Hyundai has issued a safety recall affecting 47,749 Kona SUVs in the United States after identifying a defect involving the rear center seat belt buckle that could increase injury risks during a crash.

The recall covers the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric and 2026 Hyundai Kona models, after a supplier-related issue raised concerns about whether the affected seat belt components could perform as designed. Owners of impacted vehicles are being advised to have the parts replaced by authorized dealers at no cost.

Supplier Testing Failure Led To Hyundai Safety Investigation

According to a report from Fox Business, the issue involves rear center seat belt buckles supplied by Joyson, a Korean automotive supplier. Hyundai began investigating after Joyson reported a test failure involving the component in February 2026.

The supplier determined that the problem may have resulted from “inadequate inspection controls” that allowed manufacturing tools known as stamping dies to continue being used beyond their intended lifespan. These tools are used to shape metal components during production.

The investigation focused on whether the affected buckles could maintain their expected performance during a collision. Hyundai’s North America Safety Office reviewed the information before deciding to launch a recall covering vehicles equipped with the potentially affected parts.

The company said the recall was initiated as a preventive measure designed to address any possible safety concern before drivers experienced problems on the road. Hyundai is instructing owners to visit dealerships where technicians will replace the rear center seat belt buckle assembly.

Hyundai Says No Crashes Or Confirmed Incidents Have Been Reported

Hyundai stated that there have been no known crashes or confirmed field incidents connected to the seat belt buckle condition. The company explained that the recall decision was made to remove any potential risk from vehicles currently in use.

The absence of reported incidents does not eliminate the possibility of a safety concern during a severe collision. Seat belt systems are designed to restrain occupants during impact, making proper operation of every component necessary for occupant protection.

Hyundai is encouraging affected owners to avoid using the rear center seating position until the repair has been completed. Drivers can contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 for additional information about the recall process.

Free Repairs Available For Affected Kona Owners

Owners of recalled vehicles will be able to receive the necessary repair without paying for parts or labor. Hyundai dealerships will replace the affected rear center seat belt buckle assemblies free of charge.

The automaker also confirmed that customers who previously paid for repairs related to this issue may be eligible for reimbursement. Owners should keep documentation of any expenses connected to the repair process.

The recall affects 47,733 Hyundai Kona vehicles and 16 Hyundai Kona Electric vehicles, making it one of the larger recent safety actions involving Hyundai’s compact SUV lineup.

The repair campaign reflects the growing attention manufacturers and regulators place on supplier quality controls, especially for components directly linked to passenger protection.

What Hyundai Kona Owners Should Do Next

Owners of the affected 2025 Kona Electric and 2026 Kona models should check whether their vehicle is included in the recall and schedule an appointment with an authorized Hyundai dealer.

Until the repair is completed, Hyundai recommends avoiding use of the rear center seat position. The company expects dealerships to provide the replacement service as part of the official recall campaign.

The recall highlights how a manufacturing or inspection issue involving a single vehicle component can lead to a large-scale safety action. For drivers, responding quickly to recall notices remains one of the most effective ways to ensure their vehicles continue meeting safety requirements.