Recall 18V496 affects 3,305 2018 Genesis G80 vehicles for an occupant-classification sensor error. Repair is free at any franchised Genesis dealer.
Genesis is recalling 3,305 2018 G80 vehicles because the occupant classification system can read an adult in the passenger seat when the seat is empty. In a crash, that error can let the front passenger air bag deploy when a child or infant is seated there, increasing injury risk; Genesis dealers will fix it free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Occupant Classification System in the 2018 Genesis G80 is the passenger-seat sensor system that decides how the front passenger air bag should behave. It reads the seat and tells the air bag control system whether the seat is empty, occupied by an adult, or occupied in a way that should keep the passenger air bag off.
On affected G80 sedans, the system was set with the wrong calibration. The coding used for a heated-seat setup was reset to a ventilated-seat setup, so the system can read an empty passenger seat as if an adult is sitting there. That wrong reading also means a child or infant in the seat can be treated as an adult occupant, and the passenger air bag can deploy in a crash instead of staying off.
The warning sign is the "Passenger Air Bag OFF" indicator turning off when it should stay on. If that light turns off with no passenger in the seat, the system is not classifying the seat correctly.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Genesis G80 | air bag system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 3,305 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Genesis G80 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
If a child or infant is in the front passenger seat and the air bag deploys in a crash, injury risk increases. Watch the Passenger Air Bag OFF indicator: if it turns off with a child or infant in front, use the rear seat and schedule service. Repair is free at any franchised Genesis dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Genesis G80 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Genesis dealer to schedule the free OCS software update that fixes the passenger-seat classification error.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 18V496 and Genesis recall 002G when you call.
- Keep children and infants out of the front passenger seat until the OCS reprogramming is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Genesis technician reprograms the Occupant Classification System so the passenger seat sensor reads the seat correctly. The software update is free under the recall, with parts and labor covered. The reimbursement statement points to warranty coverage rather than a separate recall reimbursement notice, because the affected OCS repair was already covered by the new vehicle limited warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| July 27, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 24, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| August 24, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 24, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 24, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V496?
Recall 18V496 covers 3,305 2018 Genesis G80 vehicles with an Occupant Classification System defect. The system can detect an adult in the front passenger seat when the seat is empty, which can cause the passenger air bag to deploy in a crash when a child or infant is seated there.
What should I do if my 2018 Genesis G80 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific G80 is included in recall 18V496. If it is, contact a franchised Genesis dealer to schedule the Occupant Classification System reprogramming. Reference recall 18V496 or Genesis recall number 002G when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. A franchised Genesis dealer will reprogram the Occupant Classification System free of charge, including parts and labor tied to this recall repair.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is improper front passenger air bag deployment in a crash. If a child or infant is in the front passenger seat and the air bag deploys instead of staying deactivated, injury risk increases. The dealer repair corrects the Occupant Classification System programming.
What if I bought my Genesis G80 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2018 Genesis G80 is included, then call a franchised Genesis dealer and reference recall 18V496.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V496000 |
|---|---|
| Genesis customer service | 1-855-371-9460 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V496 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V496000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →