What the Hyundai Seat Belt Charging Port Recall Covers

Hyundai issued a recall affecting certain 2023 and 2024 Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 electric vehicles because the seat belt pretensioner can overheat and catch fire. The problem is not with the seat belt itself, but with a charging port inside the pretensioner mechanism — a component that tightens your seat belt during a crash to hold you in place. When this port malfunctions, it can generate enough heat to ignite the material around it, even when the vehicle is parked and turned off.

This is a fire risk that can occur without warning and without the vehicle being in use. Hyundai has not reported injuries or fires from this defect as of the recall announcement, but the potential for serious harm is why the recall was issued. The recall applies to vehicles built between certain production dates; you can check whether your specific vehicle is included by entering your VIN on Hyundai's recall portal or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.

Key Takeaways

  • The defect is in the seat belt pretensioner charging port, which can overheat and create a fire risk even when the car is parked.
  • The recall affects 2023 and 2024 Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 models built during specific production windows — check your VIN to confirm whether your vehicle is included.
  • Hyundai's remedy is to replace the affected seat belt pretensioner assembly with a corrected version at no cost to you.
  • You should contact a Hyundai dealer as soon as you confirm your vehicle is recalled, because the fire risk exists whether you are driving or parked.
  • If you cannot reach a dealer when ready, avoid parking your vehicle in enclosed spaces like garages until the repair is completed.

How to Check If Your Vehicle Is Included

You will need your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to determine whether your Ioniq 5 or Ioniq 6 is affected. Your VIN appears on your registration documents, insurance card, and on the dashboard at the base of the windshield on the driver's side. You can also find it on the door jamb of the driver's door.

Go to the NHTSA website (safercar.gov) and use their recall search tool, or visit Hyundai's official recall page and enter your VIN. Both will tell you when ready whether your vehicle is part of this recall. If it is, you will see the recall number and a description of the defect. Write down the recall number — you will need it when you contact a dealer.

If you bought your vehicle used and do not have the original paperwork, the VIN is still visible on the dashboard and door jamb. If you cannot locate it, any Hyundai dealer can help you find it during a service visit.

What Hyundai's Repair Solution Is

Hyundai's remedy is to replace the entire seat belt pretensioner assembly on the affected side with a corrected unit that does not have the charging port defect. This is not a software update or a temporary fix — it is a physical replacement of the component.

The repair takes place at a Hyundai dealership and is covered under the recall at no cost to you, regardless of your vehicle's age or mileage. You do not need to pay for parts or labor. The dealership will schedule an appointment, perform the replacement, and test the system to confirm it is working correctly before returning the vehicle to you.

The repair typically takes a few hours, though wait times at dealerships vary. Some dealers may offer loaner vehicles while yours is being serviced, but this is not may provide — call ahead and ask when you schedule your appointment.

Why This Defect Matters for Safety

A seat belt pretensioner is a pyrotechnic device — it uses a small controlled explosion to tighten the belt in a fraction of a second during a crash. The charging port inside this mechanism is supposed to remain inert and safe. When the port overheats, it can ignite the materials around it, turning the pretensioner itself into a source of fire rather than a safety device.

The danger is compounded because this can happen without any warning and without the vehicle being driven. A parked car in a garage or driveway is still at risk. This is why Hyundai classified it as a safety recall rather than a performance or comfort issue — the potential for fire in a vehicle you are sitting in or near is a serious hazard.

Seat belt pretensioners are designed to fail safely. This defect represents a failure mode that is not safe, which is why the recall exists and why you should have it repaired promptly.

Steps to Schedule Your Repair

First, confirm your vehicle is recalled by checking your VIN as described above. Once you have confirmed it, contact a Hyundai dealership near you. You can find dealerships on Hyundai's website or by searching online for "Hyundai dealer near me."

When you call, tell the service department that your vehicle is subject to a recall for the seat belt pretensioner and provide the recall number. They will pull up the recall in their system and schedule an appointment. Be clear about your availability — some dealerships have longer wait times than others, especially if multiple vehicles in your area are being recalled.

Bring your vehicle registration and proof of ownership to the appointment. The dealership will perform the repair at no charge. If you are concerned about the fire risk and cannot get an appointment when ready, avoid parking your vehicle in enclosed spaces like garages or covered parking until the repair is done.

What to Do If You Cannot Reach Your Local Dealer

If your nearest Hyundai dealership has a long wait or is not responding to recall requests, you have options. Contact Hyundai's customer service line directly — the number is on your registration documents and on Hyundai's website. Explain that you have a recalled vehicle and cannot get a timely appointment. Hyundai can sometimes authorize repairs at other dealerships or help you find an alternative location.

You can also file a complaint with NHTSA if you believe Hyundai is not responding to recall requests in a timely manner. NHTSA has authority to enforce recall compliance and can investigate if manufacturers are not making repairs reasonably available to owners.

In the meantime, treat the vehicle as a fire risk. Do not park it in a garage, especially not overnight. If you must drive it to a dealership appointment, keep the distance short and avoid highway speeds if possible. This is a precaution, not a may provide — the goal is to have the repair done as soon as you can arrange it.

Understanding Recall Timelines and Your Rights

Hyundai is required by federal law to notify all owners of recalled vehicles. If you are the registered owner, you should receive a letter in the mail explaining the defect and instructing you how to schedule a repair. This letter will include the recall number and dealership contact information.

There is no important date by which you must have the repair done, but that does not mean you should delay. The longer your vehicle remains unrepaired, the longer it carries the fire risk. If you sell the vehicle before the recall is completed, you are required to disclose the open recall to the buyer — this can affect the vehicle's resale value and your liability.

If you have already paid for repairs to this component out of pocket before the recall was issued, contact Hyundai about reimbursement. Some manufacturers will reimburse owners for recent repairs related to a recalled defect, though policies vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my car normally while waiting for the recall repair?

You can drive it to a dealership appointment, but avoid long trips or highway driving if possible. The fire risk exists whether the vehicle is parked or in use, so the sooner you get the repair done, the better. Do not park it in a garage or enclosed space overnight.

Will this recall affect my vehicle's warranty or resale value?

Recall repairs do not void your warranty or affect coverage. Having the recall completed actually protects your resale value — an open recall must be disclosed to any buyer and makes the vehicle harder to sell. A completed repair removes that liability.

What if the dealership says they do not have the replacement parts in stock?

Ask when the parts are expected to arrive and get a specific appointment date. If the wait is very long, contact Hyundai customer service to see if another dealership nearby has parts in stock. You can also ask whether Hyundai will cover the cost of a loaner vehicle while you wait.

Does this recall affect other Hyundai models besides the Ioniq 5 and 6?

This specific recall is limited to 2023 and 2024 Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 models. Other Hyundai vehicles may have different recalls. Check your VIN on NHTSA or Hyundai's website to see all open recalls for your specific vehicle.

What should I do if my vehicle catches fire before I can get it repaired?

Exit the vehicle when ready and move to a safe distance. Call 911 and tell emergency responders that the vehicle is subject to a recall for a seat belt pretensioner fire risk — this information may help them respond appropriately. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire yourself. After the incident, contact Hyundai and NHTSA to report it.