Hyundai Motor America has announced a safety recall affecting 12,612 units of the 2010 through 2013 model year Genesis Coupe. This action is prompted by a potential issue with the ignition lock switch, which could lead to unintended vehicle movement when the car is started while in gear.
The Problem: Ignition Lock Switch Failure
The recall pertains to Genesis Coupes equipped with manual transmissions, as opposed to the optional automatic transmissions. The issue centers around the ignition lock switch return spring, which may fracture and cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly. This defect was identified in vehicles assembled at Hyundai’s Ulsan plant in South Korea from December 19, 2008, to April 9, 2012.
The IGNAC switch was supplied by South Korean automotive parts maker INFAC. The problem came to light following a complaint to Transport Canada on May 17, 2023, which highlighted incidents of unintended movement when the start/stop button was engaged.
Investigation and Findings
In May 2023, the Data Review Committee and the Technical Review Committee began investigating the issue. The committees successfully replicated the defect two months later. Initially, Hyundai reported a low occurrence rate, but by the end of the investigation, three crash reports in the United States were identified. Fortunately, there were no fires, injuries, or fatalities linked to these incidents.
Hyundai’s Response and Fix
Hyundai discovered that a unique clutch pedal design in the affected models might contribute to premature failure of the ignition lock switch. This design flaw was corrected in 2012, which is why the recall is limited to vehicles produced before April 9, 2012. The updated spring design, introduced in March 2012, effectively eliminated the broken switch claims.
The remedy involves replacing the faulty ignition lock switch rather than just the spring. Owners of the affected vehicles in the U.S. will receive notification via first-class mail starting September 23, 2024.
Vehicle Status and Future Outlook
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe, which shared its platform with the first-generation Genesis, was discontinued in 2016. While no direct successor has been announced, the Genesis X Speedium Coupe concept is rumored to be in the works. This new concept is expected to be built on an EV-centric platform, and it will not feature a manual transmission.
For further details on the recall, including the specific recall numbers—2024-431 for Canada and 24V-562 for the U.S.—affected owners should contact their local Hyundai dealerships for more information.
