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.

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

Vehicle was brought in for a recall repair related to a water leak through the sunroof. The repair took over 30 days. The manufacturer directed me to rent a vehicle from a specific rental company and promised reimbursement at $80 per day. The manufacturer is now refusing to reimburse the full rental duration and has capped reimbursement at 60 dollars per day, leaving me out of pocket. The recall repair was confirmed by the dealer and completed by the dealership.

NHTSA ID

11738054

Incident

Mar 26, 2026

AC has failed. It’s a common issue with this year make and model. Evaporator Core

NHTSA ID

11736090

Incident

May 8, 2025

Purchased CPO 2/28/24. Water intrusion defect manifested 5/28/24 (3 months) with electrical failures and dampness odor. Active leak discovered 9/25 - water leaked onto passenger during operation. CHILD HEALTH EMERGENCY: My daughter required THREE emergency room visits for severe allergic reactions after riding in vehicle - suspected mold/biological contamination from water intrusion. MANUFACTURER RESPONSE: Vehicle out of service 139 DAYS for warranty repairs (11/1-12/6/25: 35 days; 12/18/25-4/1/26: 104 days). Genesis inspection 1/19/26 but REFUSED to provide report claiming "attorney-client privilege." Genesis denied buyback 2/13/26. CURRENT CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE: Vehicle returned 4/1/26. Passenger side view mirror now non-functional (safety hazard for lane changes/merging). WATER LEAK HAS RETURNED - same leak, same dampness odor. The "permanent repair" FAILED after only 2 weeks. Dealership REFUSING all repairs. 12/18/25 INCIDENT: While driving in rain, multiple safety system warnings illuminated simultaneously (forward collision warning, stability alerts) - suspected water damage to electrical systems. SYSTEMIC DEFECT CONCERN: Online research shows MULTIPLE 2021-2024 Genesis GV80 owners reporting identical water intrusion from sunroof drainage system failures. This appears to be manufacturing/design defect affecting many vehicles. REQUESTING: 1. Safety investigation of 2021-2024 Genesis GV80 sunroof drainage systems 2. Potential recall for water intrusion defect 3. Investigation of health hazards from mold/contamination 4. Investigation of manufacturer concealing defect inspection findings DANGER: Water intrusion causing electrical failures creates fire risk, safety system failures, and biological contamination health hazards. Children at highest risk for mold exposure injuries.

NHTSA ID

11732830

Incident

Apr 25, 2024

Notice condensation building up in driver side headlamp, then I received LED lights failure warning ⚠️ as i was driving. Now i driver side signal is not working some times and now i have about 7 warnings on dash from headlamp failure to collision sensor going off. I know since car is a 2021 and i'm the second owner it's out of warranty, but i speculate that this problem probably known now look at other reports and it only had 35K miles when I purchased it.

NHTSA ID

11731358

Incident

Apr 7, 2026

I'm reporting moisture in the driver headlight. I noticed a little moisture when I purchased it in October 25(used). Of course the warranty is up and the extended warranty doesn't cover replacement of assembly. Which is very pricey over $2000. I took it to the dealership to get it looked at but at the time it was still working but flickering alot, now it's completely out. I asked was it cracked and the service guy said no, this is something that we see sometimes. I didn't have any warning lights on prior to it going completely out. Now I can't get an expectation tag because of the headlight assembly needing to be changed. This is something Genesis must look into or offer warranties that cover expensive parts like that. It's definitely a hazard when both lights aren't working properly. I'm torn between trying to get it fixed or just letting the vehicle be repossessed and start over with something with a better warranty. I current have 6 alerts on dashboard since the light is completely out.

NHTSA ID

11729582

Incident

Dec 29, 2025

Component: Exterior Lighting / Headlamps Vehicle: 2021 Genesis GV80 VIN: [XXX] Mileage at Failure: 77,000 Complaint: The front left headlamp on my 2021 Genesis GV80 failed completely after visible moisture and condensation accumulated inside the lamp housing for approximately one week. There was no impact, damage, or tampering. The Genesis service center inspected the vehicle and confirmed the failure was caused by moisture intrusion consistent with Genesis Technical Service Bulletin 23‑BD‑002G (“Information for Lamp Condensation”). This condition is also documented with NHTSA under XXX The failure resulted in a complete loss of headlamp function, creating a significant safety hazard while driving at night. Genesis Customer Care initially informed me that if the dealer confirmed the failure was consistent with the TSB, the repair would be covered under goodwill. After the dealer confirmed the defect, Genesis corporate declined to cover the repair due to the vehicle being out of warranty, despite the failure being caused by a known manufacturer defect affecting visibility and safety. I am filing this complaint because the defect is safety‑related, documented by the manufacturer, and resulted in the loss of primary forward lighting. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11727543

Incident

Feb 22, 2026

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.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may rupture during deployment, and have caused serious injuries and fatalities. Please see attached announcement, provided by NHTSA, for more details.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and underwent airbag replacement using non-genuine parts. These dangerous inflators have ruptured during deployment, posing a serious risk of injury or death due to metal fragments entering the vehicle cabin. To date, Hyundai is aware of three people who have died while driving a Hyundai vehicle with one of these substandard replacement airbag inflators that deployed in what likely would have been a survivable crash. NHTSA has issued a public advisory urging vehicle owners and service professionals to have vehicles inspected if there is reason to believe that a non-genuine replacement airbag may have been installed. Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, prior airbag deployments, or unknown repair histories may present a higher risk. NHTSA strongly cautions against self-inspection by vehicle owners and recommends inspection by trained technicians.

Some 2020MY and newer vehicles equipped with a front view camera may illuminate certain warning lights and trigger DTC C272246 fault code for the front camera. In the following cases, the front camera auto-calibration range may be exceeded while driving: • If the front camera is not properly installed and is completely or partially detached. • In case of excessive changes affecting the vehicle's balance (e.g., loading excessively heavy cargo in a specific location of the vehicle, or significant under-inflation of the tires). • Specific road conditions affecting the vehicle's balance (e.g., excessive road crown) This TSB provides instructions on how to service the vehicle when the front camera related warning light(s) are triggered due to system out of calibration (DTC_C272246).