Hyundai is recalling 94,622 sedans in the U.S., the 2015–2016 Hyundai Genesis and the 2017–2020 Genesis G80, because a front power seat switch can get stuck on and overheat the seat motor, creating a fire risk. Until a repair is ready, owners are being told to park outside, away from other vehicles and buildings.
There is no fix yet. Hyundai says it is still developing one, and owners will get letters in early December.
Quick facts
| Vehicles | 2015–2016 Hyundai Genesis; 2017–2020 Genesis G80 (non-memory power seats only) |
| Number recalled | 94,622 |
| Problem | Front seat slide/height switch can stick on, overheating the seat motor |
| Risk | Fire, while driving or parked |
| NHTSA campaign | 26V664 |
| Interim advice | Park outside, away from structures and other vehicles |
| Remedy | Still in development; free when available |
| Owner letters | Early December 2026 (dealers notified December 6) |
Which Genesis models are recalled?
According to Hyundai's report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
| Model | Model years | Build dates | Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Genesis sedan | 2015–2016 | Feb. 21, 2014 – Feb. 24, 2016 | 54,644 |
| Genesis G80 sedan | 2017–2020 | Mar. 17, 2016 – Nov. 7, 2019 | 39,978 |
Only cars with non-memory front power seats are included. Models with memory seats are not part of this recall. Both the driver's and front passenger's seat switches are covered.
Why are Genesis owners being told to park outside?
The problem is the switch that slides the front seat forward and back and adjusts its height. Hyundai told NHTSA the switch "may become dislodged or damaged when subjected to external force(s)," including "displacement or misalignment of internal components."
When that happens, the switch can stay engaged and keep powering the seat motor even after you've stopped pressing it, or left the car. If the motor runs long enough, it can overheat and catch fire, whether the car is moving or parked.
Because a fire could start in a parked car, Hyundai advises keeping it outdoors and away from other vehicles and buildings until it has been repaired.
What are the warning signs?
Hyundai lists two:
- A burning smell coming from the seat
- A seat control switch that stops working
If you notice either, park the car outside away from anything flammable and contact a dealer.
How do I check if my car is recalled?
- Find your 17-digit VIN. It's on the driver's side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield, and on your registration and insurance card.
- Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Affected VINs have been searchable since October 13, 2026.
- You can also call a Hyundai dealer or Genesis retailer and give them your VIN.
- Make sure your mailing address is current with your dealer or state registration, since recall letters go by first-class mail.
Is there a fix yet?
No. Hyundai says the remedy is still being developed. When it's ready:
- Owners will be notified by first-class mail, expected in early December.
- The repair will be free at a Hyundai dealer or Genesis retailer, whether or not the car is still under warranty.
- Hyundai Motor North America says it will reimburse out-of-pocket costs for obtaining the remedy, under the reimbursement plan it has filed with NHTSA.
Dealers are scheduled to be notified on December 6, 2026.
How many fires have there been?
Hyundai says it is aware of two alleged fires in the United States related to the problem. No crashes or injuries have been reported. The company estimates about 1% of the recalled cars will actually develop the defect, but the park-outside advice applies to every car in the recall.
How did Hyundai find the problem?
According to the recall filing, as reported by Road & Track and Techlicious, Hyundai first heard about it in December 2021, through a report on a 2018 Genesis G80. A second possible case followed in August 2022, which Hyundai attributed to an external impact. It kept monitoring and saw low numbers of reports. Then in July 2026, more allegations of switch failures and overheating came in from South Korea, and Hyundai decided to recall the cars.
Not the first park-outside warning for these cars
These same sedans have been here before. In March 2021, NHTSA told owners of the 2015–2016 Hyundai Genesis, 2017–2020 Genesis G80 and 2019–2021 Genesis G70 to park outside because an anti-lock brake module could short-circuit and cause an engine-compartment fire. That was a different part and a separate recall, so a repair done under the 2021 campaign does not address this problem.
For another recent fire-risk recall, see our report on the Ford Bronco engine fire recall.
What to watch
The remedy. What Hyundai's fix turns out to be, and how quickly parts reach dealers.
The owner letters, due in early December.
Whether the count grows. NHTSA campaigns can expand if more vehicles or reports turn up.
Published Sunday, October 18, 2026. Recall details are from Hyundai's filing with NHTSA (campaign 26V664) as reported by Road & Track, CarScoops, MotorBiscuit and Techlicious. Check your own vehicle at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
