Recall 22V218 covers 6,240 2020-2022 Hyundai Accent and Elantra vehicles for exploding seat belt pretensioners. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 6,240 2020-2022 Accent and Elantra vehicles because the front driver and passenger-side seat belt pretensioners can explode when they deploy in a crash. Metal fragments can enter the cabin and strike occupants, so Hyundai dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front seat belt pretensioner in the 2020-2022 Hyundai Accent and Elantra is built into the front seat belt assembly. In a crash, the pretensioner tightens the belt quickly so the driver or passenger is held in position before the rest of the restraint system finishes working.
In the recalled vehicles, Hyundai identified front pretensioners from certain production lots connected to earlier pretensioner recalls. The part is supposed to deploy inside its housing during a crash, but this defect leaves the pretensioner at risk of exploding when it deploys. Hyundai reported that it was investigating the root cause, so the filing does not name the failed material or manufacturing step.
There is no warning sign before failure. The pretensioner problem happens during crash deployment, so an owner is not expected to hear, feel, or see a problem in normal driving before the recall condition appears.
Who's affected?
The Accent portion is limited to 2020, while Elantra coverage includes 2021 and 2022; both point to the same front seat belt pretensioner assembly.
| 2020 Hyundai Accent | seat belt |
|---|---|
| 2020 Hyundai Accent | seat belt |
| 2022 Hyundai Elantra | seat belt |
| 2022 Hyundai Elantra | seat belt |
| 2021 Hyundai Elantra | seat belt |
| 2021 Hyundai Elantra | seat belt |
| Units affected | 6,240 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
An exploding seat belt pretensioner can send metal fragments into the cabin, strike occupants, and cause injury. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the recall repair soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2020 Hyundai Accent or 2021-2022 Hyundai Elantra is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the free seat belt pretensioner replacement that fixes the metal-fragment risk during a crash.
- Bring the recall notice if Hyundai mailed one. If not, reference recall number 22V218 and Hyundai recall 223 when you call.
- Ask the dealer whether your vehicle also needs the newer remedy under recall 22V-354, since vehicles repaired under 22V218 still need the new repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician replaces the front driver and passenger seat belt pretensioners covered by this recall. Parts and labor are covered, and vehicles already repaired under the earlier remedy still need the new remedy completed. If you've already paid out of pocket to fix this recall condition, Hyundai's reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Bring your repair paperwork or receipts to the service desk, or contact Hyundai customer service with the documents before your appointment.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 1, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 19, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 31, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| May 31, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 31, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V218?
Recall 22V218 covers 6,240 2020 Hyundai Accent and 2021-2022 Hyundai Elantra vehicles with front seat belt pretensioners that can explode during deployment in a crash. Metal fragments can enter the cabin and injure occupants. Hyundai dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Hyundai Accent or 2021-2022 Hyundai Elantra is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 22V218. If it is, call a franchised Hyundai dealer and ask for the free seat belt pretensioner replacement. Reference Hyundai recall number 223 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Hyundai's remedy says dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners free of charge. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to complete the recall repair at no cost at a franchised Hyundai dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury from metal fragments inside the vehicle. In a crash, the front driver or passenger seat belt pretensioner can explode during deployment, sending fragments into the cabin and striking occupants.
What if my vehicle was already repaired under recall 22V218?
Hyundai says vehicles already repaired under recall 22V218 still need the new remedy completed. This recall was replaced by recall 22V-354, so check your VIN and ask the Hyundai dealer whether the updated repair is still open for your vehicle.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V218000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-855-371-9460 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V218 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V218000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →