Genesis Cars Now Added to Hyundai, Kia Recall for Fire Risk
Some G70 and G80 sedans were recalled to fix a module that could short-circuit
Genesis is recalling over 95,000 G70 and G80 sedans to fix an ABS module that could short-circuit and cause a fire. The automaker warns owners to park their vehicles outdoors and away from structures until a repair can be performed.
G80 sedans from the 2015 through 2020 model years and G70 sedans from the 2019 through 2021 model years are included in two separate recalls. Genesis says it does not yet know the reason the antilock brake system modules are experiencing short circuits, but the carmaker says replacing a fuse within the part will prevent a fire.
In documents provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Genesis says that two G80s and three G70s have caught fire but that there have been no crashes or injuries related to this recall. If a fire is imminent, drivers may notice smoke, a burning or melting odor, or an illuminated check-engine or battery light near the speedometer.
This is the first in a series of fire-related recalls involving Hyundai and Kia vehicles to include cars from the Genesis brand, an upscale car division of Hyundai. Both Hyundai and Kia exist under the same parent company, and all three brands’ vehicles often share parts, design, and engineering.
Previous fire-related recalls for Hyundai and Kia vehicles involved other brake system short circuits, brake fluid leaks, faulty oil pans, fuel leaks, oil leaks, and problems with a specific four-cylinder engine called the Theta II that is optional in the G70 and not used in the G80.
The Details
Vehicles recalled: 94,646 Genesis G80 sedans from the 2015 through 2020 model years, and 552 Genesis G70 sedans from the 2019 through 2021 model years.
The problem: An antilock brake system module could short-circuit, potentially leading to a fire in the vehicle’s engine compartment.
The fix: Genesis dealerships will replace a fuse in the ABS system module that will prevent a short circuit.
How to contact the manufacturer: The recall is expected to begin in early May. Owners may contact Genesis directly at 855-371-9460.
NHTSA campaign number: 21V160 is the campaign number for the G80. 21V161 is the campaign number for the G70. Genesis’ numbers for these recalls are 201, 006G, and 007G.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.
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