Recall Alert: 2011-2012 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai is recalling a portion of the 14,728 model-year 2011 and 2012 Sonata Hybrid sedans manufactured with a faulty backseat center seat belt, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The affected vehicles were manufactured starting on Dec. 2, 2010, and shipped to dealers through March 7, 2012. The faulty seat belts have lap and shoulder belts that may detach. In a crash, these passengers may become unrestrained, increasing the risk of injury. Hyundai will correct the issue on the 1,633 Sonata Hybrids sedans that are still in dealer inventory. For the remaining 13,095 affected vehicles that have already been sold, the automaker filed a petition of exemption "on the basis that the noncompliance described is inconsequential as it relates to motor vehicle safety," according to NHTSA. This means that Hyundai wouldn't have to fix the issue in cars already sold if NHTSA allows the petition. If the petition is denied, Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will replace the affected seat belt free of charge. Owners can call NHTSA's vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236 for more info. from KickingTires http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/

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