Nearly 15,000 Hyundai Sonata hybrids are being recalled due to a potential issue with the rear center seatbelt, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall affects Sonata hybrids manufactured between December 2010 and March 2012. The rear center seatbelt in this model incorporates a release mechanism that can be detached from the lower anchorage point at both the lap and shoulder portions, which violates the federal motor vehicle safety standards for “occupant crash protection.
Hyundai dealerships are currently replacing the rear center safety belts in the more than 1,600 vehicles still on the lot, but the Hyundai Corporation has filed a petition seeking to exempt the company from replacing the belts in the more than 13,000 Sonatas that have already been sold to consumers. According to Hyundai’s petition, the seat belt issue is “inconsequential” to the vehicle’s overall safety. While this petition is being considered, the Hyundai Corporation has no obligation to inform Sonata hybrid owners that a recall has been issued. If the petition is rejected Hyundai will then be required to notify consumers and begin replacing the non-compliant seat belts.
As an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer I am well aware of the danger that malfunctioning auto parts or vehicles that do not meet federal safety guidelines can put their owners in. If you or someone you love has been injured in an automobile accident caused by a defective automobile, please consider hiring a Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney.