Genesis Sedans Called Back Over Ghost Car Problem

Genesis is warning federal regulators and G90 drivers about a spooky problem with the vehicles’ highway driving assist systems.

The systems may detect ghost cars, or vehicles that are not really there, according to Genesis. That may prompt cars to brake suddenly and unnecessarily, increasing the risk of collisions, the automaker said in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“The subject vehicles are equipped with Highway Drive Assist (“HDA”), an advanced driving assistance system that allows semi-autonomous driving on limited-access highways with continuous, direct supervision by the driver,” Genesis said. “The vehicles may falsely detect another vehicle entering its lane of travel and apply the brakes without warning when HDA is enabled at speeds below approximately 12mph or when HDA is enabled along with the Lane Change Assist (“LCA”) feature, activated by the driver moving the turn signal lever to the desired direction to change lanes.”

The company is recalling nearly 500 G90s from model years 2023-2026. The issue appears to only impact sedans with the since-retired Savile Silver exterior color. Radar signals emitted by the vehicles’ assist systems can reflect off the silver paint, leading the systems to interpret it as other cars cutting into the lane ahead.

“Sudden unintended braking while driving can increase the risk of a crash,” Genesis said.

The company told NHTSA that Genesis planned to notify owners of recalled vehicles by the end of January. Owners are asked to bring their cars to authorized service providers for the replacement of front bumper beams. In the meantime, Genesis said owners should not use the HDA feature. 

Understanding the California Lemon Law

This particular defect is pretty bizarre, but recalls of vehicle problems that increase the risk of accidents are all too common. The good news for Genesis and other car owners in California is that you have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law. Namely, you do not need to wait around for a recall to get a defective car fixed.

The lemon law requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces companies to buy back (or replace, in some cases) covered vehicles they are unable or flat-out refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the purchase price, as well as financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. That is one reason why it is important to consult an experienced California lemon law attorney.

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.