Hyundai has issued a recall covering more than 294,000 vehicles in the United States over concerns that faulty seat belt anchors may fail to properly restrain occupants in the event of a crash. The recall affects several popular models across the Hyundai and Genesis ranges, and owners are being urged to contact their nearest authorised dealership as soon as possible to arrange a free inspection and repair.
Which Vehicles Are Affected
The recall covers a range of models produced between 2023 and 2026. Specifically, owners of the following vehicles should check whether their car is included:
- 2023–2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6
- 2023–2026 Genesis G90
- 2024–2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2024–2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
If you own any of these vehicles and are unsure whether your specific car is affected, the safest course of action is to contact Hyundai customer service directly or check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall database using your vehicle identification number (VIN). The NHTSA website allows owners to search by VIN to identify whether their vehicle is subject to a current safety recall.
What Is the Problem?
The defect centres on the seat belt pretensioner — a component designed to lock the seat belt in place and remove any slack during the initial moments of a collision. According to Hyundai, the pretensioner defect could cause seat belt anchors to detach during a crash, meaning the belt would no longer restrain the occupant as intended.
In a collision, even a fraction of a second’s difference in how effectively a seat belt restrains a passenger can have life-altering consequences. The seat belt is one of the most critical safety systems in any vehicle, and a defect in the anchor mechanism represents a serious concern that Hyundai is treating with the urgency it demands.
It is important to note that, as of the time this recall was announced, no crashes, injuries or fatalities have been linked to the defect. However, the proactive nature of the recall reflects Hyundai’s commitment to addressing potential safety risks before they can result in harm to drivers or passengers.
What Will Happen at the Dealership?
Owners who bring their vehicle in will have the seat belt anchors inspected by a qualified Hyundai technician. Depending on the findings of that inspection, the anchors will either be reinforced or replaced entirely — all at no cost to the owner. The repair is covered fully under the terms of the recall, and no payment will be required.
Hyundai has indicated that notification letters will be mailed to registered owners beginning on June 5, 2026. However, owners who are concerned about their vehicle’s safety need not wait for the letter to arrive — they can contact their dealership or Hyundai’s customer service line now to arrange an appointment at their convenience.
How to Contact Hyundai
Owners can reach Hyundai’s dedicated customer service line for recall-related queries at 1-855-371-9460. The Genesis brand, which is affected separately through the G90 recall, has its own customer service channels, and G90 owners should contact their Genesis dealer directly to arrange an inspection.
The NHTSA can also be reached by phone for owners who wish to report safety concerns or obtain further information about their rights under federal recall regulations. The agency’s consumer hotline is a valuable resource for any vehicle owner navigating the recall process for the first time.
Hyundai’s Safety Record
Hyundai has grown dramatically as a global automaker over the past two decades, establishing itself as one of the most popular and respected brands in the US market. The Ioniq 6, Santa Fe and Genesis G90 are among the company’s most technologically advanced and acclaimed vehicles — models that have received strong reviews for their quality, technology and value.
Vehicle recalls, while concerning, are a routine part of the automotive industry’s safety ecosystem. Manufacturers are legally required to notify owners and remedy defects at no charge, and the system is designed precisely to ensure that issues are addressed before they can escalate into serious safety events. Hyundai’s prompt action in issuing this recall is consistent with the responsibilities of a responsible global automaker.
What Should Owners Do Right Now?
If you own one of the affected models, the most important steps are straightforward: check your VIN against the recall database, contact your nearest Hyundai or Genesis dealership, and arrange for your vehicle to be inspected. In the meantime, continue to wear your seat belt as normal — the risk associated with the defect is present in extreme crash scenarios, and the seat belt remains significantly safer than not wearing one at all.
Stay informed, act promptly, and take advantage of the free repair that Hyundai is obligated to provide. Your safety — and the safety of your passengers — is always worth prioritising.