Nearly 50,000 Chrysler vehicles recalled over seat belt safety defect

Chrysler is recalling nearly 50,000 vehicles over a seat belt defect that could increase the risk of injury in a crash, according to federal regulators.

The recall affects certain 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet and 2023-2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

A total of 48,777 vehicles are covered by the recall, the NHTSA said in its announcement, noting that an estimated 1.6% have the defect.

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The recall was issued because the rear outboard seat belts may become twisted and fail to retract properly.

A seat belt that does not retract may fail to properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

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The NHTSA said that drivers can take their cars to a dealer, so the seat belt retractors can be replaced, free of charge.

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Notification letters will be sent to owners starting on September 24.