NHTSA Recall Query: Seat Belt Pretensioners May Rupture in Genesis GV70 (RQ22-003)

RQ22-003 at a glance

What is NHTSA investigating in the Genesis GV70?

From NHTSA’s investigation summary:

On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Recall Query (RQ) based on 3 incidents alleging front seat belt pretensioners that may rupture during deployment, on model year (MY) 2020-2022 of various Hyundai and Kia Models, resulting in 3 injuries (note: one incident occurred outside the U.S. and its territories).Between October 2021 and March 2023, Hyundai and Kia have filed the following 11 safety recalls for pretensioner rupture: NHTSA Recall No. 21V-796, 22V-069, 22V-123, 22V-127, 22V-218, 22V-354, 22V-447, 22V-458, 22V-816, 23V-094, and 23V-210.Hyundai/Kia have stated that the abnormal deployment of the pretensioners is due to over-pressurization of the pretensioner pipe that can cause metal fragments to enter the vehicle occupant compartment, which can result in injury to vehicle occupants.The various makes/models covered by the above recalls include approximately 405,900 certain 2020-2022 Hyundai Accent, 2021-2022 Hyundai Elantra and Elantra HEV, 2021-2022 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV, 2020-2022 Hyundai Venue, 2021-2023 Genesis G80, 2023 Genesis G80 EV, 2023 Genesis G90, 2023 Genesis GV60 EV, 2022-2023 Genesis GV70, 2021-2023 Genesis GV80, 2021-2022 Kia Sorento HEV, and 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV.In response to ODI's investigation, in December 2022, Hyundai notified ODI that they would be conducting testing to validate subject vehicle seat belt pretensioners.

This evaluation included sled testing and software testing which was performed by Hyundai and its suppliers.

The tests were intended to evaluate pretensioner deployment characteristics based on the unique deployment signature of the subject and peer vehicles.

ODI met with representatives from Hyundai on several occasions during the investigation to discuss testing progress and data.

As a result of the testing, Hyundai was able to simulate the pretensioner failures.

It was determined by Hyundai during testing, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment in the event of a crash which can cause metal fragments to enter the vehicle occupant compartment.Hyundai thus notified ODI of their decision to proceed with a safety recall, to expand the scope of the previous safety actions.In view of the recall actions taken by Hyundai and Kia, ODI concerns have been addressed.

The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.

What is a recall query?

Recall Query is a review of whether an earlier recall actually fixed the problem or covered all the vehicles it should have. A recall query is opened when owners keep reporting the same failure after the recall repair.

Did this investigation lead to a recall?

Yes. NHTSA lists recall 23V094000 as the result of this investigation: 2021-2023 Genesis GV80 Seat Belt Pretensioner Recall (23V094).

Which vehicles are part of this investigation?

What are Genesis GV70 owners reporting to NHTSA?

NHTSA’s public database lists 462 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this investigation (all components). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

What should owners do?

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for any open recall on your vehicle.
2. If you have the problem NHTSA is investigating, take the vehicle to a dealer now and get a repair order, even if the dealer cannot find anything.
3. Keep a log of every time the problem happens: date, mileage and what happened. Photos and videos help.
4. File your own complaint at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. Owner complaints are what start and expand investigations.
5. If the problem keeps coming back, talk to a lemon law attorney.

Recalls on the same vehicles

• 2026 Hyundai Elantra Side Impact Recall (26V254)
• 2022-2026 Genesis GV70 Fuel Line Recall (26V229)
• 2025 Kia K4 Instrument Cluster Recall (26V046)
• 2025-2026 Genesis G80 Instrument Cluster Recall (26V019)
• 2025 Hyundai Tucson Curtain Air Bag Recall (25V809)
• 2023-2024 Genesis G80 Instrument Cluster Recall (25V105)
• 2024-2025 Kia Sorento Body Control Module Software Recall (25V006)
• 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV Fuel Line Recall (24V920)
• 2021-2022 Hyundai Santa FE Backup Camera Recall (24V879)
• 2024-2025 Genesis GV60 Backup Camera Recall (24V584)

Can a recall or defect investigation make my car a lemon in California?

Not by itself. What matters is whether a covered defect keeps coming back or keeps your vehicle at the dealer, and a federal investigation or recall is strong evidence that the problem is real.

Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a manufacturer that cannot fix a warranty defect that substantially impairs a vehicle’s use, value or safety within a reasonable number of attempts may have to repurchase or replace it (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)). Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the law presumes a reasonable number of attempts after two repairs of a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four repairs of the same defect, or more than 30 days out of service (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)).

An owner who prevails can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

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