US NHTSA recalls over 5 lakh cars due to seat belt and safety issues: Know the warnings

In an official notification, released on September 11, the U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has recalled a total of 568,580 2020-2025 Hyundai Palisade cars.“The subject vehicles are equipped with seat belt buckle assemblies in the front row and second row outer seating positions that may contain out-of-specification components manufactured by the supplier,” NHTSA said in a report."These components can cause interference within the latch channel, potentially increasing friction, particularly under cold ambient temperatures. Improperly produced seat belt buckles, combined with slow insertion of the seat belt tongue plate, may prevent the seat belt buckle from fully latching," it added.The production dates are from April 10, 2019 to June 16, 2025."Customers may notice a lighter than normal audible “click” during the fastening process and/or a recessed push button on the buckle housing. Additionally, if the seatbelt becomes unbuckled, the Palisade is equipped with visual and auditory notifications for all seating positions within the vehicle," it has warned.

Why is this important?

We all know that annoying click when you fasten your seat belt, right? Sometimes it feels like just another chore before hitting the road, but here’s the truth: seat belts save lives, plain and simple.

Think of a car crash for a second. Even a minor accident can throw your body forward at crazy speeds. Without a seat belt, you could slam into the steering wheel, dashboard, or even get ejected from the car. Scary, right? Seat belts are designed to keep you safely in your seat, reducing the risk of serious injury or worse.It’s not just about you, either. If you’re in the back seat, not wearing a seat belt can put the driver and other passengers at risk. In a crash, an unbuckled passenger becomes a flying object. And yes, even short trips around town are risky, most accidents happen within 5 miles of home.