2021 Genesis GV80

On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Recall Query (RQ) based on 3 incidents alleging front seat belt pretensioners that may rupture during deployment, on model year (MY) 2020-2022 of various Hyundai and Kia Models, resulting in 3 injuries (note: one incident occurred outside the U.S. and its territories).Between October 2021 and March 2023, Hyundai and Kia have filed the following 11 safety recalls for pretensioner rupture: NHTSA Recall No. 21V-796, 22V-069, 22V-123, 22V-127, 22V-218, 22V-354, 22V-447, 22V-458, 22V-816, 23V-094, and 23V-210.Hyundai/Kia have stated that the abnormal deployment of the pretensioners is due to over-pressurization of the pretensioner pipe that can cause metal fragments to enter the vehicle occupant compartment, which can result in injury to vehicle occupants.The various makes/models covered by the above recalls include approximately 405,900 certain 2020-2022 Hyundai Accent, 2021-2022 Hyundai Elantra and Elantra HEV, 2021-2022 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV, 2020-2022 Hyundai Venue, 2021-2023 Genesis G80, 2023 Genesis G80 EV, 2023 Genesis G90, 2023 Genesis GV60 EV, 2022-2023 Genesis GV70, 2021-2023 Genesis GV80, 2021-2022 Kia Sorento HEV, and 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV.In response to ODI's investigation, in December 2022, Hyundai notified ODI that they would be conducting testing to validate subject vehicle seat belt pretensioners. This evaluation included sled testing and software testing which was performed by Hyundai and its suppliers. The tests were intended to evaluate pretensioner deployment characteristics based on the unique deployment signature of the subject and peer vehicles. ODI met with representatives from Hyundai on several occasions during the investigation to discuss testing progress and data. As a result of the testing, Hyundai was able to simulate the pretensioner failures. It was determined by Hyundai during testing, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment in the event of a crash which can cause metal fragments to enter the vehicle occupant compartment.Hyundai thus notified ODI of their decision to proceed with a safety recall, to expand the scope of the previous safety actions.In view of the recall actions taken by Hyundai and Kia, ODI concerns have been addressed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.

I am writing this complaint concerning the headlight assembly issue that applies to my vehicle. The headlight has a well documented record of suddenly failing. To my knowledge there has never been an official recall from Genesis to address this issue. The issue definitely causes a safety issue and the repair of this issue is not a straight forward matter. From the various reports i have read it is a design flaw that was never addressed and it is something that fails repeatedly. With an average repair cost of between $2500 to $4500 plus labor to repair a component that is essential to safely operating the vehicle this is a huge concern for me.

NHTSA ID

11769474

Incident

Oct 5, 2026

On two separate occasions, my 2021 Genesis GV80 experienced a sudden loss of motive power while driving on Interstate 75 in Atlanta, Georgia, creating an extreme crash hazard. The first incident occurred on August 3, 2026. While traveling at highway speed in heavy traffic, I attempted to change lanes and pressed the accelerator. The vehicle did not respond — instead of accelerating, it crept along at low speed while surrounding traffic continued at approximately 80 mph. I was nearly struck by multiple vehicles and was only able to avoid a collision by steering back into my lane. The second incident occurred under the same circumstances on I-75 on but I don't recall the exact date. Again, when I attempted to change lanes and accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond and I was nearly hit by fast-moving traffic. Both of these occasions were terrifying. On August 11, 2026, I brought the vehicle to the dealership, where the entire transmission and heater box were replaced (vehicle in shop 29 days). Despite this major repair, the drivability problems continued — the engine RPMs race to 4 and 5 before the transmission shifts gears, and the vehicle drives roughly and feels unresponsive. The vehicle is currently at the dealership for replacement of the electric water pump. I am concerned this vehicle has an unresolved defect affecting acceleration and motive power that could cause a serious crash. The dealer's repairs have not corrected it.

