Hyundai, Kia automobiles probed by NHTSA over exploding seat belt pretensioners linked to three accidents

WASHINGTON — U.S. auto security regulators are investigating sure Hyundai and Kia automobiles from the 2020-22 mannequin years after allegations of exploding seat belt pretensioners which were linked to 3 accidents.

The investigation might have an effect on an estimated 275,000 automobiles and can initially cowl the:

• 2021-22 Hyundai Elantra and Elantra Hybrid

• 2021 Hyundai Venue

• 2021 Genesis GV80

• 2022 Genesis GV70

• 2020-21 Hyundai Accent

• 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid

NHTSA’s Workplace of Defects Investigation mentioned it was conscious of three separate incidents alleging defective seat belt pretensioners.

“In all three incidents, the driver-side seat belt pretensioner deployed abnormally, inflicting metallic fragments to enter the rear cabin leading to accidents to the rear occupants,” in keeping with a report launched Friday.

The company mentioned the “failure mechanism and contributing components stay unclear.”

Hyundai mentioned it’s absolutely cooperating with NHTSA.

“Hyundai has maintained common and open communication with NHTSA relating to these recollects and can proceed to offer related info and information all through the recall question course of,” the automaker mentioned in an announcement.

Kia didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark.

Korean firm Samsong Industries Co. is the provider of the pretensioners, in keeping with NHTSA.

From October 2021 to April this yr, Hyundai and Kia issued 5 separate recollects for exploding seat belt pretensioners.

NHTSA has launched the investigation — often called a “recall question” — for additional evaluation and to find out whether or not extra automobiles needs to be recalled, citing “the intense nature of the failures and a number of security recollects issued.”

With a security probe, the company will assess the scope and severity of the potential defect and different doable safety-related points.

Most NHTSA investigations begin as preliminary evaluations, through which company engineers request info from the producer, together with information on complaints, accidents and guarantee claims. The producer can also current its view relating to the alleged defect and will situation a recall.

After the analysis, NHTSA will both shut the investigation or transfer into the subsequent part. If a safety-related defect exists, in keeping with NHTSA, the company may ship a “recall request” letter to the producer.