HYUNDAI SANTA FE HYBRID 2021 Manual PDF
Page 71 of 598
Seats & Safety System
3-26
Seat belt restraint system
Lap/shoulder belt
OHI038140
To fasten your seat belt:
Pull it out of the retractor and insert the 
metal tab (1) into the buckle (2). There 
will be an audible “click” when the tab 
locks into the buckle.
OHI038137
You should place the lap belt (1) portion 
across your hips and the shoulder belt (2) 
portion across your chest.
The seat belt automatically adjusts to the 
proper length after the lap belt portion 
is adjusted manually so that it fits snugly 
around your hips. If you lean forward in 
a slow, easy motion, the belt will extend 
and move with you.
If there is a sudden stop or impact, the 
belt will lock into position. It will also lock 
if you try to lean forward too quickly.
NOTICE
If you are not able to smoothly pull 
enough of the seat belt out from the 
retractor, firmly pull the seat belt out 
and release it. After release, you will be 
able to pull the belt out smoothly.
 WARNING
OHI038182L
Improperly positioned seat belts may 
increase the risk of serious injury 
in an accident. Take the following 
precautions when adjusting the seat 
belt:
•	Position the lap portion of the seat 
belt as low as possible across your 
hips, not on your waist, so that it 
fits snugly. This allows your strong 
pelvic bones to absorb the force of 
the crash, reducing the chance of 
internal injuries.
•	 Position one arm under the shoulder 
belt and the other over the belt, as 
shown in the illustration.
•	 Always position the shoulder belt 
anchor into the locked position at the 
appropriate height.
•	 Never position the shoulder belt 
across your neck or face.    
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03
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Height adjustment
You can adjust the height of the shoulder 
belt anchor to one of the four different 
positions for maximum comfort and 
safety.
The shoulder portion should be adjusted 
so it lies across your chest and midway 
over your shoulder nearest the door, not 
over your neck.
„„Front seat
OTM030079
To adjust the height of the seat belt 
anchor, lower or raise the height adjuster 
into an appropriate position.
To raise the height adjuster, pull it up 
(1). To lower it, push it down (3) while 
pressing the height adjuster button (2).
Release the button to lock the anchor 
into position. Try sliding the height 
adjuster to make sure that it has locked 
into position.
OHI038142
To release your seat belt:
Press the release button (1) in the locking 
buckle.
When it is released, the belt should 
automatically draw back into the 
retractor. If this does not happen, check 
the belt to be sure it is not twisted, then 
try again.   
Page 73 of 598
Seats & Safety System
3-28
Second row center seatbelt  
(3-point rear center seat belt)
OTM038041
1. Insert the tongue plate (1) into the 
buckle (2) until an audible “click" is 
heard, indicating the latch is locked. 
Make sure the belt is not twisted.
When using the rear center seat belt, the 
buckle with the “CENTER” mark must be 
used.
 Information
If you are not able to pull out the safety 
belt from the retractor, firmly pull the belt 
out and release it. After release, you will be 
able to pull the belt out smoothly.
 WARNING
Make sure that the seatback is locked in 
place when using the rear center seat 
belt.
If not, the seatback may move when 
there is a sudden stop or collision, 
which could result in serious injury.
Stowing the rear seat belt
OTM030022
•	 The rear seat belt buckles can be 
stowed in the pocket between the 
rear seatback and cushion when not 
in use.
OTM030024
•	Routing the seat belt webbing through 
the rear seat belt guides will help keep 
the belts from being trapped behind 
or under the seats.
After inserting the seat belt, tighten 
the belt webbing by pulling it up.
 CAUTION
When using the seat belt, use it after 
taking it out of the guides.
If you pull the seat belt when it is stored 
in the guides, it may damage the guides 
and/or belt webbing.    
Page 74 of 598
03
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Pre-tensioner seat belt
OTL035053
Your vehicle is equipped with driver’s 
and front passenger’s Pre-tensioner 
Seat Belts(Retractor Pretensioner and 
Emergency Fastening Device System). 
The purpose of the pre-tensioner is 
to make sure the seat belts fit tightly 
against the occupant’s body in 
certain frontal or side collision(s). The 
Emergency Fastening Device System 
may be activated in certain crashes 
where the frontal collision(s) is severe 
enough, together with the air bags.
