Hyundai Motor America has advised owners of approximately 94,622 Genesis luxury sedans to park their vehicles outdoors and away from any buildings or other cars, due to a potential fire hazard. This urgent recommendation comes as the manufacturer works to develop a permanent solution for a defect involving the power seat mechanisms in these models. The recall specifically targets certain 2015-2016 Hyundai Genesis sedans and 2017-2020 Genesis G80 vehicles equipped with non-memory power seat assemblies. The core issue lies with a damaged seat switch that can inadvertently remain active, causing the seat motor to run continuously even after the vehicle is turned off and unoccupied.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned recall number 26V664000 to this action. The affected population includes 54,644 Hyundai Genesis sedans from 2015-2016 and 39,978 Genesis G80 sedans from 2017-2020. Hyundai officially filed the necessary documentation on October 8th, and vehicle owners can verify if their car is part of the recall by entering their 17-character VIN into NHTSA's online lookup tool, which became active on October 13th. Prior recall campaigns for this generation of Genesis vehicles have addressed different electrical problems, including those related to the anti-lock braking system and the starter, highlighting a broader pattern of recalls faced by Hyundai in recent years.
The potential fire risk originates from the front power-seat control switch. If this switch becomes dislodged or sustains physical damage, it can become stuck in an engaged position. When this happens, the seat-adjustment motor continues to operate without interruption, leading to overheating and, consequently, a risk of fire. Hyundai is urging owners to be vigilant for any signs of a burning odor emanating from the seat area or any unusual behavior from the seat-control switches. Should these indicators be present, owners are instructed to immediately move their vehicle away from any structures and contact a Genesis or Hyundai dealership for further instructions and assistance. The company emphasizes that this park-outside warning remains in effect until an effective repair strategy is finalized and implemented, addressing the safety concerns prompted by one confirmed fire and an additional thermal event related to this defect, though no crashes or injuries have been reported.
This proactive recall by Hyundai underscores the automotive industry's commitment to vehicle safety and continuous improvement. It serves as a reminder to all vehicle owners to heed recall notices promptly and take recommended safety precautions. By addressing potential hazards like this power seat switch defect, manufacturers contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone. It highlights the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and staying informed about potential safety campaigns that may impact your vehicle.
