Hyundai recalls 94,622 vehicles in US over power seat fire risk
Synopsis
Hyundai Motor America is recalling over 94,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles in the US after the NHTSA flagged a fire risk from overheating power seat motors — with no fix ready yet and owner notifications only going out in December. Meanwhile, President Trump was separately touting a $560 million Hyundai Transys factory expansion in Georgia, highlighting the dual pressures facing the South Korean automaker in its most important overseas market.
Key Takeaways
Hyundai Motor America is recalling 94,622 vehicles in the United States over an overheating power seat motor fire risk.
Affected models include 2015–2016 Hyundai Genesis sedans and 2017–2020 Genesis G80 models.
The defect: a stuck power seat control switch may cause the front seat motor to overheat, potentially starting a fire whether parked or in motion.
Owners are advised to park vehicles outdoors and away from structures until repairs are available.
A remedy is still under development; notification letters to owners are expected by 7 December .
Hyundai Transys Inc. separately announced a US$560 million investment in West Point, Georgia , creating 320 new jobs in hybrid powertrain manufacturing.
Hyundai Motor America is recalling more than 94,622 vehicles in the United States over a potential fire hazard linked to overheating power seat motors, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall covers select Hyundai and Genesis models and was formally listed in an NHTSA recall notice dated 9 October.
Vehicles Affected
The recall covers certain 2015–2016 Hyundai Genesis sedans and 2017–2020 Genesis G80 models. The defect involves front power seat motors that may overheat when a power seat control switch becomes stuck, creating a fire risk whether the vehicle is parked or in motion.
Safety Advisory for Owners
NHTSA has advised owners of the affected vehicles to park outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the defect is repaired, as an uncontrolled fire could heighten the risk of injury. A permanent remedy is still under development. Notification letters to affected vehicle owners are expected to be dispatched by 7 December, according to the agency.
Hyundai's US Investment Backdrop
The recall comes alongside separate positive news for Hyundai's US footprint. US President Donald Trump, during a campaign rally in Dalton, Georgia, highlighted South Korean automotive parts maker Hyundai Transys Inc.'s plan to invest nearly US$560 million in the state. 'Hyundai just announced it will invest $560 million to expand its factories in West Point, Georgia,' Trump said at the event, promoting his economic agenda ahead of the midterm elections.
The investment plan was announced previously by the office of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. According to the governor's office, Hyundai Transys — an automotive parts affiliate of South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group — plans to upgrade two existing manufacturing facilities and construct a third plant in West Point, Georgia, focused on expanding hybrid vehicle powertrain production. The expansion is expected to create 320 new jobs.
What Happens Next
With a fix still being developed, affected owners face an indeterminate waiting period. NHTSA has not yet specified a repair timeline beyond the 7 December owner notification date. Notably, recalls tied to electrical and thermal faults in power accessories have become more frequent across the industry as vehicles carry increasingly complex electronics. This is a developing situation and owners of the affected Hyundai and Genesis models are advised to monitor official communications from the automaker.
Point of View
But it also signals that the agency itself has no timeline certainty on the fix. Hyundai's simultaneous headline as a job-creator in Georgia, amplified by a presidential shout-out, creates an unusual contrast: the brand is both an investment success story and a product-safety liability in the same news cycle. For a premium brand like Genesis, a fire-risk recall affecting nearly 95,000 vehicles is a trust test that the resolution timeline will define far more than the initial disclosure.
NationPress
17 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Hyundai vehicles are being recalled in the US?
The recall covers 94,622 vehicles , specifically certain 2015–2016 Hyundai Genesis sedans and 2017–2020 Genesis G80 models sold in the United States. The recall was listed by the NHTSA on 9 October .
What is the fire risk in the recalled Hyundai vehicles?
A stuck power seat control switch can cause the front power seat motor to overheat, potentially leading to a fire. The risk exists both when the vehicle is parked and while it is being driven.
What should owners of affected Hyundai Genesis vehicles do now?
The NHTSA advises owners to park their vehicles outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the defect is repaired. Owners should watch for an official notification letter, which is expected to be mailed by 7 December .
When will the Hyundai recall repair be available?
A remedy for the defect is still under development as of the recall notice date. Hyundai has not announced a repair timeline; owner notification letters are expected by 7 December , after which repair scheduling details are likely to follow.
What is the Hyundai Transys investment in Georgia?
Hyundai Transys Inc. , an automotive parts affiliate of Hyundai Motor Group , plans to invest nearly US$560 million in West Point, Georgia , upgrading two existing plants and building a third to expand hybrid vehicle powertrain production. The project is expected to create 320 new jobs .