When the vehicle stops suddenly, or if 
the occupant tries to lean forward too 
quickly, the seat belt retractor will lock 
into position.
In certain frontal collisions, the pre-
tensioner will activate and pull the seat 
belt into tighter contact against the 
occupant’s body.
(1) Retractor Pretensioner
The purpose of the retractor pretensioner 
is to make sure that the shoulder belts fit 
in tightly against the occupant’s upper 
body in certain frontal or side collision(s).
(2) Emergency Fastening Device System
The purpose of the Emergency Fastening 
Device System is to make sure that 
the pelvis belts fit in tightly against the 
occupant’s lower body in certain frontal 
collision(s). If the system senses excessive tension 
on the driver or passenger’s seat belt 
when the pre-tensioner system activates, 
the load limiter inside the retractor 
pre-tensioner will release some of the 
pressure on the affected seat belt.
 WARNING
•	
Always wear your seat belt and sit 
properly in your seat.
•	 Do not use the seat belt if it is loose 
or twisted. A loose or twisted seat 
belt will not protect you properly in 
an accident.
•	 Do not place anything near the 
buckle. This may adversely affect 
the buckle and cause it to function 
improperly.
•	 Always replace your pre-tensioners 
after activation or an accident.
•	 NEVER inspect, service, repair 
or replace the pre-tensioners 
yourself. We recommend that you 
have the pre-tensioners inspected, 
serviced, repaired or replaced  by an 
authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
•	 Do not hit the seat belt assemblies.
 WARNING
Do not touch the pre-tensioner seat 
belt assemblies for several minutes 
after they have been activated. When 
the pre-tensioner seat belt mechanism 
deploys during a collision, the pre-
tensioner can become hot and can burn 
you.
 CAUTION
Body work on the front area of the 
vehicle may damage the pre-tensioner 
seat belt system. Therefore, we 
recommend the system to be serviced 
by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.   
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Seats & Safety System
3-30
OLMB033040
The Pre-Tensioner Seat Belt System consists mainly of the following 
components. Their locations are shown 
in the illustration above:
(1) SRS air bag warning light
(2) Retractor pre-tensioner
(3) SRS control module
(4) Emergency fastening device
NOTICE
The sensor that activates the SRS 
control module is connected with the 
pre–tensioner seat belts. The SRS air 
bag warning light on the instrument 
cluster will illuminate for approximately 
3~6 seconds after the Engine Start/Stop 
button is in the ON position, and then it 
should turn off.
If the pre-tensioner is not working 
properly, the warning light will 
illuminate even if the SRS air bag is not 
malfunctioning. If the warning light 
does not illuminate, stays illuminated 
or illuminates when the vehicle is 
being driven, we recommend the pre-
tensioner seat belts and/or SRS control 
module be inspected by an authorized 
HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.
 Information
•	Pre-tensioner seat belts may be 
activated in certain frontal or side 
collisions or rollover situations (if 
equipped with rollover sensor).
•	 When the pre-tensioner seat belts are 
activated, a loud noise may be heard 
and fine dust, which may appear to be 
smoke, may be visible in the passenger 
compartment. These are normal 
operating conditions and are not 
hazardous.
•	 Although it is non-toxic, the fine dust 
may cause skin irritation and should 
not be inhaled for prolonged periods. 
Wash all exposed skin areas thoroughly 
after an accident in which the pre-
tensioner seat belts were activated.    
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Additional seat belt safety 
precautions
Seat belt use during pregnancy
The seat belt should always be used 
during pregnancy. The best way to 
protect your unborn child is to protect 
yourself by always wearing the seat belt.
Pregnant women should always wear 
a lap-shoulder seat belt. Place the 
shoulder belt across your chest, routed 
between your breasts and away from 
your neck. Place the lap belt below your 
belly so that it fits SNUGLY across your 
hips and pelvic bone, under the rounded 
part of the belly.
 WARNING
To reduce the risk of serious injury or 
death to an unborn child during an 
accident, pregnant women should 
NEVER place the lap portion of the 
seat belt above or over the area of the 
abdomen where the unborn child is 
located.
