Dodge Hornets Recalled for Seat Belt Snafu

Stellantis is recalling more than 40,000 Dodge Hornet sport utility vehicles due to a defect affecting their seat belts.

The SUVs’ rear seatbelts can become twisted during use, Stellantis recently said in a recall notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is a serious problem that may stop the safety devices from working properly in the event of an accident. 

“Rear outboard seatbelts that become twisted may not retract freely or maintain tension against the occupant,” the automaker said in the notice. “Seatbelts that do not freely retract or maintain tension do not provide the designed occupant restraint function, which can increase the risk of injury to occupants during certain types of crashes.”

The recall covers certain 2023-2025 Hornets, built between August 2022 and September 2025. The problem may not be noticeable, according to Stellantis, which said defective seatbelts may buckle normally. Stellantis said it has received nearly 500 warranty claims related to the issue, but it is not aware of any accidents or injuries. 

The company plans to notify owners of recalled cars via mail by September 24. In the meantime, Hornet drivers can check the NHTSA website to see if their cars are part of the recall. Stellantis will ask owners of recalled vehicles to bring their cars to authorized service providers, who will replace the rear outboard seatbelt retractors with a redesigned version.

Legal Rights for California Dodge Drivers

Stellantis and other major auto manufacturers recall millions of vehicles every single year, citing a wide range of defects that pose real safety risks. These moves are often announced long after defective cars have been sold and hit the road with unsuspecting drivers.

Last year, for instance, Stellantis called back some 300,000 older Dodge Darts. The company said a shifter cable problem could cause the vehicles to roll away while parked. Sadly, Stellantis also said it was unsure how to fix the problem. 

Here is what car owners and lessors in California need to know: You have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law.

The California lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back vehicles they are unable or unwilling to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of recall requests or attempts that must be made before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights, explore your options, and take action.

Talk with a Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Los Angeles lemon law attorney.