Hyundai recalls over 47K vehicles. See affected models
Hyundai has recalled over 47,000 small SUVs due to a seat belt issue that could increase the risk of a crash and subsequent injuries to drivers.
The recall includes the 2025 Kona Electric and 2026 Kona vehicles, per a notice the company shared on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. According to California-based Hyundai North America, the rear center seat belt buckle may not function properly.
"Reduced seat belt performance could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants in the event of a crash," the company wrote in documents shared on the NHTSA's website on Tuesday, July 14.
Hyundai said the issue affects the rear center seat belt buckles used in Kona vehicles. As of mid-July, there have been no confirmed incidents, crashes, fires or injuries due to the issue.
"Owners are advised to avoid using the rear center seating position until the recall remedy is complete," Hyundai said.
Here's what we know about the issue, and what Hyundai is doing to fix it.
How many vehicles have been recalled?
Altogether, 47,749 vehicles have been recalled, including:
- 2026 Hyundai Kona – 47,733 vehicles
- 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric – 16 vehicles
What's the issue and fix?
Hyundai said in the documents that the company sourced its rear center seat belt buckles from a Korean supplier, Joyson. Joyson informed Hyundai in February 2026 of a test failure involving a rear center seat belt buckle for the Hyundai Kona. The North America Safety Office then began investigating.
Joyson said the issue may have occurred due to "inadequate inspection controls" that led the company to use stamping dies, or tools used to cut metal sheet into specific shapes, beyond their lifespan. This led to wear on the stamping die from overuse.
"Although there have been no crashes or confirmed field incidents related to this condition, Hyundai decided to conduct a safety recall to repair all potentially affected vehicles in the US market out of an abundance of caution," the company wrote.
The automaker said it will let all owners know via first-class mail when they can take their vehicles to a Hyundai dealer. Technicians will replace the rear center seat belt buckle assembly free of charge.
The company will also reimburse owners who paid out of pocket to have the buckle fixed.
The NHTSA's number for the recall is 26V452, while Hyundai's recall number is 306.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's trending team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hyundai recalls over 47K vehicles. See affected models
Reporting by Saleen Martin, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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This story was originally published July 17, 2026 at 12:30 PM.