2018 Genesis G80 Owner Complaints

Dear NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, I am submitting this letter to request an urgent review of a recurring and widespread air‑conditioning failure in the 2018 Genesis G80. The AC system consistently shuts off after extended driving and does not cool down when the car starts, especially in high‑heat environments In Texas, cabin temperatures can exceed 120°F, creating conditions that can lead to heat exhaustion or heat‑related illness. This is not an isolated incident. Many owners have reported identical symptoms: AC cooling stops after prolonged operation, airflow continues but without cooling, and the system only resets or thaws after the vehicle sits for an extended period. Despite these repeated complaints, no investigation or recall has been initiated. While AC failure is typically categorized as a comfort issue, the extreme heat exposure caused by this defect presents a legitimate safety concern. Occupants may become ill, visibility can be affected by humidity and fogging, and the failure appears to be tied to HVAC components that may not be functioning as designed.I respectfully request that NHTSA open a defect investigation into this issue to determine whether a safety recall is warranted. Thank you for your time and consideration.

NHTSA ID

11749342

Incident

Jul 9, 2020

Driver side rear door electric latch is stop working and i tried to open the latch manually but the locked latch won't let me but remain locked. I have concerns with the situation because when door latch were broken due to accident, the door would remain locked and passengers would not be able to escape from inside of the car

NHTSA ID

11749002

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Genesis G80. The contact stated that the Check Oil and Low Oil warning light illuminated while the vehicle was idling. The warning lights turned off while driving. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,200.

NHTSA ID

11733225

Incident

Apr 9, 2026

Mileage

72,200 mi

⭐ 1. The Airbag Control Unit (ACU) and associated restraint‑system components appear to have malfunctioned. The Event Data Recorder shows inconsistent airbag deployment staging, a pretensioner firing while the belt was recorded as unbuckled, a seat‑track sensor fault, unsupported occupant‑classification data, incomplete curtain‑airbag deployment during rollover, and missing crash‑event data. Yes, the vehicle and the full 29‑page EDR report are available for inspection upon request. ⭐ 2. The restraint system did not protect the occupants as expected. I suffered chest injuries from hitting the steering wheel, and my passenger sustained injuries to their hand and arm. These injuries occurred because the driver airbag did not deploy correctly, the pretensioner logic was inconsistent, and the curtain airbags did not deploy on the driver side despite multiple full vehicle rotations. The system’s irregular behavior increased the risk of serious injury or death. ⭐ 3. No. The issue occurred during a crash event and cannot be safely reproduced. However, the malfunction is confirmed by the vehicle’s own Event Data Recorder, which documents the deployment irregularities, sensor faults, and data‑integrity issues. ⭐ 4. The vehicle was inspected by insurance representatives after the crash. The manufacturer has not performed an engineering‑level inspection of the Airbag Control Unit or restraint‑system logic. The EDR report was obtained through the insurance process and serves as the primary source documenting the malfunction. ⭐ 5. No warning lamps or messages appeared prior to the crash. There were no symptoms indicating that the airbag or restraint system would malfunction. The failures were only discovered after reviewing the Event Data Recorder.

NHTSA ID

11717210

Incident

Oct 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Genesis G80. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's vehicle was involved in a crash. The contact stated that the vehicle crashed into a deer, and then crashed into a hill. The vehicle spun around three times and rolled over after crashing into the hill. The front driver's air bag did not deploy. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. A Police report was filed. The contact sustained bruises to the chest and back pain. The passenger who was seated in the front passenger's seat sustained bruises. No medical treatment was provided at the scene of the crash, however the contact later visited her primary physician. The vehicle was towed to the contact's family members' residence and later towed to the contact's residence. The insurance inspection confirmed that, according to the EDR, the front diver's air bag skipped stage one. In addition, the contact was informed that an unknown recall had been initiated for the front passenger's air bag for the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the aftermarket seat covers were the cause of the steering wheel's functionality not functioning as intended. The contact was informed that the aftermarket seat cover was the cause of the driver's side air bag not deploying. The contact stated that the seat covers were purchased after the crash to cover the damaged seats as a result of the crash. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

