Investigations
Front Passenger Seat Belt Anchor Failure
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE16018 — closed, opened 2016-12-27 and involving the HYUNDAI HYUNDAI.
NHTSA investigation PE16018 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2016-12-27 and currently closed. The subject of record is HYUNDAI HYUNDAI, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for HYUNDAI. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2017-10-23 — NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
A Preliminary Evaluation like PE16018 is the entry point of the federal defect-investigation process. NHTSA engineers scan complaint databases, field reports, and manufacturer data to decide whether an Engineering Analysis is warranted, whether a voluntary recall is already sufficient, or whether the pattern does not rise to a defect finding.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on December 27, 2016 based on two ODI consumer complaints reporting a failure of the front passenger seat belt to remain connected to the seat belt anch..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time. Related HYUNDAI files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on December 27, 2016 based on two ODI consumer complaints reporting a failure of the front passenger seat belt to remain connected to the seat belt anchor and pre-tensioner during a crash. On March 8, 2017 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) filed a defect report with the agency stating that it would conduct a safety recall on 977,778 model year 2010-2014 Sonata vehicles produced from December 11, 2009 through May 29, 2014 and model year 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles produced from December 2, 2010 through January 9, 2015. The remedy for the recall was to inspect the front seat belt anchor connector for proper attachment to the seat belt pre-tensioner. ODI continued the investigation in order to pursue a remedy that would be more lasting, rather than a one-time inspection. The connector is designed so that it can be removed from the pre-tensioner, when required, during vehicle maintenance. If it is not properly connected when originally installed or when re-installed after maintenance, the connector could potentially release in a crash. On September 4, 2017 Hyundai filed an amended defect report and advised the agency that the remedy would be modified to provide a permanent label, to be attached to the connector, at the time of inspection. The label provides graphic instructions and illustration as to the proper orientation of the connector lock when it is properly installed. On October 4, 2017 Hyundai filed an additional defect report (see 17V-671) to have the vehicles that have had only the inspection procedure performed return to dealers to have the permanent label applied to the connector. ODI is closing this investigation based on Hyundai's recall action to add a permanent label to the connector. This preliminary evaluation is closed. The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.gov/complaints under the following identification numbers: 10903469 and 10926737.
About This Investigation Type
A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first phase of NHTSA's investigation process. It is opened when the agency identifies a potential safety defect pattern, usually triggered by consumer complaints, manufacturer reports, or field monitoring. During a PE, NHTSA gathers information to determine whether a formal engineering analysis is warranted.
Other HYUNDAI Investigations
Inadvertent Seat Belt Unlatch
3.3L Engine Loss of Motive Power (LOMP)
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Loss of Motive Power
Windshield Wiper Failure
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. Learn more.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.