A Hyundai Kona lawsuit filed in federal court alleges that defects in the driver’s seat and seatbelt system caused catastrophic injuries in a 2023 crash in New Jersey.
The plaintiff, Matthew Bella, 54, of Sussex County, claims that design flaws in his 2023 model Hyundai Kona led to severe spinal damage during a rear-end collision. He is now paralyzed from the waist down. The complaint names Hyundai Motor America (HMA) and related parts manufacturers as defendants.
According to court records from the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, the crash occurred on August 10, 2025 on northbound Route 206 in Sandyston, New Jersey. Bella was stopped to make a left turn when another vehicle struck his car from behind.
The lawsuit was initially filed in November in New Jersey Superior Court. However, because the claimed damages exceed $750,000, the case was later transferred to federal court.
Bella alleges that although he was wearing a seatbelt, the restraint system failed to function properly during the collision. As a result, he claims the seatbelt did not adequately restrain him, contributing to severe injuries.
The complaint further states that the driver’s seat collapsed completely upon impact. In addition, the headrest allegedly detached, causing his body to be thrust backward and resulting in significant trauma.
Immediately after the crash, Bella suffered severe spinal injuries that left him paralyzed from the waist down. He also reportedly sustained traumatic optic nerve damage, leading to partial vision loss.
The Hyundai Kona lawsuit alleges that Hyundai Motor America knew, prior to selling the vehicle, about defects in the driver’s seat structure and seatbelt system for that model. However, the complaint claims the company failed to correct those issues.
The plaintiff contends that HMA and related component manufacturers violated New Jersey’s Product Liability Act (PLA), enacted in 1987. The law holds manufacturers and sellers responsible for damages caused by design defects, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings. Bella is seeking damages and has requested a jury trial.
As of February 11, HMA had not issued a public statement regarding the lawsuit.
Separately, last year Hyundai Motor agreed to pay $62.1 million to settle a class-action lawsuit related to alleged airbag defects in certain vehicles, including the Kona.
That settlement is not directly tied to the current case. However, it adds context to ongoing legal scrutiny involving certain Kona models.
BY HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]
