In a news release, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in conjunction with Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center Inc, is calling attention to Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vehicles that were manufactured between December 2010 and March 2012 concerning a defect in the rear center position seatbelt locking mechanism. The seatbelt assembly features a locking mechanism that detaches at both the lap and shoulder, making the seatbelt non-compliant with federal motor vehicle safety standards. The dealerships have been asked to stop the sale of these vehicles with immediate effect. The company has issued a petition to only repair the vehicles that dealerships still hold in their inventory on the basis that the noncompliance is irrelevant. The company is not responsible for notifying owners of the defect or further pursuing this recall until the NHTSA has denied their petition.
As a York personal injury lawyer, I’ve witnessed this sort of non-compliant action many times in the past and am aware of the dangers that similar products pose to consumers. I urge everyone to always wear their seatbelts and follow the rules of the road to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. If you’ve suffered an injury in an accident that you believe was the result of a defective or non-compliant auto product, consult a personal injury lawyer experienced in these matters to learn more about your rights as a consumer and the possible legal avenues that may be open to you.
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