widely than in the past.
With so many recalls, it’s easy to lose track. If you’re unsure about the status of your vehicle, it’s advisable to visit the NHTSA’s website to ensure you’re informed and safe.
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