NHTSA ID

11768943

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

Air conditioner evaporator core failure. Air conditioner stopped working. Took vehicle to shop and was told by dealer this was a common problem and that TSB 25-HA-002G was issued concerning this problem. After researching vehicle online, I found a Facebook page with numerous other owners having the same problem. Local dealer told me it would cost $3700 to repair. This vehicle is five years old and although the Genesis Corporations is aware of the problem (TSB) they seem to be pushing the repair of a defective product off onto the customers.

NHTSA ID

11762876

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

This complaint concerns Manufacturer Recall 033G (NHTSA Recall 26V229000) for a fuel crossover pipe with retention fasteners that may loosen over time, creating a fuel leak and engine compartment fire risk. The vehicle has not yet received the recall remedy because the nearest authorized Genesis retailer capable of performing the repair is over 620 miles round trip. The recall filing states that Genesis will reimburse owners for out-of-pocket expenses incurred to obtain the remedy, in accordance with a reimbursement plan submitted to NHTSA on March 2, 2026. I contacted Genesis's National Consumer Affairs team and requested written pre-approval of round-trip transportation costs consistent with that filed reimbursement plan, so I could arrange transport without paying out of pocket on an uncertain after-the-fact review. Genesis responded that they are unable to provide advance approval or written authorization for any round-trip transportation, mileage, fuel, or other travel-related costs. They stated only that a one-way tow may be considered for reimbursement after the recall is completed, subject to review and approval, with no commitment on the return trip. As a result, completing this safety recall requires me to pay for transportation costs out of pocket with no guarantee of reimbursement, despite Genesis's own filed commitment to reimburse expenses incurred to obtain the remedy. This creates a practical barrier to completing a safety recall that is supposed to be free of charge, particularly for owners who do not live near an authorized retailer. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether Genesis's actual practice is consistent with the reimbursement plan it submitted for this recall.

NHTSA ID

11761773

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

Component Affected: Electrical / Interior Cabin Comfort / HVAC SystemsDescription of Defect:I am reporting an active thermal defect in the dashboard footprint of my 2021 Genesis GV80 AWD 3.5T. Following a 35-to-40-minute dynamic road test under engine load, severe heat migrates directly from the engine compartment into the passenger cabin. The instrument cluster panel and surrounding dashboard structures reach an extreme, verified temperature of 110°F, while the adjacent passenger vents measure standard cooling at 80°F.This severe cabin heat soak began immediately following an authorized dealership replacement of the air conditioning evaporator coil, requiring complete dashboard disassembly. The thermal failure strongly indicates a compromised bulkhead/firewall seal, displaced steering column boot, or an uninstalled engine-bay thermal insulation blanket, which allows high-temperature engine bay heat and air pressure to blow directly into the vehicle's internal electronic housing components.Safety Hazard:An instrument cluster panel reaching 110°F poses an immediate safety hazard. It creates a severe cabin driver distraction, generates a risk of physical burns upon contact with vehicle instrumentation, and risks causing a thermal breakdown or electrical fire within the vehicle's primary digital dashboard wiring harness.Dealer/Manufacturer Actions:Two separate authorized Genesis retailers have refused to conduct a 40-minute dynamic road test to recreate the thermal failure. Technicians performed only a brief, 3-minute static idle test inside a shop bay and declared the vehicle "operating as designed." Genesis Motor America corporate customer care has used these insufficient 3-minute static shop tests to prematurely close my consumer safety case. The manufacturer refuses to diagnose this vehicle under dynamic driving loads or inspect the firewall seals under the 12-month dealer repair workmanship warranty. No crash or injury has occurred yet, but the thermal risk remain

NHTSA ID

11757976

Incident

Jul 18, 2026

I am filing an official complaint against Genesis Motor America for failing to provide a free and accessible remedy for an active, mandatory safety recall on my 2021 Genesis GV80 Genesis has closed and removed all physical dealerships from my entire state, creating an absolute geographic barrier to service. Corporate representatives have acknowledged the safety risk and offered to tow the vehicle 400 miles to the nearest out-of-state dealership. However, they are refusing to provide a round-trip transport return ticket, demanding instead that I personally travel 400 miles out of state to retrieve the vehicle upon completion of the safety repair. Furthermore, they refuse to provide a direct-billed loaner vehicle or alternative mobility, instead instructing me to pay out-of-pocket for an open-ended rental and apply for a "case-by-case" reimbursement later. Under federal law, safety recalls must be executed entirely free of charge and without placing undue logistical or financial burdens on the consumer. By forcing a 400-mile retrieval trip and open-ended financial exposure for alternative transit, Genesis is violating the "free remedy" provision of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. I request that the NHTSA review Genesis Motor America's handling of recall compliance for owners stranded by their recent dealer network restructuring.

