Hyundai has issued a nationwide safety action affecting tens of thousands of sedans due to a potential electrical hazard. The hyundai vehicle fire risk recall involves more than 94,000 automobiles carrying powered front seats that could overheat while parked or driven.
Details of the Affected Models
According to safety regulators, the action covers specific older model sedans built over a multi-year span. The campaign specifically targets 39,978 units of the 2017 through 2020 Genesis G80, alongside 54,644 units of the 2015 and 2016 Hyundai Genesis sedans. Out of the total population under review, the manufacturer estimates that roughly one percent actually harbor the defect.
Understanding the Seat Motor Defect
Federal reports outline that the front seat slide and height adjustment control switch on non-memory power configurations can dislodge or suffer damage from external forces. When this happens, the switch can remain permanently engaged, forcing the seat adjustment motor to run continuously even after the driver and passengers have left the cabin. Prolonged motor operation triggers severe overheating, which elevates the danger of a fire starting. Warning signs noted by regulators include a distinct burning odor and seat control switches that stop functioning.
Safety Recommendations and Next Steps
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises owners of impacted automobiles to park their vehicles outside and at a safe distance from other structures or cars until the manufacturer finalizes a permanent fix. At present, a remedy is still under development by the company. Officials confirm that while two fire incidents tied to this defect have been recorded, no crashes or injuries have been documented in the United States as of early October.
Registered owners will receive notification letters through the mail with instructions to visit a local Hyundai dealer or Genesis retailer. The upcoming service will be provided completely free of charge.
Sources: Fox Business, Reuters, Car and Driver.
