FaultScore

Hyundai Elantra seat belt problems

230 of the 12,072 complaints filed about the Hyundai Elantra are about the seat belts — 2% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2021.

230

Complaints

2%

Share of all complaints

59

Crashes

0

Fires

Seat Belts complaints by model year

1992 Elantra 2 0.9%
1993 Elantra 4 1.7%
1994 Elantra 2 0.9%
1995 Elantra 8 3.5%
1996 Elantra 2 0.9%
1997 Elantra 2 0.9%

Median failure at 38,000 miles

1998 Elantra 2 0.9%
1999 Elantra 7 3.0%
2000 Elantra 16 7.0%

Median failure at 58,000 miles

2001 Elantra 7 3.0%

Median failure at 83,178 miles

2002 Elantra 16 7.0%

Median failure at 36,048 miles

2003 Elantra 12 5.2%

Median failure at 44,653 miles

2004 Elantra 13 5.7%

Median failure at 41,051 miles

2005 Elantra 6 2.6%

Median failure at 7,542 miles

2006 Elantra 1 0.4%

Median failure at 5,768 miles

2007 Elantra 8 3.5%

Median failure at 97,500 miles

2008 Elantra 4 1.7%

Median failure at 65,409 miles

2009 Elantra 2 0.9%

Median failure at 133,900 miles

2010 Elantra 7 3.0%

Median failure at 61,535 miles

2011 Elantra 2 0.9%

Median failure at 10 miles

2012 Elantra 6 2.6%

Median failure at 45,000 miles

2013 Elantra 17 7.4%

Median failure at 83,000 miles

2014 Elantra 6 2.6%

Median failure at 19,677 miles

2015 Elantra 3 1.3%

Median failure at 106,000 miles

2016 Elantra 3 1.3%

Median failure at 35,000 miles

2017 Elantra 8 3.5%

Median failure at 46,250 miles

2018 Elantra 4 1.7%

Median failure at 46,000 miles

2019 Elantra 6 2.6%

Median failure at 13,500 miles

2020 Elantra 1 0.4%
2021 Elantra 27 11.7%
2022 Elantra 23 10.0%
2023 Elantra 2 0.9%
2025 Elantra 1 0.4%

What owners said

2013 Hyundai Elantra Derry, NH

SEAT BELTS

The buckles on two of the rear seatbelts have cut through the belt horizontally - guessing from friction. I was not aware until a passenger in my back seat pointed it out to me, and it had happened on two of the three belts.

NHTSA complaint #11752652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Hyundai Elantra Cookeville, TN

SEAT BELTS

The rear driver‑side seat belt in my 2025 Hyundai Elantra will not extend or retract. The seat belt was used under normal conditions, with no excessive force, misuse, or accident that would cause damage. It suddenly stopped functioning and is now completely inoperable. A non‑functioning seat belt is a serious safety hazard because passengers cannot be properly restrained. I brought the vehicle to the dealership, but they refused to repair or replace the seat belt under warranty. They claimed the belt was “overextended,” despite the fact that it was only used normally and has never been involved in any incident that would cause such damage. The dealer’s refusal to address a critical safety component leaves the vehicle unsafe for passengers. I am reporting this issue because seat belt failure should not occur under normal use, and the manufacturer/dealer is declining to correct the defect.

NHTSA complaint #11748350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Hyundai Elantra Voluptas Nemo Aute n, WI

SEAT BELTS

testung

NHTSA complaint #11725040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Hyundai Elantra Chicago, IL

SEAT BELTS

I bought my car at McGrath Hyundai in chicago in May 2021. It’s been in their shop 30 plus times for various and repeated issues. As of late, over the last 6 months, I have reported to them and to Hyundai, my drivers side seat belt won’t retract properly and the high mounted brake light warning continuously goes off, a dinging, stating that there is an issue. Hyundai and McGrath repeatedly misdiagnosed and refused to fix these issues when they were first brought to their attention when under 60,000 miles. NOW that the car is over 60,000 miles, conveniently they’re stating that it’s out of warranty and will cost $2k. The technicians and service advisor Christine Tonelli at McGrath, knowingly and willfully misdiagnosed my car, attempting to cover up the issues stating that there was no issue. They said the seat belt was fine and the wiring wasn’t the issue for the high mount d brake light and kept changing the bulb. They knew it should have known there was a seat belt issue with it not retracting and the same with the high mount d brake light. Suddenly after 60,000 miles, they now state I was right the whole time by telling me it will be $2000 to fix it. I have all service records and emails.

NHTSA complaint #11719531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Hyundai Elantra Chicago, IL

SEAT BELTS

My vehicle has been in the shop here at McGrath Hyundai in Chicago, IL 30+ times since I bought it 5/21. Electrical, (rear), 6 horns, 6 blower motors, multiple warranty and recalls and now my front driver seat belt. They’re refusing to fix it even though I have reported it before. They’re saying over 60,000 miles makes it no longer under warranty. I reported it before and they said that it was okay. It was not okay and still isn’t okay and they think I’m going to pay $1500 to get it fixed now as well as re wiring the back of the vehicle for $600, which I have been reporting issues with for years.

NHTSA complaint #11717820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Hyundai Elantra Gainesville, FL

SEAT BELTS

The horn is not working when I press the horn or on the key fob. I had it checked and the fuses were fine. The seat belt chime also does not work out of nowhere, same time the horn stopped working.

