2023 Genesis GV80

In light of the recent fatality involving an automatic folding seat in a Hyundai, we tested the automatic seat function in the Genesis 2nd row to ensure it responds appropriately. First, my daughter (weighing 165 lbs) sat in the seat without a seat belt on and activated the folding mechanism. The seat did stop once it detected her, but only after it had already pushed her into an uncomfortably bent position, which suggests the detection point may be later than ideal. We then tested the seat using a Joie Mint Latch baseless car seat with a child in it (18 lb child, and the car seat weighing approximately 9 lbs). We did not secure the lower anchors or seat belt out of caution. When we pressed the button, the seat continued folding without stopping, and we had to quickly remove the child and car seat to prevent the seat from fully collapsing onto him. Although the button could be pressed again to reverse the seat, that would not have prevented a serious injury had we not intervened immediately. This presents a significant safety concern.

The newly purchased vehicle experienced a seat malfunction, leading to its return the next day. The seat was unresponsive, failing to adjust forward or backward when entering or exiting the vehicle. Upon inspection by the service department, the problem was attributed to the seat module. Despite replacing the seat module twice, the issue persists. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer's service department, and attempts to rectify it with seat module replacements have been unsuccessful so far. No other inspections by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives have taken place. No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms were present before the failure occurred. The problem was identified during routine vehicle use, without any prior indicators of impending malfunction.

The contact owns a 2023 Genesis GV80. The contact stated that upon trying to reposition the front passenger’s side seat, the seat unable to be moved or adjusted. After several attempts to adjust the front passenger’s seat, the seat moved freely from side to side, stopping extremely closely to the dashboard. The contact stated that the closeness to the dashboard rendered the front passenger’s seat unusable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the seat track and mechanism were defective and needed to be replaced; however, the parts for the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 13,000.