2014 HYUNDAI EQUUS

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Equus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the driver's side head restraint suddenly deployed from the seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the head restraint needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred with the passenger's side headrest, and the headrest was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,156.

SEATS

I am reporting a recurring safety-related defect in the headrest mechanisms of my 2014 Hyundai Equus. The first incident occurred in the front passenger seat. While driving, I lightly leaned my arm on the passenger headrest when it suddenly popped up with a loud, startling noise and occurring an road incident . The internal components crumbled instantly, requiring a complete replacement. This was a costly repair, which I first inquired about with the service department at AutoNation Hyundai in Columbus, GA. It was eventually repaired and completed at Columbus Body Collision, Columbus, GA On [XXX], the driver’s headrest failed in the same way. It popped out of position unexpectedly, and the internal structure again appears to have broken and crumbled, while I was parked at QuikTrip fuel station. Alpharetta, GA. This incident has made me concerned about occupant safety, especially regarding whiplash protection and the risk of the headrest becoming a projectile or collapsing under impact. Since both front seat headrests have failed in the same way, I believe this may indicate a design or manufacturing defect. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue and consider a recall so that affected Hyundai Equus owners are not left with expensive and unsafe repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Office of Defects Investigation From: [XXX] Date: 2 June 2025Vehicle: 2014 Hyundai Equus Location: Columbus, GA   (Other driven locations: Buford, GA; Alpharetta, GA; Duluth GA)1. Summary of Vehicle Cyber Incident:My 2014 Hyundai Equus has been compromised through what I believe to be a remote cyberattack targeting the vehicle’s infotainment and navigation systems. This began shortly after I reported widespread digital and identity theft to law enforcement in Columbus, GA.2. Symptoms Observed: Navigation system lockout: The navigation system is entirely disabled. A satellite symbol with a circle and diagonal slash appeared on the interface and has not gone away, indicating a potential denial of satellite/GPS signal or remote access control. Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) Override: The RSE system appears to be remotely controlled, with the interface appearing on my front console screen without input. I attempted to check the RSE control box in the settings menu, but it was consistently unchecked upon restart—as if overridden remotely. Video evidence interference: I recorded multiple videos of the system anomalies, including screen mirroring and control takeover. Some were blocked from sending or sharing; others went through under inconsistent conditions. Unauthorized device influence: I believe connected devices (iPhones, etc.) are being used as access vectors into my vehicle system.3. Timeline of Events: [XXX] (Sunday evening): After visiting the Columbus Public Safety Center and speaking with Deputies McBride and I. Sanchez about ongoing cyber intrusions (mobile, home, and vehicle), the car infotainment system began behaving abnormally that night. May 20, 2025 (Tuesday): I returned to Columbus Police Department to formally report the vehicle hacking. A CPD officer expressed genuine concern and said he would relay my case to Detective Gross. May 23, 2025: I visited AutoNation Hyundai in Columbus INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO