NHTSA Complaint #11469595 — 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA

The powered driver seat returning from a reclined position can get stuck in the recline position for some unknown reason. The seat motor, electrical wiring system and the switch have all been examined and replaced and yet for some unknown reason it continues to occur. Two different mechanics thought it was the switch for the seat being faulty but its been replaced twice and still this issue can occur where the seat after reclining any amount the seat will remain in that recline position for an extended period of time (multiple days) and can if reclined completely, remain in the full reclined position unable to return in the direction so as to raise it to a normal seated position. The seat switch will only recline but will not return back to the seated position to any degree. All of the other swithces and buttons with the drivers side seat continue to remain operational and work even when the seated position direction does not function. To operate a vehicle in the fully reclined position is dangerous as you have no back support while driving, there is also no whiplash protection or support in the event of a collision. It can also impair the drivers ability to reach the pedals or operate the vehicle properly. It also makes the seat behind the driver unusable. Further adding to the danger the seat has no manual options and therefore is unable to be manually returned to the seated position, thus once it is reclined back it remains stuck in that position until the switch begins to function again or the seat is removed. There are no warning lamps or indicators and the seat continues to properly function in the recline direction. Only upon trying to return to a seated position is there any indication of an issue. This has happened at least 3 times in the past year. Repair shops have examined the electrical wiring and the switch and cant seem to keep it from happening