Hyundai Recalls 94,000 Luxury Sedans Over Fire Risk from Seat Motors
Washington, Friday, 16 October 2026.
Hyundai is recalling over 94,000 Genesis sedans because faulty power seat switches can overheat and ignite fires, prompting safety officials to advise owners to park outdoors.
Recall Announcement and Safety Warning
Hyundai Motor America announced a safety recall on 15 October 2026 affecting 94,622 vehicles in the United States [1][3]. The recall targets specific Genesis and Genesis G80 sedans due to a fire hazard linked to overheating power seat motors [2][4]. Federal regulators from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warned that continuous operation or short circuits in the seat control motor can lead to thermal damage [1][5]. Consequently, safety officials advise owners to park affected vehicles outside and away from structures until repairs are completed [3][6].
This safety action highlights ongoing quality control challenges for the South Korean automaker in its primary North American market [1]. The recall covers certain 2015 and 2016 Hyundai Genesis vehicles as well as 2017 through 2020 Genesis G80s [2][5]. Owners are urged to verify if their specific vehicle is included by checking the NHTSA website using their vehicle identification number [3][6].
Technical Defect and Incident Report
The defect involves front seat slider and height adjustment levers on non-memory seats, which may become damaged or dislodged by external force [4][6]. This mechanical failure can lock the control in an engaged position, causing the motor to overheat potentially while the vehicle is parked or being driven [2][5]. Hyundai estimates that only approximately 1 percent of the total recalled population currently poses a danger [1]. The total recalled population comprises 54,644 Hyundai Genesis sedans and 39,978 Genesis G80 sedans, summing to the total 94622 units reported [4].
As of 1 October 2026, Hyundai is aware of at least two incidents of vehicles catching fire related to this issue in the U.S. [6][8]. No injuries or crashes have been reported in connection with the problem to date [8]. Warning signs of the issue include a burning odor from the seat and inoperative seat control switches [3].
Remedy Status and Owner Notification
Hyundai is currently developing a remedy for the defect, though a specific timetable for the repair availability was not initially provided [1][6]. Initial dealer and owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed on 7 December 2026, according to most reports, though some sources indicate 6 December 2026 [1][3][5]. Once a remedy is available, Hyundai will perform the fix free of charge and provide reimbursement for necessary out-of-pocket expenses [1][5].
Vehicle identification numbers became searchable on the NHTSA website on 13 October 2026 [2][8]. Hyundai owners can call 1-855-371-9460, while Genesis owners can call 844-340-1200 for further assistance [2][6]. The recall numbers are 308 for Hyundai and 035G for Genesis [2][5].