Hyundai Recalls 63K Sonata, Genesis Vehicles as People May Become Trapped in Trunk

Hyundai 2020 Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, Genesis G70 Recall Overview:

• Who: Hyundai Motor America is recalling certain 2020 Sonata and Sonata Hybrid, and 2019 Genesis G70 vehicles.
• Why: The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside and potentially trapping people.
• Where: The recall is nationwide.

Hyundai is recalling more than 63,000 vehicles nationwide over a latch issue that could see people getting trapped in trunks.

Hyundai Motor America issued the recall Mar. 28 on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website for certain 2020 Sonata and Sonata Hybrid, and 2019 Genesis G70 vehicles.

According to the automaker, it is recalling 63,461 vehicles as the trunk latch in the cars may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.

“A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury,” the company said. 

The company did not say anyone had been trapped inside a car due to the issue so far. However, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.

The company is not currently facing legal action over the recall, but Top Class Actions follows recalls closely as they sometimes end in class action lawsuits

Anyone with an affected vehicle should expect a letter from the company, which will be sent by May 20. 

Dealers will inspect the trunk latch and replace the trunk latch base, as necessary, free of charge, the recall notice said. 

Hyundai Faces Additional Recalls

Meanwhile, Hyundai is recalling 140 of its 2022 Elantra and Elantra HEV vehicles due to an exploding seat belt part that has caused multiple injuries.

In a recall notice posted by the NHTSA, Hyundai says that the front passenger side seat belt pretensioner may explode upon deployment in certain 2022 Elantra and Elantra HEV vehicles in a crash.

“An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury,” the notice says.

Hyundai has already held two recalls for that same issue after two people were injured by faulty pretensioners, but 2022 Elantras were not included in either. 

However, on Feb. 15, a driver in Singapore crashed in their 2022 Hyundai Electra, and the seat belt pretensioner exploded, injuring a rear passenger and leading to the current recall.

In February, Hyundai also had to recall 357,830 of its 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles due to a risk of engine fires. The carmaker warned drivers to park their vehicles outside and away from structures as they can spontaneously catch fire even when off.  

Does this recall affect you? Let us know in the comments section below!

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