NHTSA ID

11717208

Incident

Oct 18, 2025

Mileage

126,000 mi

When operating the headlights in auto dim mode and the headlights are bright, when I try to dim the headlights manually using the dimmer switch, the headlights go out completely. When operating the headlights with auto dim mode turned off and the headlights are bright, when I try to dim the headlights manually using the dimmer switch, the headlights will not dim. This places myself and oncoming traffic at risk by them either being blinded by the high beams when I'm unable to dim or me hitting them or another object when the lights go out completely when I try to dim them. I reported this to the local dealer who mentioned similar issues on model years prior to mine which were sold under the Hyundai Genesis branding. I will note that the Hyundai Genesis model and my Genesis G80 model use the same platform.....the cars are identical except for the branding. The Hyundai Genesis model referenced had a recall for this issue, so I don't understand why the same recall hasn't been issued for the Genesis G80 model, which is having the same safety issues.

NHTSA ID

11714284

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

I WAS IN A ACCIDENT SEVERE ENOUGH TO DEPLOY ALL AIR BAGS BUT MY STEERING WHEEL, I WENT TO GENESIS WITH THE ISSUE AND THEY INSPECTED THE CAR WHEN THEY EDR REPORT CAME BACK EVERYTHING MATCHED BUT THE MODEL OF THE CAR IT COMES BACK TO A GV80, ON MY GENESIS APP MY CAR COMES BACK AS A G90, MY CAR IS A GENESIS G80 THE MATTER CONCERNS CONFLICTING VEHICLE INDETIFACTION DATA ACROSS MULTIPLE OFFICIAL GENESIS SYSTEMS AS WELL AS A FAILURE OF THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY DURING A CRASH. TWO IDENPENDENT GENESIS SYSTEMS - THE EVENT DATA RECORDER EDR AND THE OFFICIAL GENESIS OWNER PORTAL ARE IDENTIFYING MY VEHICLE AS A DIFFERENT MODEL A GENESIS GV80 AND G90 DESPITE MY CAR BEING A G80. THESE SYSTEMS SHOULD NEVER DISAGREE ABOUT THE VEHICLES IDENTITY AS THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFETY CRITICAL INFORMATION CRASH DATA WARRANTY TRACKING AND RECALL ELIGIBILITY.. THE EDR BOX SHOWING THE INCORRECT MODEL IDENTIFACTION .. THIS IS A MAJOR DEFECT DATA MISCLASSIFICATION AND A SAFETY SYSTEM FAILURE THAT CALLS FOR A RECALL

NHTSA ID

11712046

Incident

Oct 18, 2025

The contact owned a 2018 Genesis G80. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed during the night, a deer hit the contact's vehicle on the front passenger side. The vehicle spun around and ended up in a "grass hill" where it came to a stop. The driver-side air bags did not deploy. However, the front passenger and side curtain air bags were deployed. The front passenger-side control arm detached from the vehicle due to the impact. The police were called and filed a police report. The contact and the passenger were not injured. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a field inspector from Genesis stopped by the Hyundai dealer to retrieve the Event Data Recorder (EDR). The inspector informed the contact that the Event Data Recorder (EDR) showed that the contact's vehicle was a GV80. The contact stated that her vehicle is a G80. The field inspector then requested permission from the contact to retrieve the information from the Event Data Recorder (EDR) to change the vehicle information to a G80. The contact refused. The contact stated that the Genesis application on the contact's phone provided the following codes: B1378, which meant that the "Side Airbag Front-Driver Resistance is too High," and B1649, which meant "Crash Recorded - Rollover Event." The dealer replaced the control arm. The air bags were still deflated. The vehicle is at the contact's residence. The insurance company was informed. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

