Engine & powertrain issues are among the top complaints from vehicle owners
The Genesis brand is Hyundai’s answer to luxury vehicles. This leading South Korean car manufacturer envisioned the idea of a luxury sedan way back in 2004. But it took more than a decade for the idea to become reality.
The G80 and G90 models were the first Genesis sedans to launch in the U.S. in late 2016. The second-generation G80 was launched in 2020, and an electrified G80 was introduced in 2021.
U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records reveal numerous consumer complaints about the first generation G80, many of which relate to engine problems. But perhaps the most alarming aspect is that just about every model is subject to an urgent fire risk recall.
Only implemented in March 2021, the urgent recall warns that an electrical short circuit in the anti-lock brake system module may occur in certain 2015 and 2016 Genesis vehicles and 2017-2020 G80 vehicles. This could result in an engine-compartment fire while the car is parked or on the road. As many as 94,646 vehicles could be affected.
While this recall doesn’t apply to the 2021 G80, there is a different recall that is also due to a fire risk. The problem is that in an estimated 147 vehicles, the fuel tube that connects the high-pressure fuel pump to the fuel rail might not seal properly. In the event of this malfunction, fuel could leak, increasing the risk of fire.
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There are 3 complaints on file with the NHTSA about the 2021 G80. We are going to look at them all. One is categorized as an engine and powertrain issue and another as a problem with tires. The third, listed under Unknown or Other, complains about not being able to read text messages while driving.
There are additional problems reported on other platforms including Genesis owners’ forums and the Kelley Blue Book (KBB).
For example, complaints on the Genesis Forums website range from hard seats and “horrible” transmission to electrical problems including the battery not charging.
One lengthy complaint gives examples of multiple problems, including the battery going dead if the car isn’t started daily. “Genesis diagnostics show everything is operating normally. I am sure I have missed some of the glitches we have seen. Problems have been increasing and started out as intermittent. Most expensive disappointment ever.”
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | |
| Engine | |
| Power Train | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Tires | |
| Tires:sidewall | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Vehicle Speed Control |
This NHTSA complaint states that the owner of the G80 had engine/powertrain issues while driving at between 30 and 40 mph. “The transmission disengaged, and the vehicle stalled and restarted without warning.” This happened on two separate occasions.
A KBB consumer complaint gives the 2021 G80 3 stars, but only 1 out of 5 for quality and 2 for value. The “G80 looks great but is a giant step backwards,” the complaint says. “Bad build quality, rough engine, poor, poor ride.”
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The car referred to in the NHTSA Tires category complaint was equipped with Pirelli Scorpion STR tires. “While the vehicle was parked, the front passenger’s side tire had an inner sidewall blowout.”
The manufacturer referred the car owner to two dealers, presumably to have the tires replaced.
The complaint about text messages is from an owner who points out that, “the G80 is equipped with a Bluetooth system that should read incoming text messages while in Drive.” But it malfunctions.
“After I select ‘Listen’ the car tells me ‘unavailable while Driving.’ When I close this system message, the display shows the first several words of the text message – allowing me to read the message while in Drive. This is unsafe.”
This complaint also states that there are many other G80s with the same problem, and provides a Genesis Forums link that features multiple similar complaints.
“I have contacted Genesis USA several times with no luck. I have returned the car for service multiple times with no resolution.”
If you have recurring problems with any component or system of your 2021 Genesis G80 you might have a lemon, especially if these problems affect its safety or value, and impact its use. If you suspect this to be the case, call the Lemberg Law Helpline so that we can assess your problems.
We have substantial experience negotiating settlements for clients who have found themselves with lemon cars. These range from cash settlements and buybacks to replacement vehicles.
The law makes the manufacturer pay the legal fees for lemon law cases. So, Genesis will have to pay costs, not you.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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I have a 2022 Genesis G80. I bought it outright November 1, 2021. By Dec 29, was the 1st time it went it for a power train issue. Misfire cylinder 4. They supposedly had fixed the issue. But come March, 2022 again the power train and again in April 2022, then July my chassis. The Ebrake would engage while doing 70mph. And caused me to do a 360 in middle of a Hwy. My car would shake and brakes would pulsate. They had to resurface my rotors, this is all just the first couple months of me owning it. My car would shut off randomly and I paid extra for this protective clear coat thing that’s supposed to keep, you know my car from any dings and damages or love bugs they forgot to put on and the damage was already done in the paint swirled. So they pretty much told me that was my fault. It was in and out of the shop constantly and I literally just got it out of the shop again. Because the evaporator and my AC broke. My horn stopped working. They just supposedly did a seatbelt recall, and now my seatbelt doesn’t work, it’s literally going back in the shop again on Monday the 23rd. They supposedly were supposed to do 2 recalls on my car. And they stated that they did them but if you run my Vin number they did not do them. I would like to have a lemon law buy back done. because I’m literally legally disabled and a single mother of three kids. That’s how I was able to buy this car outright and I spent $70,000 on a vehicle. Not to mention the fact that you guys will Genesis states that if your car breaks down, no matter where you are, they’re trying to keep up with Mercedes that they will come and bring you the same exact car. If not better, it’s got to be a Genesis. As a rental, you don’t have to bring it to them. That is a croc of crap. I literally had to drive when I first lived when I bought this house. I had to drive 3 hour round trip. Now where I live? I have to drive 5 hour round trip. And that’s mileage and everything else wearing tear. And then I have to pay for my own rentals I’ve had enough. A $70000 car literally should have lasted me years. And I don’t mean two, not to mention mind you. All these problems started 1 month. 28 days after I purchased it.
I have a 2021 G80 with only 15,000 miles on it. I purchased it new. Had the vehicle in the shop twice for the vehicle locking up at highway speeds and start to swerve as if the lane correcting was correcting when not needed. That issued required engineers fly to Las Vegas to address the issue. Has not happened since. Now the battery died and it was towed in and they are now saying the engine has a “funny” noise when they start it.
I own a g80 2022, with 37000 miles, the check engine light is on, and the dealership people told me that the problem is the inyector of the fourth cylinder, that is very unusual and I am really concerned about that. The problem is getting bigger because they don’t have any replacement parts avaliable. My car is in service since 2 weeks ago.