Hyundai Recalls Over Half a Million Vehicles Due to Safety Defects
Hyundai Motor is initiating two substantial recalls in the United States, affecting close to 600,000 vehicles in total. The first, and larger, recall targets over half a million Palisade SUVs from model years 2020 to 2025 due to faulty seat belt buckles that may not securely latch, posing a significant safety risk during collisions. Concurrently, approximately 31,000 Ioniq 6 electric sedans from 2023 to 2025 are being recalled because of defective charging port doors that could detach while the vehicle is in motion, creating a hazard for other road users. These actions highlight a recurring pattern of quality control concerns for the Korean automotive manufacturer, emphasizing the critical importance of addressing these safety issues promptly.
Hyundai Addresses Dual Vehicle Safety Concerns in Major U.S. Recalls
In a recent announcement on September 19, 2025, Hyundai Motor detailed two extensive safety recalls impacting a broad range of its vehicles in the United States. The primary recall focuses on 568,850 Palisade SUVs, specifically models manufactured between 2020 and 2025. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identified a critical flaw in the seat belt buckles of these vehicles; they may fail to properly secure occupants, even when appearing to be fastened. This defect affects the driver, front passenger, and second-row window seats, compromising a fundamental safety feature designed to protect passengers during an accident. Owners of affected Palisade vehicles are strongly advised to ensure seat belts are firmly latched and pulled to confirm security before driving, until the necessary repairs are completed. Hyundai will offer complimentary inspections and replacements of the faulty seat belt buckle assemblies, with notification letters scheduled to be mailed to owners starting November 10, 2025. Vehicle owners can verify if their SUV is part of this recall by visiting a local Hyundai dealership, entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website, or contacting Hyundai Customer Service.
Simultaneously, Hyundai is recalling 31,042 Ioniq 6 electric sedans produced between 2023 and 2025. This recall addresses a defect in the charging port doors, where faulty retaining hooks could lead to the doors detaching while driving, creating a potential road hazard. Dealers will apply an adhesive to secure these charging port door assemblies at no cost to owners, with notifications also commencing on November 10, 2025. These combined recalls, affecting nearly 600,000 vehicles, underscore an ongoing challenge for Hyundai regarding vehicle safety and quality control.
The recent recalls initiated by Hyundai serve as a stark reminder of the paramount importance of vehicle safety and the continuous vigilance required from automotive manufacturers. For consumers, this situation highlights the critical need to promptly respond to recall notices and to proactively check for any safety bulletins related to their vehicles. It also emphasizes the role of regulatory bodies like the NHTSA in ensuring that vehicles on our roads meet stringent safety standards. While recalls can be unsettling for owners, they ultimately represent a manufacturer's commitment to correcting defects and preventing potential harm. This incident reinforces that even established brands can face unexpected quality control challenges, and their response to such issues is key to maintaining consumer trust and safety.