Search

Seatbelt Recall Impacts 200,000 Hyundai Vehicles

Posted on 6/3/2022 by Roger Marks

A major car maker is recalling more than 200,000 vehicles due to faulty seatbelt pretensioners. During a crash, the seatbelt pretensioner may “deploy abnormally,” causing metal fragments to injure the driver or passengers.

To ensure safe transportation of the recalled parts, car dealerships and service shops must recognize that seatbelt pretensioners are regulated as hazardous materials in transportation.  
NHTSA Recall Notice (May 19, 2022) 

Why Are Seatbelts Hazmat?

A seatbelt pretensioner activates when it senses the vehicle decelerate abruptly. An explosive or electrical charge moves a piston, which spins a spool that holds the seatbelt fabric. This tightens the belt to limit movement during an accident.

We see how the seatbelt mechanism works in this video clip, courtesy of the Slo-Mo Guys YouTube channel. Red paint was added for visual effect.

 
 

Typically, safety devices (including seatbelt pretensioners) may be shipped as Class 9 hazardous materials under UN 3268 when they meet specific design and testing standards (49 CFR 173.166(b)(1)). 

The phrase “explosive safety device” may sound like an oxymoron, but hazardous materials play a crucial role in protecting drivers and passengers. Like seatbelt pretensioners, car airbags utilize an explosive charge to deploy instantly.

Vehicles Affected by the Recall

The recall of seatbelt pretensioners impacts about 1% of the following vehicles:

  • Hyundai Accent (2019—2022 model years)
  • Elantra (2021—2023), and
  • Elantra HEV (2021—2022)

To fix the defect, the automaker will secure the device’s micro gas generator and delivery system to control the deployment of gas during an accident.

This is not the first time that seatbelt pretensioners have been subject to recall action.  In 2018, Ford recalled about two million F-150 trucks following reports of smoking seatbelt pretensioners.

Seatbelt Recall Impacts 200,000 Hyundai Vehicles

Hazmat Auto Parts Shipper Training

Learn the requirements that apply to safety devices like seatbelt pretensioners and airbag modules/inflators, both regulated as hazardous materials when shipped by ground, air, or vessel. The Shipping Automotive Airbags and Other Safety Devices online course is available when you want, where you want.

Access training from any internet connection, stop and start as needed to fit your schedule, and receive a trusted hazmat training Certificate from Lion Technology when you complete the course.

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

My experience with Lion classes has always been good. Lion Technology always covers the EPA requirements I must follow.

Steven Erlandson

Environmental Coordinator

Excellent job. Made what is very dry material interesting. Thoroughly explained all topics in easy-to-understand terms.

David Hertvik

Vice President

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

My experience with Lion training, both online and in the classroom, is that they are far better organized and provide a better sequential explanation of the material.

Robert Roose

Manager, Dangerous Goods Transportation

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

This is a very informative training compared to others. It covers everything I expect to learn and even a lot of new things.

Quatama Jackson

Waste Management Professional

More thorough than a class I attended last year through another company.

Troy Yonkers

HSES Representative

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Find out what makes DOT hazmat training mandatory for employees who sign the hazardous waste manifest, a “dually regulated” document for tracking shipments.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.