2018 Genesis G80 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 Genesis G80, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical2222.2%
- Steering1515.2%
- Engine1414.1%
- Other / unspecified99.1%
- Airbags99.1%
- Brakes77.1%
- Powertrain (other)55.1%
- Body & structure44.0%
- Tires & wheels44.0%
- Driver assistance33.0%
- Visibility22.0%
- Interior & seats22.0%
- Exterior lighting22.0%
- Suspension11.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
SIDEWALL FAILURE OF CONTINENTAL PROCONTACT TX TIRES. SEVERAL BUBBLES IN SIDEWALL. DEALER CLAIMS IT MUST BE FROM ROAD HAZARD.
TIRES DEVELOPED BUBBLES IN SIDE WALLS ON TWO TIRE. ALSO CAR WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS FOR THE SPEED LIMIT. ALWAYS FIGHTING THE STEERING WHEEL TO STAY IN LANE. I AM 80 YEARS OLD AND THERE WERE MANY COMPLAINTS OF FLATS AND LOSE OF CONTROL THAT I DECIDED TO REPLACE ALL THE TIRES. I CONTACTED HYUANDAI AND ALSO CONTINNENTAL AND WAS GIVEN NO SATISFACTION.ON GOING COMPLAINTS ABOUT ROAD NOISE ON THE OLD TIRES AND THE NEW TIRES HAVE NOT BE RECTIFIED.. MECHANIC SAID LOW PROFILE TIRES ARE THE CAUSE OF BOTH. CAR WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE PROBLEMS OCCURRED
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
⭐ 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.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Oil pressure sensor issues.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rear passenger door behind the driver side of vehicle will not open up it causes safety issues for passengers and not being able to exit or enter through that door. It is not an electronic problem as the other three doors operate correctly. This vehicle has only 52,000 miles.
Glass in front of the moon roof exploded outward. Corners where collapsed inward. Traveling aprox. 50 mph. Clear sunny day. No traffic in front or behind. My first thought was flat tire. Glass was standing straight up with a 2 in gap in the center. The next one may completely leave the vehicle and cause an accident. Not looking for reimbursement. Paid by insurance. I think there was some sort of pressure on the glass to cause the damage making it a product defect.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
275.35r19 96w Continental Procontact TX Between 12-15k miles I had my two front tires form sidewall bubbles. The first bubble resulted in a blowout. Now at about 24k miles I'm told by the dealer the tread on my rear tires is almost gone. One rear tire, also, loses air monthly. I drive mostly locally and my longest trips are not greater than 70miles. I park in my driveway rarely where anything can hit the sidewall. For four tires to fail at this mileage indicates to me there is a serious flaw with the manufacturing.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GENESIS G80 EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL TIRES, TIRE LINE: CONTI PRO CONTACT TX, TIRE SIZE 245/40/ZR19, DOT NUMBER: (NOT AVAILABLE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, A YELLOW WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND DISCOVERED THE PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE SIDEWALL WAS BLOWN OUT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CHECK YOUR TPMS WARNING MESSAGE ALSO ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SOON AFTER THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAD THE TIRE REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS PART OF A REPLACEMENT SET OF TIRES WHICH WERE REPLACED BY THE GENESIS DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE ON THE TIRE WAS 20,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
After starting the car to leave home, the backup camera would not display. Placing car in reverse, the screen did not change from its MAP/nav display. Several other dash controls were also inoperable. It seems the car did not "initialize" successfully yet did not display any warnings. Unknown if any ADAS such as cross traffic or blind spot were inactive. Stopping and starting the car a second time resolved the issues. But, with no warnings, what could have happened if a driver did not notice the issue and do a "restart"? Too many software bugs.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 70MPH, NO OTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THE MOVABLE SECTION OF THE SUNROOF EXPLODED WITH A LOUD BANG AND GLASS RAINING DOWN ON ME AND MY PASSENGER. ALL WIDOWS CLOSED, SUNROOF CLOSED, SUNSHADE OPEN. 60SUNNY MORNING. I'M EXTREMELY CONFIDENT THAT NOTHING HIT THE ROOF. I HAB NEVER HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE ROOF AND ACTUALLY SELDOM OPEN IT....
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GENESIS G80. WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE ACTIVATED, THE CONTACT SMELLED WIPER FLUID INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER (ROCKLAND HYUNDAI, 55 NY-303, WEST NYACK, NY 10994, (845) 402-8623) STATED THAT THIS WAS A NORMAL CONDITION. THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMED THAT THEY HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE CONDITION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,800. *TT CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER STATED OTHER CONSUMERS CLAIMED SAME ISSUE BUT THE DEALER REPORTED TO THE CONSUMER IT WAS NORMAL.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Genesis G80. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal clicking sound coming from the driver's seat, and the seat suddenly shifted. Upon visual inspection, the contact observed that the seat was not sufficiently secured to the floor bracket. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 40,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Genesis G80. The contact stated the rear driver’s side door failed to lock or unlock. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the rear driver’s side door latch to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,590.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
When driving at night and using the headlight switch's flash feature, the headlights go out completely when in AUTO mode. In manual mode, the headlights will be constantly on bright and will not allow the lights to dim. I took the car to the dealership and they confirmed what I was describing and said that the multifunction switch is faulty. I had a prior year Hyundai that has the same type of switch and was having the same issues reported. A TSB was issued for that vehicle to have the multifunction switch replaced. Seeing as how these vehicles are the same exact vehicles (just under a different brand name) and are having the same issues, I'm wondering if the Genesis should be covered under the same bulletin.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
1)AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING (AEB) WITH PEDESTRIAN DETECTION - LOOKS LIKE IT IS WORKING IN 20-30% OF CASES, NEVER WORKING WITH PEDESTRIANS. SERVICE DECLARED EVERYTHING FINE, BUT REJECT DEMONSTRATE THIS. 2)LINE KEEP ASSISTS - PERIODICALLY DEPARTURE CAR FROM THE LINE, IT HAPPENS DURING PERFECT WEATHER CONDITIONS AND ROAD MARKUP. 3) VIBRATION IS AT THE VERY HIGH LEVEL, PERIODICALLY INCREASED AND SOME TIME GOES AWAY, EVEN WHEN CAR STAY. BY MEASURE 4-5 TIMES GREATER THAN IN ANY OTHER CAR. SERVICE TOLD - BECAUSE IMPROPER ENGINE MOUNT, THEY CAN'T FIX ANY INFORMATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER. 4)CASTER IS OUT OF SPECS, SERVICE TOLD ALL G80 COMES FROM THIS DEFECT FROM THE FACTORY AND REJECT TO ADJUST -- DRIVING 5-6 DIFFERENT GENESIS G80 2017-2018 DURING LAST 4 MONTH, WHILE MY CAR WAS ON SERVICE AND ISSUE 1 AND 2 AND 3 CONTINUOUSLY REPRODUCED ON ALL OF THEM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .