Hyundai Recalls 94,622 Genesis Vehicles Over Power Seat Fire Risk

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 94,622 vehicles due to a potential fire risk associated with the overheating of motors on powered front seats, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall report.

The recall affects 39,978 model year 2017-2020 Genesis G80 vehicles and 54,644 model year 2015-2016 Hyundai Genesis sedans. Hyundai estimates that 1% of the vehicles under recall have the defect.

Cause of the Defect

The issue stems from the front seat slider and height adjustment control switch used on non-memory power seats. According to the NHTSA, these components "may become dislodged or damaged when subjected to external force(s), potentially causing the switch to remain engaged and the seat adjustment motor to operate continuously, even after the occupant exits the vehicle."

The agency stated that prolonged use of the motor may result in overheating, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or parked. Warning signs identified by the NHTSA include a burning odor and inoperative seat control switches.

Safety Recommendations and Remedy

Hyundai has advised owners of the affected cars to park their vehicles outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the repair has been completed. The company noted that there is a risk of fire even when a vehicle is parked and the engine is off.

A remedy for the recall is currently in development. Owners will be notified via mail, with notification dates varying slightly by source: NBC Connecticut reported notifications around Dec. 1, while WCVB reported that owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Dec. 7. The service will be free of charge.

Vehicle identification numbers became searchable on NHTSA’s website on Oct. 13. Hyundai owners can call 1-855-371-9460, and Genesis owners can call 844-340-1200. The recall numbers are 308 for Hyundai and 035G for Genesis.

Incident History

Hyundai said it is aware of two incidents involving a fire associated with the defect. The company stated that there have not been any crashes or injuries related to the issue in the U.S. as of Oct. 1.

Why it matters

This recall highlights the safety risks associated with electronic components in vehicle interiors, specifically power seat mechanisms. The instruction to park vehicles outside underscores the severity of the fire risk, which can occur even when the vehicle is not in operation. Owners of the affected Genesis and Hyundai Genesis models should monitor official channels for repair availability and adhere to safety guidelines to prevent potential property damage or injury.

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Sources

• foxbusiness.com: Hyundai recalls 94,622 Genesis vehicles over fire risk | Fox Business
• nbcconnecticut.com: Hyundai recalls over 94,000 Genesis vehicles due to fire risk – NBC Connecticut
• wcvb.com: Hyundai recalls more than 94,000 vehicles over power seat fire risk - WCVB

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.