Hyundai is recalling more than 47,000 Kona SUVs in the U.S. after discovering a defect with the rear center seat belt buckle that could increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The recall covers 47,749 vehicles, including certain 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric and 2026 Hyundai Kona models, according to documents posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The rear center seat belt buckle may fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash, the automaker said.
“A seat belt buckle that fails to properly restrain an occupant in a crash increases the risk of injury,” NHTSA said in its recall notice.
Hyundai is advising owners not to use the rear center seating position until the recall repair has been completed.
The recall affects 47,733 model-year 2026 Kona SUVs and 16 model-year 2025 Kona Electric vehicles.
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According to recall documents, Hyundai’s supplier, Joyson Safety Systems, notified the automaker in February that testing identified a potential problem with the rear center seat belt buckle used in the Kona.
Joyson determined the issue may have resulted from inadequate inspection controls that allowed metal stamping dies used to manufacture the buckles to remain in service beyond their intended lifespan, leading to excessive wear.
Although there have been no confirmed crashes, injuries, fires or other incidents related to the issue, Hyundai said it decided to conduct the recall “out of an abundance of caution.”
Dealers will replace the rear center seat belt buckle assembly free of charge. Hyundai also said it will reimburse owners who previously paid out of pocket to repair the issue.
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Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Sept. 11. Owners with questions can contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 and reference recall number 306. The NHTSA recall number is 26V452000. Vehicle identification numbers became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 15.
A representative for Hyundai did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.