Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
Hyundai has issued a major recall affecting more than 978,000 vehicles due to a serious seat belt defect. The problem is that front seat belt anchors could come loose in an accident, raising the possibility of harm. The Recall covers certain Hyundai Sonata and Sonata Hybrid models built between 2011 and 2015.
This Recall raises essential safety and legal questions for drivers in Tulsa and across Oklahoma. If a seat belt fails in a crash, the results can be severe—and, in some cases, preventable. Understanding the recall details and your rights under Oklahoma law is the first step in protecting yourself or taking legal action if you’ve been injured.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) monitors and manages vehicle recalls across the country. In this case, NHTSA worked with Hyundai to investigate complaints and identify the root of the seat belt failure.
NHTSA’s investigation into the Hyundai seat belt anchor defect highlights the importance of responding promptly to vehicle recall notices.
The seat belt anchors may not have been fully fastened during manufacturing. If a crash occurs and the anchor comes loose, the belt may not hold the passenger; this may result in severe harm, such as brain damage, internal bleeding, or even ejection from the vehicle.
If you own a recalled vehicle, Hyundai recommends bringing it to a dealership for inspection. However, if you were already involved in a crash before the Recall or the seat belt failed before you could get it repaired, your situation may require legal attention.
Seat belts are one of a vehicle’s most basic safety features. If they fail, the consequences can be severe. In cases where a known defect like this one contributes to an injury, the manufacturer may be held liable under product liability laws.
Common injuries linked to seat belt defects include spinal damage, broken bones, facial trauma, and concussions. Even if the airbag deploys correctly, a failed seat belt can still lead to serious harm because the occupant is not adequately restrained.
Even if the recall notice was issued, you may still have a valid claim if the vehicle defect caused your injury before or after the recall.
When safety features don’t work as expected, victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. This may include medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Oklahoma law allows injury victims to bring product liability claims against manufacturers, sellers, or designers if a defective product causes harm. These claims generally fall under three categories: design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn (labeling defects).
In this case, the issue is most likely a manufacturing defect, meaning the part was flawed during the assembly process. Victims don’t need to prove that Hyundai acted with intent to harm—only that the defect existed and directly caused their injury.
In Oklahoma, If a product’s design, production, or labeling flaws result in harm, the producer may be held strictly accountable, regardless of intent.
Oklahoma also follows comparative fault rules, meaning compensation could be reduced if the injured person is found partially responsible for the crash. However, even if that’s the case, victims can still recover damages if their share of fault is less than 51%.
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash involving a recalled Hyundai vehicle, here are some critical steps to take:
An attorney can help investigate the incident, consult with safety experts, and determine whether the seat belt defect contributed to your injuries.
Model | Years Affected | Issue Description |
| Hyundai Sonata | 2011–2014 | Front seat belt anchor may detach during a crash |
| Sonata Hybrid | 2011–2015 | Defective seat belt fastener assembly |
| Number of Vehicles | 978,000+ | Recall began April 7, 2017. Owners notified by Hyundai |
If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving a recalled vehicle, you may be unsure of your legal options. When a safety feature like a seat belt fails, it’s essential to understand that you could be eligible for compensation. Product liability laws are designed to protect consumers in precisely these kinds of situations.
Injuries caused by defective parts often require investigation, medical documentation, and legal experience to prove how the failure contributed to the crash. You don’t need to navigate this process alone. Speaking with a lawyer familiar with Oklahoma product liability law can help you better understand whether your case qualifies for a claim.
Many personal injury attorneys offer initial consultations at no cost and only collect fees if compensation is awarded. This can be a helpful first step for injury victims looking to explore their legal rights without upfront expenses.
Hyundai has recalled 978,000+ Sonata and Sonata Hybrid vehicles from model years 2011–2015 due to faulty front seat belt anchors that may detach during a crash.
Yes, you may be able to file a product liability claim if the seat belt defect directly caused or worsened your injury in a crash, even if the vehicle was later recalled.
You should preserve all documentation and consult a product liability attorney. A recall notice doesn’t erase liability for injuries caused by the defect.
Oklahoma applies strict liability, meaning manufacturers can be held responsible if a defective product causes harm, regardless of negligence or intent.
If the defect caused your injuries, the manufacturer may be held liable. Compensation can cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Hyundai’s large-scale seat belt recall has affected nearly a million vehicles, raising serious concerns about safety and accountability. If you’ve been injured in a crash involving one of these models, especially before the Recall was issued, you may have grounds for a legal claim.
Understanding how Oklahoma’s product liability laws work can help you make informed choices about your next steps. A skilled attorney can walk you through the process and help you determine if you’re eligible for compensation.
If a dangerous or defective vehicle part hurts you, you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. Graves McLain Injury Lawyers is available to answer your questions, offer guidance, and help you continue your recovery.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
