— Hyundai is recalling more than 34,000 Santa Fe compact SUVs to fix problems with seat belt alarms. Hyundai says the 2016-2017 Santa Fe seat belt alarm might not provide an audible warning if the seat belt isn't being worn.
Hyundai says it learned of the problem in February 2016 during an audit of a new Santa Fe. Employees saw a driver's seat belt buckle could be pinched inside the height adjuster mechanism for the seat.
The finding caused Hyundai to begin a survey of all available Santa Fe SUVS at the location where the problem was discovered. The automaker determined about 5 percent of the SUVs had seat belt buckle harnesses that were routed incorrectly, which allowed the height adjuster mechanism to pinch the belt buckle.
The final blame was laid on the seat supplier that had changed its assembly process, causing the misrouted seat belt buckle harnesses.
Hyundai says the recalled Santa Fe SUVs were built September 1, 2015, to February 12, 2016.
The recall should begin May 6, 2016. Hyundai dealers will inspect and reroute the wires in the front seat belt buckle harnesses.
Owners of the 2016-2017 Santa Fe who have questions should call Hyundai at 800-633-5151 and use recall number 141.