Seat belt use and children
Infant and small children
Most countries have Child Restraint 
System laws which require children to 
travel in approved Child Restraint System 
devices, including booster seats. The age 
at which seat belts can be used instead 
of Child Restraint System differs among 
countries, so you should be aware of the 
specific requirements in your country, 
and where you are travelling. Infant and 
Child Restraint System must be properly 
placed and installed in a rear seat.
For more information refer to the “Child 
Restraint Systems” section in this 
chapter.
 WARNING
ALWAYS properly restrain infants and 
small children in a Child Restraint 
System appropriate for the child’s 
height and weight.
To reduce the risk of serious injury or 
death to a child and other passengers, 
NEVER hold a child in your lap or arms 
when the vehicle is moving. The violent 
forces created during an accident will 
tear the child from your arms and throw 
the child against the interior of the 
vehicle.
Small children are best protected from 
injury in an accident when properly 
restrained in the rear seat by a Child 
Restraint System that meets the 
requirements of the Safety Standards of 
your country. Before buying any Child 
Restraint System, make sure that it has 
a label certifying that it meets Safety 
Standard of your country.
The Child Restraint System must be 
appropriate for your child’s height and 
weight. Check the label on the Child 
Restraint System for this information. 
Refer to “Child Restraint Systems” 
section in this chapter.   
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Seats & Safety System
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Larger children
Children under age 13 and who are 
too large for a booster seat should 
always occupy the rear seat and use the 
available lap/shoulder belts. A seat belt 
should lie across the upper thighs and 
be snug across the shoulder and chest 
to restrain the child safely. Check belt fit 
periodically. A child’s squirming could 
put the belt out of position. In the event 
of an accident, children are afforded the 
best safety restrained by a proper Child 
Restraint System in the rear seats.
If a larger child over age 13 must be 
seated in the front seat, the child must 
be securely restrained by the available 
lap/shoulder belt and the seat should be 
placed in the rearmost position.
If the shoulder belt portion slightly 
touches the child’s neck or face, try 
placing the child closer to the center 
of the vehicle. If the shoulder belt still 
touches their face or neck, they need to 
be returned to an appropriate booster 
seat in the rear seat.
 WARNING
•	Always make sure larger children’s 
seat belts are worn and properly 
adjusted.
•	 NEVER allow the shoulder belt to 
contact the child’s neck or face.
•	 Do not allow more than one child to 
use a single seat belt.
Seat belt use and injured people
A seat belt should be used when an 
injured person is being transported. 
Consult a physician for specific 
recommendations.
One person per belt
Two people (including children) should 
never attempt to use a single seat belt. 
This could increase the severity of 
injuries in case of an accident.
Do not lie down
Sitting in a reclined position when the 
vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. 
Even when buckled up, the protections 
of your restraint system (seat belts 
and/or air bags) is greatly reduced by 
reclining your seatback.
Seat belts must be snug against your 
hips and chest to work properly.
During an accident, you could be thrown 
into the seat belt, causing neck or other 
injuries.
The more the seat back is reclined, the 
greater the chance for the passenger’s 
hips to slide under the lap belt or the 
passenger’s neck to strike the shoulder 
belt.
 WARNING
•	NEVER ride with a reclined seatback 
when the vehicle is moving.
•	 Riding with a reclined seatback 
increases your chance of serious 
or fatal injuries in the event of a 
collision or sudden stop.
•	 Driver and passengers should always 
sit well back in their seats, properly 
belted, and with the seatbacks 
upright.    
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Care of seat belts
Seat belt systems should never be 
disassembled or modified. In addition, 
care should be taken to assure that seat 
belts and belt hardware are not damaged 
by seat hinges, doors or other abuse.
Periodic inspection
All seat belts should be inspected 
periodically for wear or damage of any 
kind. Any damaged parts should be 
replaced as soon as possible.
Keep belts clean and dry
Seat belts should be kept clean and 
dry. If belts become dirty, they can be 
cleaned by using a mild soap solution 
and warm water. Bleach, dye, strong 
detergents or abrasives should not be 
used because they may damage and 
weaken the fabric.
When to replace seat belts
The entire seat belt assembly or 
assemblies should be replaced if the 
vehicle has been involved in an accident. 
This should be done even if no damage is 
visible. We recommend that you consult 
an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.   
Page 79 of 598
Seats & Safety System
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Our recommendation: Children 
always in the rear
 WARNING
Always properly restrain children in the 
vehicle. Children of all ages are safer 
when restrained in the rear seat. A child 
riding in the front passenger seat can 
be forcefully struck by an inflating air 
bag resulting in SERIOUS INJURY or 
DEATH.
Children under age 13 should always 
ride in the rear seats and must always be 
properly restrained to minimize the risk 
of injury in an accident, sudden stop or 
sudden maneuver.
According to accident statistics, children 
are safer when properly restrained in the 
rear seats than in the front seat. Even 
with air bags, children can be seriously 
injured or killed. Children too large for a 
Child Restraint System must use the seat 
belts provided.
All 50 states have child restraint laws 
which require children to travel in 
approved Child Restraint Systems.
The laws governing the age or height/
weight restrictions at which seat belts 
can be used instead of Child Restraint 
System differs among countries, so 
you should be aware of the specific 
requirements in your country, and where 
you are travelling.Child Restraint Systems must be properly 
installed in the vehicle seat. Always use 
a commercially available Child Restraint 
System that meets the requirements 
of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety 
Standards (FMVSS 213).
Child Restraint Systems are generally 
designed to be secured in a vehicle seat 
by lap belt portion of a lap/shoulder belt, 
or by a LATCH system in the rear seats of 
the vehicle.
Child Restraint System (CRS)
Infants and younger children must be 
restrained in an appropriate rearward-
facing or forward-facing CRS that has 
first been properly secured to the seat 
of the vehicle. Read and comply with 
the instructions for installation and use 
provided by the manufacturer of the 
Child Restraint System.
 WARNING
•	
NEVER install a child or infant 
restraint in the front passenger's 
seat.
•	 Always properly secure the child 
restraint to a rear seat of the vehicle.
•	 Always follow the child restraint 
system manufacturer's instructions 
for installation and use.
•	 Always properly restrain your child in 
the child restraint.
•	 If the vehicle head restraint prevents 
proper installation of a child seat 
(as described in the child restraint 
system manual), the head restraint of 
the respective seating position shall 
be readjusted or entirely removed.
•	 Do not use an infant carrier or a 
child safety seat that "hooks" over 
a seatback, it may not provide 
adequate protection in an accident.
•	 After an accident, have an authorized 
HYUNDAI dealer check the child 
restraint system, seat belts, tether 
anchors and lower anchors.
CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM (CRS)    
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Selecting a Child Restraint 
System (CRS)
When selecting a Child Restraint System 
for your child, always:
•	Make sure the Child Restraint System 
has a label certifying that it meets 
applicable the Federal Motor Vehicle 
Safety Standards (FMVSS 213).
•	 Select a Child Restraint System based 
on your child’s height and weight. The 
required label or the instructions for 
use typically provide this information.
•	 Select a Child Restraint System that 
fits the vehicle seating position where 
it will be used.
•	 Read and comply with the warnings 
and instructions for installation and 
use provided with the Child Restraint 
System.
Child Restraint System types
There are three main types of Child 
Restraint Systems: rearward-facing, 
forward-facing and booster Child 
Restraint Systems.
They are classified according to the 
child’s age, height and weight.
OTM030026
Rearward-facing Child Restraint System
A rearward-facing Child Restraint System 
provides restraint with the seating 
surface against the back of the child. The 
harness system holds the child in place, 
and in an accident, acts to keep the child 
positioned in the Child Restraint Systems 
and reduce the stress to the fragile neck 
and spinal cord.
All children under the age of one year 
must always ride in a rearward-facing 
Child Restraint System. Convertible and 
3-in-1 Child Restraint Systems typically 
have higher height and weight limits for 
the rearward-facing position, allowing 
you to keep your child rearward-facing 
for a longer period of time.
Continue using Child Restraint Systems 
in the rearward-facing position as long as 
children fit within the height and weight 
limits allowed by the Child Restraint 
System’s manufacturer. It's the best way 
to keep them safe. Once your child has 
outgrown the rearward-facing Child 
Restraint System, your child is ready for 
a forward-facing Child Restraint System 
with a harness.