A fire-related defect involving the front power seat motors has led Hyundai and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to tell about 95,000 Genesis sedan owners to park them outside.
That precaution applies even when the vehicles are shut off, not only when they are being driven.
Here's what to know
Certain 2015-2016 Hyundai Genesis sedans and 2017-2020 Genesis G80 vehicles make up the 94,622-vehicle recall Hyundai Motor America is carrying out, according to The News International.
The recall centers on the seat-adjustment system: if the power seat control switch sticks, the front motor may keep running instead of stopping.
If that happens, the motor can keep drawing electrical power until it overheats, creating a potential fire risk both while driving and after the vehicle is parked with the ignition off.
Until Hyundai completes a remedy, the company and federal safety regulators say owners should leave affected vehicles outdoors and keep them away from buildings and other cars.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
More background
The recall covers two related luxury models and several model years, including Hyundai Genesis-branded sedans and the later Genesis G80 nameplate.
The warning creates a practical burden: A vehicle that would normally sit in a garage or driveway is now treated as a potential fire source, even when parked and powered down.
Hyundai does not yet have an immediate repair available, so owners must deal with the inconvenience while it develops.
What's being done?
Hyundai and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are telling owners to keep affected vehicles parked outside and away from structures or other vehicles until repairs are available.
The goal is to reduce the risk of damage or other harm if a vehicle catches fire. Because the overheating risk can remain even while the car is parked, the recommendation also changes where owners can safely leave the vehicles between trips.
Once Hyundai finalizes the fix, owners will receive letters explaining when they can schedule service.
Where can I learn more?
Recent recalls from BMW and Kia show how fire risks can force owners to rethink where they park. Other stories here explore related questions about vehicle heat and long-term storage.
• BMW told owners of 29,000 plug-in hybrids to park outside over fire risk.
• Kia warned owners of nearly 463,000 Tellurides to park outdoors after fire concerns.
• Urban researchers found parked cars can intensify city heat, especially in dense neighborhoods.
• EV owners learned what actually hurts batteries during long winter garage storage.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
