Certain all-new, 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid models are being recalled due to failing to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208: “Occupant Crash Protection.” If equipped with a center rear seat belt that uses a release device that separates both the lap and shoulder section at the lower anchorage point, the cars simply do not meet the standard. The recalled sedans were built starting December 2, 2010 and shipped to dealers through March 7, 2012. At this point, approximately 14,728 Sonata Hybrids are affected but many of those are still in dealership inventory.
To fix the issue with the cars that have yet to be delivered, Hyundai will replace center seat belts with different units that do not detach at the lower anchorage point. However, a rather peculiar situation has presented itself with the approximate 13,095 Sonata Hybrids already in the public’s hands. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Hyundai intends to file a petition to exempt the vehicles from the recall. The automaker believes that issue is trivial, calling it “inconsequential as it relates to motor vehicle safety” and thus, Hyundai shouldn’t be obligated an owner notification and remedy. At this point, a recall of the public’s Sonata Hybrids will not take place until the NHTSA has resolved the petition but if denied, the automaker will have to go through with the fix.
Source: NHTSA
