The Hyundai group is recalling 575 units of its Genesis brand’s 2023 model year G90 sedans over concerns surrounding seat belt pretensioners. In the event of a crash, these components could explode and thereby create a secondary safety concern. While it’s not the first time that Hyundai has issued such a recall, these particular pretensioners seem to pose less risk than in other previously recalled models.
According to Hyundai, the affected vehicles have a seat belt pretensioner related to past recalls. In those cases, there was a danger that in the event of a crash, the pretensioner could be over-pressurized and “deploy abnormally.” That seems to be a stand-in term for “explode.”
Evidently, a small population of G90 sedans has the same potentially problematic pretensioner. To remedy the situation, Hyundai will install a cap that eliminates the potential for over-pressurization. Models made after this batch of G90s feature a vent valve to ensure the same level of safety.
More: Genesis Recalls Most Models For Seatbelt Pretensioner That Can Explode In A Crash
It’s worth noting that the danger seems to be fairly minuscule. Hyundai is unaware of any cases where this condition has led to injury, crash, or fire. It also believes that only one percent of the 575 units likely have the defect. In addition, the danger of an explosion is only in the event of a crash, so it’s not as though it could go off randomly while one is driving down the street.
Nevertheless, it’ll install the remedy cap on all affected units. That falls in line with the fix for previously similar recalls. This counts as at least the seventh Hyundai recall surrounding seat belt pretensioners. In previous cases involving the G80, GV60, GV70, and GV80, the G90 had been excluded because its pretensioners face outward and away from occupants instead of inward.
The Korean carmaker says that “Genesis G90 vehicles are at significantly lower risk due to the unique orientation of the equipped seat belt pretensioners.” Those concerned about whether or not they have an affected G90 can call their local dealer or the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.
