Hyundai has issued a recall for more than 47,000 Kona SUVs because of a potential defect involving the rear center seat belt buckle.
The recall affects certain 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric and 2026 Hyundai Kona models. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the buckle may not properly secure a passenger during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Hyundai is advising owners not to use the rear center seat until the vehicle has been repaired.
The automaker said the issue was identified by supplier Joyson Safety Systems, which found excessive wear in manufacturing equipment used to produce the buckles. The wear was traced to inspection procedures that failed to remove metal stamping dies from service when required.
Hyundai said it has received no reports of crashes, injuries or fires related to the defect but is conducting the recall as a precaution.
Owners will be notified beginning September 11th and Hyundai dealers will replace the affected rear center seat belt buckle assembly at no cost.