Table 1 shows one common seat belt related problems of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Seat Belt problems |
This is related to the recent issue with a '26 palisade calligraphy and the stop sale due to the 2nd row seat killing a [xxx] . I just went out and tried this on my ’24 Santa Fe calligraphy with the 2nd row captains chairs and the electric button on the top of the seat. First off, if the seatbelt is secured, the button is disabled. Our rear facing car seat is a britax click tight which uses the seatbelt to secure it. If the seatbelt is not secured, the button works. I sat in the seat (adult male), reached back and pushed button, and the seat started to compress me while sitting in it. Once I started to resist, the seat stopped, but it did not back off. I had to use more pressure than expected. I had to reach back and push the button again to get out. I did the same test again this time using my arm and I had to put moderate pressure to get the seat to stop. More pressure than I expected was required. I don’t know many details on the tragic death of the [xxx] old but I believe they were in a rear facing car seat that was not using the seat belt and instead using the latch connectors to secure it to the seat. This means the button in the palisade was operable (assuming it’s like the Santa Fe) and I can totally see the seat back coming down onto the rear facing toddler. Whatever fix Hyundai does for the palisade needs to be done on the Santa Fe as well as it is dangerous for small kids with how it works currently. There has to be a way to detect pressure on the seat and render the button inoperable just like when the seatbelt is secured. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
In two separate occasions, the middle row seatbelts have unbuckled on their own. We have also had issues with the buckles not buckling or unbuckling when prompted. (like it’s stuck in the buckle to unbuckle or won’t click in) other issue is the car will randomly tell me my child is unbuckled but they are not. Today, the sensor went on and off multiple times telling me buckled, unbuckled, over and over meanwhile my child was buckled. Why is it telling me she’s not buckled if she is…. ??? and why has the belts unbuckled on their own? (the first time it was my toddler in his car seat who cannot reach the buckle).
Both driver and front passenger seat belts are nearly impossible to snap it and it is just as hard to get them to release. Sometimes you think it is snapped together and it comes out going down the road. I have taken it to the dealer and they said the parts are on back order and have been for a long time. This is a serious safety issue. It looks to me like they would be on top of something like this. If there is an accident I don't trust the seat belts to protect me and my family. It has not been listed as a recall yet so I do not understand why they would be on back order for so long.
Having great difficulty releasing the seat belt. At times, have to repeat pressing red release button. I’ve been using seat belts in more than 50-75 cars on my life experience and never had trouble releasing my seat belt. This problem is consistent with all family members who drive this car. I’m concerned if an emergency situation occurs, my family will not be able to get out of car quickly.