NHTSA ID

11710742

Incident

Oct 17, 2025

Mileage

127,000 mi

I am writing to formally report a serious safety defect in my Genesis vehicle and to request immediate investigation, documentation, and corrective action. Following a recent crash event, my vehicle’s diagnostic scan revealed DTC B1378, which is associated with a fault in the airbag system circuitry. This code is widely recognized as an indicator of an airbag defect and is consistent with conditions that warrant manufacturer recall. During the crash: - Multiple airbags deployed, - The steering‑wheel airbag did NOT deploy, - The SRS system recorded a crash severe enough to trigger other airbags, - The vehicle now displays B1378, confirming an internal fault. The failure of the primary driver airbag to deploy during a crash is a critical safety malfunction. Combined with the presence of B1378, this raises substantial concerns regarding a defective airbag module, wiring harness, or sensor — all of which fall under manufacturer responsibility and federal safety standards. I am requesting the following: Immediate corrective action, including repair or replacement of all defective components. Documentation of this issue in your internal safety‑defect tracking system. Given the severity of this failure and its implications for driver safety, I am also submitting this information to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for review. Please confirm receipt of this letter and provide a written response outlining the next steps. Sincerely, [XXX] Hagerstown, MD --- INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11710394

Incident

Oct 17, 2025

There is a known issue with these vehicles where the Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch triggers at idle and low RPMs but nothing is necessarily wrong other than the sensor itself. However, since the sensor malfunctions, owners can’t know if the pressure is actually bad or if oil levels are normal. This is a safety concern for all owners. However, Genesis is requiring owners to pay around $3000 to repair this. Most of the models are 2017-2019, which are past its manufacturer warranty years.

NHTSA ID

11709296

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

I hit a grass wall after striking a deer who bent my control arm and all airbags DEPLOYED BUT THE ONE WHO SAVES THE DRIVER THE MOST IMPORTANT AIRBAG

NHTSA ID

11703862

Incident

Oct 24, 2025

1-THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING A COLLISIOM WHILE ALL OTHER AIRBAGS `AIRBAGS INCLUDING REAR SEAT AIRBAGS -DID DEPLOY. THIS SUGGEST A POSSIBLE MALFUNCTION IN THE AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG UNIT OR SENSOR SYSTEM. **YES THE VECHCLE IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY GENESIS, NHTSA, OR ANY AUTHORIZED PARTY. 2. AS THE DRIVER I WAS AT DIRECT RISK THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG IS DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE HEAD AND CHEST IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. ITS FAILURE TO DEPLOY LEFT ME VULNERABLE TO IMPACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL AND DASHBOARD. THE LACK OF DEPLOYMENT HAS WORSED THE OUTCOME 3. NOT YET I AM SEEKING A DIAGNOSTIC SCAN FROM GENESIS - CERTIFIED DEALER TO CONFIRM THE FAILURE AND IDENTIFY ANY FAULT CODES IN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. 4. THE VEHICLE IS BEING ASSIGNED TO AN AJUSTER BUT NOT YET BY GENESIS OR NHTSA. I AM REQUESTING A FORMAL INSPECTION BY GENESIS AND WILL PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE VEHICLE. 5. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS OR MESSAGES PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. 6. I WAS NAVIGATING A TURN WHEN A DEER ENTERED THE ROADWAY I SWERVED AND THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL BECAME STRUCK CAUSING ME TO STRIKE AN EMBANKMENT. THE CONTROL ARM BROKE AND THE IMPACT TRIGGERED FULL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT INCLUDING REAR SEAT AIRBAGS BUT NOT THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG Based on the severity and location of the impact, the steering wheel airbag should have deployed. I believe this failure may be due to a sensor malfunction or defect in the airbag system. This raises concerns regarding the reliability of the vehicle’s safety mechanisms, as the absence of steering wheel airbag deployment during such a significant frontal impact posed a serious risk to driver safety.

NHTSA ID

11699927

Incident

Oct 24, 2025

A/C does not work as blower will not put out cold air. During hot days in Florida with children and elderly in the car this poses a risk to our health. This happens when A/C has been on for approximately one hour. No warning messages whatsoever. This has been reported by many Genesis G80 owners who own a G80 from the years 2017 - 2020. Genesis Corporate is aware of the problem but has not submitted a recall.

NHTSA ID

11698399

Incident

Nov 8, 2025

Oil pressure sensor issues.

NHTSA ID

11690109

Incident

Jun 4, 2025

Component: Engine / Turbocharger / Oil Line / Fire Risk Vehicle Problem: For the past five months, my oil light has been coming on and off sporadically (not flickering), even though mechanics and oil shops said there was no issue. A few days ago, the car started smoking out of nowhere, though it wasn’t overheating and there were no visible signs of leakage. I took it to the shop, and they diagnosed a turbocharger oil supply pipe leak that is severe and poses a fire risk. I am in a new city with no support system and have a baby. Multiple car dealerships have refused to fix my vehicle, even though I have been informed this part is under recall. I have tried calling and visiting, and no one will help. This is a safety concern, especially since the vehicle is at risk of catching fire while driving.

