Karmactive Team
Hyundai has initiated a safety recall campaign for 245 units of its award-winning Inster electric vehicle after identifying potentially hazardous retaining studs under the driver’s seat that could pose a laceration risk.
The recall, filed under reference number REC-006394 and campaign code 51D129, was formally published on July 30, 2025, by Australia’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. Affected vehicles span model years 2024-2025.
According to the official notice, factory assembly oversight resulted in missing safety sealing caps on the seat-frame retaining studs. “The exposed studs with sharp edges may cause injury to individuals reaching under the seat,” Hyundai stated in its documentation.
This manufacturing irregularity contrasts with the Inster’s accolade as the 2025 World Electric Vehicle, which was announced at the New York International Auto Show in April 2025.
The recall focuses solely on the seat-stud hazard and does not list any impact on powertrain or drivetrain systems. The defect creates a clear safety hazard zone for anyone blindly reaching beneath the seat – a common occurrence when retrieving dropped items.
This recall follows Hyundai’s voluntary campaign for 1,744 Ioniq 5 units in India over an ICCU defect announced in June 2024. Hyundai’s Chennai facility exports compact models—such as the Inster—to more than 150 markets worldwide.
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Vehicle owners can verify their VIN against recall lists through Hyundai’s customer portal. The relatively straightforward remedy involves installation of proper safety caps at authorized dealerships, with repair costs covered entirely by the manufacturer. Concerned owners should contact Hyundai’s Customer Care Team at 1800 186 306 to schedule service appointments.
The timing of this safety campaign comes as the Inster competes in Australia’s expanding sub-compact EV segment. The Inster – measuring 3,825mm long with a 2,580mm wheelbase – offers 71.1kW (standard range) or 84.5kW (extended range) motors, both producing 147Nm of torque, with WLTP ranges of approximately 327km and 370km respectively.
Owners have noted the Inster’s heat pump system, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, and flat-folding seat versatility as desirable specifications, particularly on the Cross trim models.
The remedy involves only physical cap installation; no software or battery work is specified in the recall notice. Installing the specified caps addresses the sharp-edge hazard without altering seat-frame specifications.
Unlike larger component-based recalls, this safety campaign requires no software updates, battery reconfigurations, or powertrain adjustments.
