Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale Recalled for Seat Belt Twist Risk

A new safety recall covers 48,777 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale SUVs because some seat belts may twist and fail to sit correctly on occupants. The issue affects two closely related compact crossovers sold under different Stellantis brands: the Dodge Hornet and the Alfa Romeo Tonale.

The concern is straightforward but important. A seat belt is designed to lie flat across the body so it can spread crash forces over stronger areas such as the shoulder, chest, and pelvis. If webbing becomes twisted, it can concentrate force into a smaller area, sit in the wrong position, or be more difficult for an occupant to latch and adjust properly. In a crash, that can reduce the restraint system’s effectiveness.

The recall population is listed at 48,777 vehicles. Exact model-year coverage, seat positions involved, and the final repair procedure were not fully detailed in the initial public information available at publication time. Owners should use their vehicle identification number, or VIN, to confirm whether their specific SUV is included rather than relying only on model name or purchase date.

Which vehicles are involved?

The recall applies to the Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale, two compact SUVs that share underlying engineering. The Hornet is Dodge’s entry into the small crossover segment and has been offered with turbocharged gasoline power as well as a plug-in hybrid version. The Tonale serves as Alfa Romeo’s compact luxury SUV and is also closely associated with plug-in hybrid powertrain availability.

Because these vehicles are platform relatives, a component issue can affect both brands even though they are marketed to different buyers. The Hornet is positioned more as a performance-flavored mainstream compact SUV, while the Tonale competes in a more premium space. For recall purposes, however, shared parts and shared manufacturing processes can mean one campaign spans both nameplates.

Owners of either vehicle should not assume their SUV is excluded because it wears a different badge. The safest approach is to check the VIN through an official recall lookup tool or contact a franchised dealer.

What is the seat belt problem?

The recall centers on seat belts that can twist. A twisted belt may look like a minor inconvenience, but it can matter in a collision. Seat belts rely on correct geometry: the lap portion should sit low across the hips, and the shoulder portion should cross the chest and shoulder without cutting into the neck or slipping off the shoulder.

When the belt is twisted, that geometry can change. The webbing may not feed smoothly, may feel uncomfortable, or may encourage occupants to wear it incorrectly. In the worst case, it may not distribute loads as designed during a sudden stop or crash.

This is not the kind of defect that changes how the vehicle drives, accelerates, brakes, or charges. It is a passive safety issue, which means owners may not notice anything unusual in day-to-day use unless they inspect the belts closely or experience difficulty pulling or positioning them.

What should owners do now?

Owners should continue to wear seat belts on every trip, but they should inspect them before driving. Pull each belt out slowly and check whether the webbing lies flat from the retractor to the latch and across the occupant. If a belt is twisted, do not ignore it. Try to let it retract and extend again carefully, but avoid forcing hardware or disassembling trim.

If a seat belt will not lie flat, does not retract properly, is hard to latch, or appears damaged, the vehicle should be checked by a dealer. For families, ride-share users, and anyone who regularly carries passengers, it is especially important to verify all seating positions, not only the driver’s seat.

Recall repairs are performed at no cost to owners. Once the remedy is available for a specific VIN, a dealer should be able to inspect the affected seat belt components and complete the approved fix. Owners may also receive mailed notification, but waiting for a letter is not the only option. A VIN check is typically the fastest way to determine whether an individual vehicle is included.

Why this matters for shoppers

For used-vehicle shoppers, this recall is a reminder to check open safety campaigns before buying any late-model vehicle. The Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale are both relatively new entries, and many examples on the used market may still be under factory warranty. That does not guarantee every recall repair has been completed.

Before purchasing, buyers should ask the seller or dealer for proof that all open recalls have been addressed. If a vehicle is listed with an unresolved recall, that does not automatically make it a bad buy, but it should be handled before regular use, especially when the issue involves occupant restraints.

For new-car shoppers comparing compact SUVs, the recall should be viewed in context. Recalls are common across the industry, including for new vehicles, and the existence of a recall does not necessarily indicate a broader reliability problem. What matters is the nature of the defect, the availability of a fix, and how quickly the automaker and dealer network handle repairs.

Why this matters for Stellantis and the industry

The Hornet and Tonale are important vehicles for Stellantis because they sit in one of the most competitive parts of the market: compact SUVs. The segment is crowded with high-volume models, and buyers often cross-shop mainstream and premium entries based on price, equipment, fuel economy, performance, and brand appeal.

Safety-related recalls can affect buyer confidence, particularly when they involve a basic system such as seat belts. Automakers have invested heavily in advanced driver-assistance technology, crash structures, airbags, and electrified powertrains, but the seat belt remains the foundation of occupant protection. A defect involving such a core component receives attention because it touches every driver and passenger, regardless of trim level or powertrain.

The recall also illustrates how shared platforms can amplify both efficiency and risk. Building related vehicles from common components helps reduce cost and speed development, but if a supplier part or assembly detail has a problem, multiple brands can be pulled into the same campaign.

Bottom line

The recall covers 48,777 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale SUVs for a seat belt condition that may allow webbing to twist and compromise proper positioning. Owners should confirm their VIN, inspect belts for smooth operation and flat webbing, and schedule the free recall repair when available.

For most drivers, this should be a manageable service visit rather than a reason to stop using the vehicle entirely. Still, because seat belts are one of the most important safety systems in any car, the issue deserves prompt attention.