Hyundai recalls Genesis G90 for silver paint that interferes with bumper sensors

Hyundai Motor America is recalling Genesis G90 models because of a silver paint that can scatter radar signals for a bumper sensor and cause the automaker’s Highway Driving Assist (HDA) to brake suddenly. 

The recall affects an estimated 483 vehicles from model years 2023 to 2026, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety recall report. 

Hyundai’s HDA is an advanced system that allows semi-autonomous driving on limited-access highways, the report says. It adds that the scattered radar signals can cause the HDA to falsely detect another vehicle entering its lane of travel and apply the brakes without warning. It says this can occur when HDA is enabled at speeds below 12 miles per hour or when HDA is enabled along with the Lane Change Assist (LCA) feature. 

Front corner radar signals may reflect off the aluminum content in Savile Silver exterior paint (paint code: SSS) and pass through the front bumper beam, the report says. 

“These signals may be registered as an object in the opposing lane and can potentially affect HDA operation,” the report says. 

Hyundai received a field report indicating a false vehicle detection on a model year 2024 G90 vehicle on Feb. 27, the report says. The company’s North America Safety Office (NASO) then began analyzing and tracking field data. 

After reviewing manufacturing records, NASO determined that only the silver paint contained a significant amount of aluminum, which could scatter the radar signal. 

As of the date of filing, Hyundai was aware of 11 unique HDA false detection reports received between April 24, 2023, and April 2, 2025. It said there have been no crashes, injuries, fatalities, or fires related to the recall in the U.S. 

“Hyundai advises all owners to refrain from using the HDA feature on their vehicles until the remedy has been completed,” the report says. 

All owners of the subject vehicles will be notified by first-class mail with instructions to bring their vehicles to a Genesis retailer for the replacement of the front bumper beam. There will be no cost to the owners, regardless of warranty status. 

Production of the silver color stopped on Nov. 2. To remedy the recall, the front bumper beam has been sealed to prevent radar transmission through the structure. 

Last year, a Collision Industry Conference panel focused on the added importance vehicle radars and sensors put on following OEM procedures when refinishing. 

Benito Cid, Mercedes-Benz USA collision programs manager, said it is important that the repair process and products used don’t interrupt the line of sight for advanced vehicle technology systems. 

Repairers can’t repaint some parts with sensors, Cid said. Sometimes, replacing the part is the only option.

Other parts have a maximum number of layers of coating, such as primer, paint, and clear, he said. Some of these parts can only be painted one additional time.

“We can’t just say it’s gray or white,” Cid said. “We have to be looking at this and make sure we have the right information. You are sending someone out onto the road with this vehicle that may or may not function as it should.”

The latest edition of the BASF Fundamentals of Automotive Refinishing document for both its Glasurit and R-M brands have a dedicated section on RADAR and ADAS-related precautions, which emphasizes the importance of special formulations and repair planning considerations. 

“Since the performance of RADAR systems located behind painted car parts can be affected by a variety of factors unrelated to paint, we assume no liability for RADAR functionality of car parts in their entirety,” the document states. “During the refinishing process of a car part with RADAR sensors behind it, it is necessary to follow the instructions of the car manufacturer meticulously. This may include calibration of RADAR systems and/or operation tests before considering a repair completed, depending on OEM recommendations. Thus, please check the respective OEM instructions when doing refinish work where RADAR sensors are involved.”

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