2021 Genesis G80 Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Engine & powertrain issues are among the top complaints from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

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.

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2021 Genesis G80

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Tires:sidewall
1
Electrical System
1
Service Brakes
1
Vehicle Speed Control
1
Unknown Or Other
1
Tires
1
Engine
1
Power Train
1

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.

Most Common Problems with the 2021 Genesis G80

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.”

2021 Genesis G80 Engine & Powertrain Problems

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.”

2021 Genesis G80 Tire Problems

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.

2021 Genesis G80 Text Message Errors

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.”

What to do if your 2021 Genesis G80 is a lemon? Your Lemon Rights

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.

Complaint Data

CategoryTires:sidewall
DateFeb 18, 2023
StateHI
Description
245/40 r20 (front) 275/35 r20 (rear) the two front and one rear tire experienced sidewall failures within the first 25,000 of use. The tires have been disposed. I thank god that the failures did not occur at highway speed which could have caused serious injury to me and other motorists. There were no warning before the tire failures. After the third failure occurring on 2/12/23, I changed all four tires to michelin pilot sport all-season.
CategoryElectrical System, Service Brakes, Vehicle Speed Control
DateNov 20, 2022
StateOH
Description
All lights warning lights illuminate and gauges stop working. Loss of functionality includes critical control and safety systems and features: •no speedometer •no turn signals •no tachometer •odometer not recording miles •airbag warning •electric power steering system warning •steering and driving assist failure •brake system failure warning •abs failure warning •collision avoidance system failure (forward and rearward) •check engine •awd system warning •lane keep and lane change assist system failure •blind spot monitoring system failure •reverse and surround view camera failures •no infotainment or radio control on center stack •windows and trunk release inoperable •all in-car electronics •on-board maintenance system warnings, random resets all off the above failures occurred without any prior indication of an issue, while vehicle was in motion and being driven on public roads with other drivers and vehicles nearby. These are repeat and reoccurring issues, first appearing at approximately 3,900mi on 01/20/2022. This vehicle is not safe to be driven. It is a danger to its driver (me) and passengers, and also all other nearby vehicles and pedestrians. It remains at genesis of akron, despite the inability to be repaired. On november 18, 2022 they required me to turn in the loaner I had been given and I was informed neither genesis of akron nor genesis usa will provide safe transportation during the arbitration or lemon investigation period(s).
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateFeb 09, 2022
StateTN
Description
The g80 is equipped with a bluetooth system that should read incoming text messages while in drive. (see https://www. Youtube. Com/watch? V=cxfpq37jjbi&t=6s) instead, 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. My vehicle is not the only one experiencing this problem - see https://genesisowners. Com/genesis-forum/threads/voice-text. 37457/ for other reports and more details. I have contacted genesis usa several times with no luck. I have returned the car for service multiple times with no resolution.
CategoryTires
DateDec 16, 2021
StateCA
Description
The contact owns a 2021 genesis gv80 equipped with pirelli tires, tire line: scorpion str, tire size: 265/55/r19, dot number: (n/a). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger's side tire had an inner sidewall blowout. The tire was not replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to two dealers. The tire and vehicle failure mileages were not available.
CategoryEngine, Power Train
DateJul 20, 2021
StateNV
Description
The contact owns a 2021 genesis g80. The contact stated while driving 30-40 mph on two separate occasions, the transmission disengaged, and the vehicle stalled and restarted without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,034.

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Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 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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1 COMMENT
  • Juan C

    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.

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