NHTSA complaint #11703140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Hyundai Elantra Orlando, FL

SEAT BELTS

I have constantly had problems with the airbag light going on & off for simply no reason driving the road. Also the windshield sensor light keeps going off making it unsafe to drive at night. I am am a senior citizen & I have to work and I keep going back & forth with my mechanic paying extensive checks on top of getting the problem resolved. I don't have money like that. I live along surviving off of one income.

NHTSA complaint #11690526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Hyundai Elantra Durham, NC Crash 5 injured

SEAT BELTS

. During the accident on February 1, 2025, at the moment of impact, the passenger seat belt suddenly unlatched and became stuck on my right hand. As a direct result, I suffered a fracture in my right hand at the exact point where the belt got caught, as well as fractures in my foot, ribs, back, and multiple other injuries. This seat belt failure left me completely exposed to much greater danger, including the possibility of being ejected through the front windshield. If it had not been for my feet getting trapped, I likely would have been thrown out of the vehicle. I firmly believe that this seat belt malfunction contributed significantly to the severity of my injuries.

NHTSA complaint #11682203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Hyundai Elantra Florence, AZ Crash 2 injured

SEAT BELTS

Seatbelt failed passenger was thrown forward hitting windshield afterwards airbag deployed throwing passenger upwards hitting roof of vehicle Issue: Delayed airbag deployment Issue: Seatbelt failure

NHTSA complaint #11679620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2009 Hyundai Elantra Palmetto, FL Crash

SEAT BELTS

During a car accident yesterday. Upon impact at about 30 mph the seatbelt ripped and provided no deceleration during a head on collision. If it wasn’t for the airbag I would have been very seriously injured. It has not yet been inspected by insurance but I have a few videos of the failure for the seatbelt to work.

NHTSA complaint #11661164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Prince Frederick, MD Crash

SEAT BELTS

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle in a driveway, she was unaware if she was depressing the brake pedal or accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle accelerated out of control and crashed into her barn, where it came to a stop. No air bags deployed. The contact stated that she did not sustain injuries. No medical attention was required. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed by her insurance company. The fire department was at the scene. The contact mentioned the vehicle was stuck in the barn on both the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the seat belt did not retract. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11658250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Hyundai Elantra Troy, MT

SEAT BELTS

When I am driving with my seatbelt on for no reason at all my seatbelt comes undone doesn't happen all the time but Several times it has happened to me. And then there is something wrong with the transmission. Doesn't shift right away so it like jerks or lunges when it finally goes into gear. I have noticed both of these problems since 2/28/2025

NHTSA complaint #11655779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Hyundai Elantra Phoenix, AZ

SEAT BELTS

FAULTY REARVIEW CAMERA My 2022 Hyundai Elantra sedan rearview camera fails to display clear image or displays no image when shift gear is in reverse position. 2021 and 2022 Hyundai Elantra sedan models were recalled - Recall #271. I need my vehicle repaired but have been told by Hyundai Corporate that my vehicle is not eligible. That is why I am filing this complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11646783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Hyundai Elantra Savannah, GA

SEAT BELTS

Teenage daughter was in seat belt. Laid over a little when she sat back up the seat belt tighten around her waist and would not release. When tried to pull down from top it continue to tighten and lock around abdomen. With every small move it locked up more until there was no choice but you cut the belt because it was cutting off circulation.

NHTSA complaint #11608793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Hyundai Elantra Pittsfield, MA

SEAT BELTS

Our car failed inspection due to a safety issue. Two seats belt are frayed. The photo shows the center belt is frayed where it enters the back seat. The Hyundai dealer wanted more than $1,000 to replace. I went to a local auto wrecker for a used replacements. He had two 2011 Hyundai Elanrtas. Both had the same seat belt damage on the center seat belt. The center belt has been used very little over the life of the car. Since all three vehicles had the same damage it appears that this is not due to normal wear and tear. I feel that Hyundai should replace the seat belt at no cost

NHTSA complaint #11599530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Hyundai Elantra Black Earth, WI

SEAT BELTS

The seat belts have failed to latch and/or unlatch on many occasions.

NHTSA complaint #11574815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Hyundai Elantra Gastonia, NC

SEAT BELTS

I have contacted the dealer. I am almost ready to get a lawyer. This is the 4th lemon I’ve been sold. Seat belt is installed wrong. Software updates are available and screaming at me but the dealership Will not call Me back. Two days now. Hyundai finance has treated me Disrespectfully. I have error messages when I enter the car. The hood looks aftermarket and about to pop up. The NHtsa website says this car has recalls but not mine?? What ?? It smells like something is burning from the console. The brake collision is calibrated off. I would have a wreck. It’s not safe. Period.

NHTSA complaint #11555104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Hyundai Elantra Maple Grove, MN

SEAT BELTS

The driver side seatbelt is pulled out and will not retract. Our safety is at risk every time we drive this vehicle as the seatbelt won't protect the driver from being flung into other passengers or prevent from being flung out of the vehicle. This issue has been confirmed by Walser Hyundai in Brooklyn Park, MN on 11/7/23. There were no warning signs of the issue except for seat belt seeming to retract slow for the last5/1/ couple years.

NHTSA complaint #11554463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Hyundai Elantra at 106,000 miles Lady Lake, FL

SEAT BELTS

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt failed to latch as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

NHTSA complaint #11545578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Hyundai Elantra at 46,000 miles Bogalusa, LA

SEAT BELTS

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the seat belt was inoperable. The contact stated that the air bag was falling out of the air bag enclosure. The vehicle failed to start immediately but was started after several attempts. The air bag and seat belt warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the battery terminal posts were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who tightened the battery post. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

NHTSA complaint #11541387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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