NHTSA ID

11675780

Incident

Jul 23, 2025

Rear left door lock actuator has failed. Door will not open from inside or outside. There is no emergency release of any kind. This is a major safety concern as in the event of an accident occupants could be stuck inside the vehicle. This is a known issue with this model as well as several Hyundai/Kia models

NHTSA ID

11671815

Incident

Jul 7, 2025

Engine while driving inadvertently stalls and vehicle shuts off. Does not matter what the conditions are. Have to place vehicle back in park and completely shut down vehicle to restart. It first starts by engine slowing down and then engine speeding up and ultimately stopping. When placed in park vehicle lungs forward slightly and front sensor tends to go off in warning without a vehicle in front of

NHTSA ID

11660302

Incident

May 11, 2025

My 2018 Genesis G80 has an issue in which the A/C quits working and blows warm air on the driver's side. I live in Florida where the heat is stifling and having warm air blowing during the high temperatures is dangerous. I have contacted Genesis who sent me a $220 Gift Card to have the dealer diagnose the problem. The dealer stated that this is a very common problem that Genesis will not acknowledge. My car only has 28,385 miles on it and is stored in a garage most of the time. I was told it needs a new evaporator coil which will cost $3,000. I am [XXX] and my husband is dealing with [XXX] I joined the Genesis G80 online forum and found that I am one of MANY people suffering with this problem. As the temperatures have already started to rise in Florida, I was struggling today as I drove to visit my husband in the hospital. I cannot go on much longer like this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11647268

Incident

Sep 2, 2024

Reverse lights no longer illuminate when placing car into reverse. This is a safety issue as cars behind me are not made aware if I am wanting to reverse until they see the car in motion.

NHTSA ID

11645647

Incident

Feb 10, 2025

Air conditioner freezes up and blows hot air in very hot weather. Causes dangerous driving environment.

NHTSA ID

11643599

Incident

Oct 24, 2024

Oil light keeps coming on suddenly, I looked online and there are many people who have had the same issue. It's only intermittent, and turns off when moving and turns on when idle. The first time it came on was when I was crawling on a first time in forever frozen Alabama road. I was very careful not to start sliding, and when the sign came on I panicked and ended up in a ditch. The safety issue comes from not knowing if this is a sensor issue or an actual oil issue. Most people stated that it was a sensor issue but to replace it, you must access inside of the motor.

NHTSA ID

11643428

Incident

Jan 27, 2025

There are two safety recalls, one for the starter and one for the turbo oil supply line, both have potential for a fire concern and the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for my vehicle in a timely manner.

NHTSA ID

11628603

Incident

May 1, 2024

For over one year we have been in contact with Round Rock Genesis in Round Rock, Texas about recalls # 254 & 018G (NHTSA Recall # 24V107000). Our Genesis G80 is now 6 years old. Failure to address this repair poses a risk of the car bursting into flames with no warning; Genesis advises parking the car outside. These recalls have not been performed because the dealership claims that they cannot get the needed parts. Recalls # 201 and 006G are meant to address the anti-lock braking system. Failure to address these recalls poses a risk of brake failure and fire. Because the service department of Round Rock Genesis have failed to ever call us back despite many messages left for them, we are not sure if this is still a current recall on this vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11627088

Incident

Sep 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Genesis G80. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V160000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11625294

Incident

Nov 14, 2024

Whenever I drive long distance like 1 or more hours, AC has problem. It worksd fine in short local distance. I see a lot of drivers have the same issue if you click the link below. During the hottest season, it can become very dangerous. I live in San Angelo, TX, and there is no Genesis dealership in here. Hyundae dealership couldn't figure it out. The nearest Genesis dealership takes 3 hours from my house. I paid for extended warranty which will expire within 4 months, and its useless unless it can get fixed. [XXX] (It's not a easy fix to Genesis service.) Please help me to resolvbe the issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11614072

Incident

Aug 1, 2021