Hyundai recall: 239K cars have seat belts that could explode

Hyundai is recalling 239,000 vehicles due to seatbelts that have the potential to explode and injure passengers.

Three injuries have been reported as a result, with two in the U.S. and one in Singapore, according to CBS News.

Government regulators told the Korean automaker that the driver’s and front passenger seat pretensioners, which tighten seatbelts before a crash, can explode while in use. This explosion sends shrapnel flying throughout the vehicle.

According to a recall notice from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 61,000 2019-2022 Accents, 12,000 2021-2022 Elantra HEVs, or hybrid electric vehicles and 166,000 2021-2023 Elantras are affected under the recall.

If an affected vehicle is on the recall list, the owners will receive notification of the recall by first class mail by July 15. They can go to a dealership to get the seatbelt pretensioners fit with a cap at no charge.

Hyundai owners who fall outside a Hyundai warranty are also eligible for repairs if they fall under the recall.

The automaker will also reimburse owners for all out-of-pocket expenses related to getting the defective part fixed.

If customers have any questions or concerns about the recall, they can contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 and reference recall number 229.

Customers can also call the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.nhtsa.gov.