Quick answer: on Hyundai, Kia and Genesis cars the head-up display is switched on and off in software, so the most common reason it “stopped working” is that Enable Head-Up Display got switched off. After that, check brightness and height, whether the driver memory button moved the image, and whether you’re wearing polarized sunglasses. On the Ioniq 5 and EV6, the HUD switches itself off when the windshield gets too hot and comes back when it cools. A 2025–2026 Tucson whose display resets is covered by a recall.
This guide is for the factory HUD. For a plug-in aftermarket unit, see the aftermarket HUD troubleshooting guide.
Step 1: make sure it’s enabled
The menu depends on the car’s age and brand:
- Older models (e.g. 2020–2022 Palisade, 2021 Santa Fe, many Kias): on the instrument cluster, open User Settings with the steering-wheel buttons and select Head-Up Display > Enable Head-Up Display. The 2022 Palisade manual: “If you do not select ‘Head-Up Display’, the head up display will be deactivated.”
- Kia and Genesis infotainment: SETUP > Vehicle (Settings) > Head-Up Display > Enable Head-Up Display (Telluride, GV80, G70 and others).
- Newer Hyundais (2025+ Tucson, 2026 Palisade): Setup > Cluster/Head-Up Display > Head-Up Display > Enable Head-Up Display.
- Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 (AR HUD): Setup > Vehicle > Head-Up Display > Display mode (Augmented reality mode, Standard mode or off).
- First-generation Kona (pop-up screen): press the HUD button on the left side of the dashboard with the ignition on.
(Sources: 2022 Palisade, 2024 GV80 and 2025 Tucson owner’s manuals; 2027 Telluride features guide.) Menus can change after software updates.
Step 2: adjust height, rotation and brightness
In the same Head-Up Display menu, Display Control / Adjust Display sets Display Height, Rotation (for a tilted image) and Brightness. Content Selection chooses what appears (turn-by-turn, driving assistance, blind-spot warnings, media). On the Ioniq 5 and EV6 there’s also AR Matching Adjustment to line up augmented-reality graphics with the road. Hyundai’s manuals say to stop the vehicle before changing these settings.
Two things often catch owners out:
- Driver memory moves the HUD. On the Palisade, GV80, Ioniq 5 and others, the seat memory buttons (IMS) store HUD height and brightness. Recalling another driver’s memory moves the image. Telluride owners commonly report the HUD “migrating” for this reason.
- Turn-by-turn shows in one place only. If you choose turn-by-turn for the HUD, it isn’t shown on the cluster screen (Palisade, Santa Fe and Telluride manuals).
Why the image is hard to see
Hyundai, Kia and Genesis manuals give almost the same list. The HUD may be difficult to read when:
- you aren’t sitting in your normal position;
- you’re wearing polarized sunglasses;
- there’s an object on the HUD cover on the dashboard;
- the road is wet;
- there’s strong light inside or outside the car;
- you wear glasses or contact lenses.
The manuals’ fix is to adjust height and brightness. They also warn: “Do not tint the front windshield glass or add other types of metallic coating. Otherwise, the Head-Up Display image may be invisible.” If your HUD faded after a windshield tint, that’s the likely cause. More on sunglasses: HUD glare and polarized sunglasses.
Ioniq 5 and EV6: HUD turns off in hot sun
The Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 manuals say that when strong sunlight hits the windshield a warning appears, and if the windshield keeps heating up “Head-up display will be deactivated temporarily to protect Head-up display from the high temperature. When the temperature drops, Head-up display will be reactivated.” Owners commonly report a “disabled due to overheating” message on hot days, with the HUD returning a few minutes later. This is protection, not a fault. The AR graphics can also be hard to recognise in heavy rain or snow.
Known recalls and bulletins
- 2025–2026 Hyundai Tucson, Tucson Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid (recall 26V400): a loss of communication between the HUD and the instrument cluster can make the instrument display reboot and go blank briefly. The fix is a free software update at a dealer or over the air (Bluelink). Hyundai Australia issued a similar over-the-air update for the Tucson in September 2026.
- 2023 Genesis G70 3.3T built late October to early November 2022 (campaign 23-01-005G): HUD not bright enough on sunny days, fixed by a HUD software update.
- We found no Kia HUD-specific recall or bulletin. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
If the HUD stays blank with all settings correct, Kia’s manual advises having it inspected by an authorised dealer. Fuse positions vary by model, so leave fuses to the dealer.
Windshield replacement and double images
All three brands’ manuals say the same: “When replacing the front windshield glass, replace it with a windshield glass designed for Head-Up Display operation. Otherwise, duplicated images may be displayed.” Kia’s Telluride guide also notes that tint or other aftermarket windshield treatments can affect the HUD. After a replacement, readjust height and rotation (and AR matching on the Ioniq 5 and EV6). More in our HUD windshield replacement guide.
Kona pop-up screen: the first-generation Kona projects onto a small screen that rises from the dashboard, so windshield type and tint don’t affect it. Hyundai says to clean that screen only with a soft cloth (no solvents, detergents or polish) and never to move it or its door by hand. Some motor noise when it opens is normal.
Which models have a factory HUD?
Usually top trims only. Examples: Hyundai Palisade, Santa Fe, Sonata, Tucson (2025+ in the US), Ioniq 5 (AR HUD), Ioniq 6, first-generation Kona (pop-up); Kia Telluride (SX Prestige trims), EV6 (GT-Line, GT), EV9 (GT-Line), Stinger GT2, K900, Carnival (via package), 2026 Sportage hybrid and plug-in hybrid, Sorento GT-Line in Australia; Genesis G70, G80, G90, GV60, GV70, GV80. See our 2026 factory HUD database for current models. No factory HUD? See factory vs aftermarket HUD.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is my Kia or Hyundai heads-up display not working?
Most often “Enable Head-Up Display” has been switched off in the cluster User Settings or the infotainment Setup menu. Also check height and brightness, whether a driver memory button moved the image, and whether you’re wearing polarized sunglasses. Windshield tint can make the HUD invisible.
How do I turn on the heads-up display in my Kia Telluride?
Press SETUP on the infotainment system, then Vehicle (Settings) > Head-Up Display > Enable Head-Up Display. Height, rotation, brightness and content are set in the same menu.
Why does my Ioniq 5 or EV6 heads-up display turn off on hot days?
Hyundai and Kia say the HUD is temporarily deactivated if the windshield gets too hot from direct sunlight, to protect the unit, and switches back on when the temperature drops.
Why does my Hyundai Tucson dashboard and HUD keep resetting?
On 2025–2026 Tucson models, recall 26V400 covers a HUD-to-cluster communication problem that can briefly blank the instrument display. The fix is a free software update from a dealer or over the air.
Why is there a double image on my HUD after a windshield replacement?
The new windshield isn’t designed for head-up display operation. Hyundai, Kia and Genesis manuals all say to use HUD-designed glass, otherwise duplicated images may appear.