Hyundai Kona SUVs Recalled for Shoddy Seat Belt Buckles

Hyundai is recalling nearly 48,000 Kona sport utility vehicles, citing a potential problem with their seat belt buckles.

The vehicles’ rear center seat belt buckles might not perform properly in a crash, Hyundai said in a recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The automaker warns that owners should not use the rear center seats until the seat belts are inspected and repaired.

The recall covers 2026 Kona SUVs that were built between July 2025 and February 2026, as well as a small number of 2025 electric versions. Hyundai said a supplier’s stamping die, used to press the metal buckles, is to blame. “The supplier’s stamping die was not maintained properly, resulting in wear from overuse,” the automaker said.

The buckles may look and latch normally and still underperform in the event of a collision. Hyundai said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries stemming from the defect. New Kona SUVs are not at risk because the supplier has since updated die maintenance and inspection standards.

Hyundai plans to notify owners of recalled vehicles via mail by September 11. Kona drivers can check the NHTSA website in the meantime to see if their cars are included in the recall.

Hyundai wants owners to bring their SUVs to authorized service providers for inspection and repair. Service providers will replace the rear center seat belt buckle assemblies free of charge, the automaker said. Owners who already paid out of pocket for a related repair can seek reimbursement from Hyundai.

Legal Rights for Hyundai Drivers

These kinds of recalls are far too common for Hyundai and other major carmakers. 

Hyundai recently called back some 4,000 Elantra hybrid vehicles, for example, warning that the cars could go up in flames. Earlier this year, the automaker recalled 400,000 Santa Cruz and Tucson SUVs, explaining that a software problem could cause the cars to brake unexpectedly.

The good news for Hyundai drivers in California is that you have some valuable rights and protections under the state’s lemon law. 

The lemon law requires auto manufacturers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces the companies to buy back (or replace, in some situations) cars that they cannot or will not fix. The buyback requirement includes compensating the owner for any down payment on the car, as well as for monthly loan payments and the outstanding balance on any loan. The manufacturer is also responsible for towing, rental car, and other related expenses. 

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

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California 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 California lemon law attorney.