South Korea automobile manufacturer Hyundai is recalling around 140,000 2015 Sonata mid-sized sedans in North America, specifically in the United States and Canada due to the issues on the passenger seat belt buckle.
The company announced on Thursday that the problem was found in 2015 Sonata, which is produced between Apr. 24 and Dec. 4, 2014. The seat belt metal tongue may jam and will fail to be fastened, which may pose safety risks, according to Reuters.
The dashboard warning light will be on if the seat belt is not fastened. As of now, no injuries were reported due to the said issue.
Hyundai further said that dealers will either repair or replace the 2015 Sonata at no cost. The repair will only last for around an hour. Consumers who purchased the model are encouraged to go to their respective dealers to fix the seat belt issue.
Ironically, Hyundai claimed that the 2015 Sonata was named as one of the best family cars by Parents magazine and Edmunds.com. The award was earned for the car's safety and family-friendly features such as roomy cabin space and intuitive technology.
"Families look to their cars to keep them safe while delivering versatility for daily activities and we are proud that the Sonata continues to exceed the expectations of parents on what matters most to them," said Hyundai Motor America VP for corporate and product planning Mike O'Brien.
"To keep families safe on the road, the Sonata comes standard with seven airbags, including a new driver's knee airbag designed to provide additional protection in certain collisions," O'Brien added.
Meanwhile, Hyundai 2015 Sonata was also cited as one of the most affordable mid-size sedans. This is because of the car's inexpensive purchase price, low fuel costs, and residual value.