Genesis Calls Back GV60 Electric SUVs, Citing Seatbelt Problem

Some Genesis luxury sport utility vehicle owners will soon be receiving recall notices.

The automaker is calling back less than 200 GV60 SUVs because of a problem with seatbelts, Genesis recently told federal regulators. The safety devices on the passenger side of the cars may not function properly, the company said in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

“The Automatic Locking Retractor (‘ALR’) of the front passenger-side seatbelts in the subject vehicles can remain locked after initial engagement and full retraction of the seatbelt webbing due to an internal interference preventing seatbelt extension and fastening,” Genesis said in the notice.

The recall covers a total of 173 GV60 SUVs from model year 2023. Genesis told NHTSA the company plans to notify owners of recalled vehicles by October 3.

Genesis will ask owners to bring their vehicles to authorized dealers for inspections and possible seatbelt replacements. “This remedy will be offered at no cost to owners for all affected vehicles,” the company said.

Car Defects Put Lives at Risk

Genesis is far from alone when it comes to making cars that turn out not to be safe to drive.

The world’s major auto manufacturers recall millions of vehicles combined every year, citing a wide range of defects and malfunctions. The recalls are commonly issued long after vehicles have been sold to unsuspecting buyers.

Hyundai, the parent company of Genesis, earlier this year said it was calling back some 65,000 Genesis SUVs whose seatbelts could explode. A defect “could cause metal fragments to enter the vehicle occupant compartment, which may result in injury to vehicle occupants,” the company told NHTSA.

How the California Lemon Law Works

The good news for Genesis and other car owners in California is that you do not need to wait for a recall to get a defective vehicle fixed. The California lemon law provides important legal rights and protections.

The law generally requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. That means you do not need to wait around for a recall to get a malfunctioning car fixed.

The law also forces manufacturers to buy back vehicles that they are unable or flat-out refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of recall requests or attempts that must be made before the buyback or replacement requirement kicks in. A California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.