Hyundai Smart Key lawsuit claims the automaker’s keyless ignition system defect led to a fatal carbon monoxide poisoning incident involving a couple in New Hampshire.
A wrongful death lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire alleges that a 2015 Hyundai Genesis remained running in a garage even after the driver left the vehicle with the wireless smart key.
According to the complaint, the vehicle’s engine continued operating without an external warning sound or an automatic engine shut-off feature, allowing carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the home.
The lawsuit was filed on April 1 by David S. Moore on behalf of the estates of David P. Moore and Janice Moore, who died in October 2024. The defendants include Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai Motor America Inc., and Hyundai America Technical Center Inc.
Fatal Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Incident
The complaint states that the Moores parked their 2015 Hyundai Genesis in their attached garage and believed the engine had been turned off.
However, the vehicle allegedly remained running after the driver exited with the smart key fob.
Carbon monoxide from the vehicle then seeped into the home.
Both victims were later found unconscious inside the house and were pronounced dead from carbon monoxide poisoning. Investigators determined the running vehicle was the sole source of the gas buildup, according to the complaint.
Alleged Design Defect in Keyless Ignition
The lawsuit argues that Hyundai’s keyless ignition system created a dangerous situation because drivers could leave the vehicle with the smart key while the engine continued running.
According to the complaint, the 2015 Hyundai Genesis lacked two critical safety features:
- An external audible alert warning drivers that the engine was still running
- An automatic engine shut-off function when the key fob leaves the vehicle
The complaint states Hyundai knew about carbon monoxide risks linked to keyless ignition systems for years, citing government safety discussions and consumer complaints submitted to regulators.
Claims Hyundai Knew of the Risk
The lawsuit alleges Hyundai had prior knowledge of the dangers associated with keyless ignition vehicles.
The filing cites discussions by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) dating back to at least 2011 about carbon monoxide hazards when drivers accidentally leave vehicles running in garages.
Despite this, the complaint claims Hyundai did not implement stronger warnings or automatic shut-off systems in the 2015 Genesis.
The plaintiff alleges Hyundai could have added safety features such as audible alerts or automatic engine shutdown to reduce the risk.
Damages and Jury Trial Request
The lawsuit accuses Hyundai of:
- Design defect
- Failure to warn
- Negligent design
- Negligent failure to warn
- Breach of implied warranty
The plaintiff is seeking damages for emotional suffering, financial losses, and other damages related to the deaths. The complaint also demands a jury trial.
Additional Legal Challenges Facing Hyundai
The filing comes amid other legal disputes involving Hyundai.
In a separate lawsuit, a worker at Hyundai’s Alabama manufacturing facility claimed she suffered a miscarriage after being assaulted by a coworker, seeking $20 million in damages.
Hyundai has also faced lawsuits related to labor practices in its supply chain. Labor rights group Jobs to Move America previously filed litigation accusing the automaker of failing to address alleged child labor issues among suppliers.
Labor and advocacy groups later staged protests during the Los Angeles Auto Show, calling on Hyundai and Kia to improve labor standards.
