TORRANCE, Calif., and WASHINGTON, D.C. -

Four brands — Honda, Hyundai, Volvo and Buick — recently outlined several recalls of sedans and crossovers.

The campaign that includes the most vehicles came from Hyundai, as the brand told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that its recall covers a total of 14,728 units — the Sonata Hybrid from the 2011 and 2012 models years.

NHTSA explained that these Sonata models manufactured and shipped to franchised dealers between Dec. 2, 2010 and March 7 are equipped with a center rear seat belt incorporating a release mechanism that detaches both the lap and shoulder portion at the lower anchorage point. Officials said these recall vehicles fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard No. 208 titled, “Occupant Crash Protection.”

The agency indicated Hyundai dealers are replacing the center rear seat belts in 1,633 Sonata hybrids currently in their inventory. 

However, for the approximately 13,095 vehicles that have been delivered to buyers, NHTSA received notice from Hyundai that the automaker plans to file a petition for an exemption from the recall requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act on the basis that the noncompliance described is inconsequential as it relates to vehicle safety.

Therefore, officials indicated the OEM is not obligated to conduct an owner notification and remedy campaign until NHTSA has resolved this petition. If the petition is denied, NHTSA said Hyundai then must undertake its notification and remedy campaign obligations.

Honda Recalls 2006 CR-V

The other Asian OEM included in the recent recall announcements is connected with the oldest models mentioned recently.

Honda indicated it will voluntarily recall 1,316 model-year 2006 CR-V vehicles in the United States to inspect and, if necessary, replace the right front lower control arm. 

The automaker explained that over time and with extended use, an improper welding process used when manufacturing the control arm may allow the right front lower control arm to break at the weld. If the lower control arm breaks, Honda fears vehicle handling could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

However, the company declared no crashes or injuries have been reported related to this issue.

Honda organized this recall to encourage owners of all affected vehicles to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from the company. Honda said mailed notification to customers will begin in mid April.

In addition to contacting customers by mail, owners of these vehicles can determine if their vehicles require repair by going online to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option No. 4.

Volvo Recall of S60 and XC60

NHTSA also received notice that Volvo is bringing in a total 2,742 units, the S60 and XC60 from the current model year.

The recall stems from an incorrect mixture of underbody coating, as well as over-coating that officials believe can result in rigid, icicle-like areas hanging from the vehicle’s undercarriage.

If this condition exists, NHSTA fears the underbody coating may penetrate the fuel lines and cause fuel leakage, increasing the risk of a fire.

Volvo told its franchised dealers to inspect the recall unit’s undercarriage and if excessive underbody coating is found in the fuel-line area, it will be removed. If the inspection reveals that fuel lines are damaged, dealers have been instructed to replace them for free.

The OEM indicated it will begin to notify owners and conduct the recall no later than April 13. In the meantime, owners can contact Volvo’s customer care center at (800) 458-1552 and reference recall No. R251.

GM Recall of 2012 Buick Regal

The final recall in the recent batch listed by NHTSA is connected with the 2012 Buick Regal.

General Motors is summoning 3,633 units that manufactured between Feb. 22, 2011 and Feb. 22 of this year because they fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard No. 108 titled, “Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment.”

Officials said that because of a software error, the parking lamps do not activate when either the parking lamps or headlamps are turned on, resulting in a situation where inadequate lighting could reduce the vehicle’s visibility and increase the potential for a crash.

GM began to notify owners last week, asking them to take their vehicle to a franchised dealer who has been instruct to reprogram the body control module for free. 

Regal owners also can contact GM at (800) 521-7300 and mention recall No. 12048.