09:05 18-07-2026
Hyundai Kona Recall: Don't Use the Center Rear Seat Until This Buckle Is Fixed
Hyundai is recalling 47,749 Kona and Kona Electric vehicles in the US over a rear center seat belt buckle that may not hold in a crash. Here's what owners should do.
Owners of certain Hyundai Kona models aren't barred from driving, but they should skip the center rear seat until repairs are done. The seat belt buckle may not hold properly in a crash, so Hyundai has launched US recall campaign 26V452 and is advising owners to leave that seat empty for now.
The recall covers 47,749 vehicles: 47,733 gas-powered 2026 Hyundai Kona models and just 16 2025 Kona Electric units. The vehicles were built between July 8, 2025, and February 13, 2026, with a shorter window for the electric version — up through October 21, 2025. Hyundai estimates that only about 1% of the batch is actually defective, but every potentially affected vehicle still needs to be inspected and, if necessary, repaired.
The cause traces back to a worn stamping die at supplier Joyson. The tool was used beyond its intended service life and wasn't adequately monitored, which let some buckle components drift outside spec. The defect doesn't always show obvious symptoms — no guaranteed play, noise, or latching trouble — Hyundai hasn't identified a reliable warning sign.
Dealers will replace the center rear seat belt buckle assembly free of charge, regardless of whether the factory warranty is still active. Owners who already paid to fix the issue themselves can be reimbursed for reasonable costs. Notification letters are expected to go out on September 11, 2026, and VINs have been searchable in the NHTSA database since July 15.
Hyundai says it hasn't confirmed any crashes, fires, injuries, or related complaints in the US tied to this issue. Owners shouldn't try to inspect or force-test the buckle themselves — reliability under load is assessed with dynamic crash testing, not a simple click check.
The campaign applies to the US market. For a Kona brought into another country, it's worth checking the VIN against the NHTSA database and asking a dealer or specialist shop whether the replacement part is available locally. Until the fix is done, passengers can still use the outer rear seats with their normal belts — just leave the center seat open.
Recall details. NHTSA campaign number 26V452, Hyundai's internal recall number 306. The official defect description states that the rear center seat belt buckle assemblies may have been manufactured outside of specification, which could reduce seat belt performance in a crash. Dealers will replace the buckle assembly (part number 898B0-BE000) under this campaign.