Hyundai Recalls 95,000 Cars, Tells Owners to Park Outside amid Fire Risk

Hyundai has issued a recall covering 94,622 vehicles with a “Park Outside” warning after documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed a fire risk. The affected models include certain 2015–2016 Hyundai Genesis sedans and certain 2017–2020 Genesis G80 sedans.

The root cause is a power seat control that can overheat. Specifically, the seat slider and height adjustment lever on non-memory powered front seats can become dislodged or damaged when struck by an external force. If damaged, the control can lock in the engaged position and operate continuously. Left on for too long, the motor can overheat and potentially start a fire.

Owners may be alerted to the problem in one of two ways: the power seat controls may simply stop working, indicating damage, or they may notice a burning odor inside the cabin.

Hyundai is still developing a remedy for the seat control issue. Until a permanent fix is available and performed, the automaker is urging customers to park their vehicles outside, away from other cars and structures. Once the remedy is ready, Hyundai will notify owners and ask them to bring their vehicles to a dealership for a free repair. The company will also reimburse owners, when necessary, for out-of-pocket expenses incurred to address the recall problem.

Initial dealer and owner notification letters are scheduled for December 6. Owners who believe their vehicle may be included can check the NHTSA website.

According to the NHTSA documents, only about 1 percent of the recalled population is estimated to pose a danger.

This report was written by Jack Fitzgerald, Associate Editor, News, for Car and Driver.