NHTSA ID

11757241

Incident

Jul 15, 2026

On June 23, 2026, while operating my 2021 Genesis GV80, the vehicle's entire infotainment and system software rebooted without warning as I was leaving a parking lot. As a direct result of this reboot, the driver seat automatically moved out of my saved position. I was no longer able to reach the pedals and could not properly control the vehicle. This incident occurred while the vehicle was in motion. It took me several minutes to safely bring the vehicle to a stop, at which point I turned the car off and restarted it. Upon restart, all of my saved settings had been wiped. This is a safety defect, not a minor software issue. A seat repositioning without driver input while a vehicle is in motion constitutes a loss of vehicle control. Had this occurred at highway speed the consequences could have been fatal. I am aware that Genesis issued Safety Recall 031G for mid-drive infotainment reboots on other GV80 model years. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether this defect extends to 2021 model year vehicles and whether a recall expansion is warranted.

NHTSA ID

11746299

Incident

Jun 23, 2026

Vehicle was parked in a residential garage with the engine off. A [XXX] child was secured in a rear driver-side car seat. The key fob was inside the vehicle on the passenger side. After the final door was closed, an adult immediately attempted to reopen the driver's door and found it locked. All vehicle doors were locked despite the key fob remaining inside the vehicle. No warning beeps, alerts, or messages were observed before or during the lockout. The cause is UNKNOWN. The vehicle appeared to lock with the key fob and child occupant inside. The outside temperature was approximately 90°F, and the garage was significantly hotter. The child was trapped inside for approximately 5–7 minutes, crying and visibly sweating. Because access could not be gained through any door, the passenger-side window had to be broken to rescue the child. This incident created a serious safety risk due to heat exposure and the inability to access a child occupant. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer or dealer at the time of this report. The suspected malfunction involves the electronic door locking and/or key detection system, but the exact cause is UNKNOWN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11745316

Incident

Jun 19, 2026

This bulletin provides information related to the navigation and head unit software changes introduced in the 2026 2nd Navigation Map and Software Update. The changes may vary depending on vehicle type, model, and navigation system. Refer to the 2026 2nd Navigation Map and Software Update Key Improvements and Additional Improvements tables in this TSB for a list of specific changes. The software can be downloaded via Navigation Updater (NAU) and updated by USB.

This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly.

Some GV70 (JK1, JK1A), GV80 (JX1) and G80 (RG3) vehicles may have a hum or whine noise condition from the rear differential at certain speeds. This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect the vehicle for the hum or whine noise and, if necessary, to tighten the rear differential lock nut to specification. If the hum or whine noise remains after tightening the lock nut, then this bulletin provides instructions to replace the rear differential or other driveline components as necessary.

Some Genesis vehicles (listed below) equipped with Lambda-III 3.5T-GDI engines may exhibit reduced heater performance due to engine coolant deposits clogging the heater core. This bulletin provides instructions to verify the concern and to replace the front and rear heater core (if applicable).

This bulletin provides information related to the navigation and head unit software changes introduced in the 2026 1st Navigation Map and Software Update. The changes may vary depending on vehicle type, model, and navigation system. Refer to the 2026 1st Navigation Map and Software Update Key Improvements and Additional Improvements tables in this TSB for a list of specific changes. The software can be downloaded via Navigation Updater (NAU) and updated by USB.

Some vehicles may exhibit difficulty starting in cold weather. This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an inspection on the starter magnetic switch for potential freezing and, if necessary, replace the starter magnetic switch (solenoid) assembly.