Seat Belt Issues in the Ioniq 5
Sales of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 fell by 63% last month due to the cancellation of the tax incentive for clean vehicles. This was a serious blow, and now the 2025 model faces a sales ban.
The issue concerns the recall of 1,535 electric vehicles in which the front seat belts may be improperly secured. This could prevent them from functioning correctly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Hyundai first learned about the problem in July after a report that the driver’s side seat belt was “not fully installed” in an Ioniq 5.
An investigation revealed that a “new rework process” was applied during the vehicle’s production at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia. Although details were not disclosed, the process involved disassembling the B-pillar area and removing the seat belts. The company inspected 19 vehicles that underwent rework and found that in four of them, the seat belt anchor bolt was not fully tightened.
As a result, dealers will inspect and secure the seat belts as necessary. The sale of 64 vehicles currently at dealers has been temporarily suspended.
Fuel Tank Issues in the Sonata
Shortly after a massive fuel tank recall for the Kia K5, Hyundai has announced a similar campaign for 2020-2023 Sonatas.
85,043 sedans may have a damaged check valve, which allows air to enter the fuel tank. This can cause the tank to expand, come into contact with hot exhaust system components, and melt.
The issue is related to the purge control system valve, which can gradually wear out and fail.
The first issues appeared in 2023, and Hyundai reports seven cases of fuel leakage in the US and Canada. Two of them were recorded last month, but the manufacturer has not reported any injuries or accidents.
Dealers will inspect and replace the check valve, as well as inspect the fuel tank. If the tank is damaged, it will be replaced free of charge. The vehicle’s software will also be checked and updated, as the latest version includes diagnostics for monitoring fuel tank pressure.
These recalls occur at a time when automakers are increasingly focusing on electric vehicles but still maintain a significant portion of their business on traditional internal combustion engine models. Safety issues in both types of vehicles highlight the importance of manufacturing quality and prompt response to potential threats, regardless of the technology. For owners of the affected models, the most important thing is to contact official dealers immediately for free defect repairs.