2016 Hyundai Genesis Owner Complaints

steering locks up at times

NHTSA ID

11754245

Incident

Aug 1, 2026

The steering rack malfunctions or fails. When driving at high speeds, the steering wheel gets stuck after being turned. It does not return to center and has to be yanked or forced back to center. There are hundreds of people that have mentioned this online about this Genesis model. This is a major safety issue, as jerking the wheel back to center can cause an accident, and if the wheel gets really stuck, it could cause a major accident. The issue has been confirmed by numerous reports and columns online. For my specific car, an independent service center confirmed the issue after test-driving the car. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer. There are no dash warnings, lights, or codes that indicate the issue. Hyundai should be paying to fix this safety issue. People are driving these cars who can't afford to get it fixed, which is putting others in danger as well.

NHTSA ID

11747998

Incident

May 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in a nearby parking lot, upon returning, there was heavy black smoke coming from under the front passenger’s side seat. Upon further inspection, the contact burned his right hand while attempting to check for the source of the fire. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer while the black smoke was present, where it was diagnosed with a possible wiring harness failure and the vehicle remained with the dealer for further investigation. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the method of how the smoke was extinguished was unknown. No medical attention was sought. A Police report was not filed. The contact stated that as per the insurance provider, it was unknown if the vehicle was a total loss. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11746437

Incident

May 15, 2026

Mileage

70,000 mi

Oil pressure switch in engine fails to accurately read oil pressure due to a lack of voltage, needing replacement. Causes driver to be unable to read proper oil pressure, leading to a possibility of fire through extreme overheating and friction-induced mechanical failure if the oil pressure is too low and unable to be read. The part has not been inspected by the manufacturer in any capacity, but it is a known issue with the Hyundai 3.8L V6 GDI engine. The oil pressure lamp will display at low RPMs and when at idle. A known fix it replacement of the sensor.

NHTSA ID

11732788

Incident

Apr 21, 2026

My 2016 Hyundai Genesis started flashing a code stating “Check PSB” only a week after buying the car. PSB means Pre-active Seat Belt. The seat belts somehow interlink with the fuel pump. My car has a faulty fuel pump module, causing the PSB warning to flash, even when the vehicle is in motion. It also causes a loud humming coming from the rear of my car, as I accelerate. I’ve done research, and it says MANY owners of the same vehicle report the faulty fuel pump module as the culprit, causing the Check PSB. As well as many owners online stating their vehicle has done the same as mine. There is active recalls on the newer years for this issue, such as the 2023. When the same issue is reported multiple times on the 2016s too, there should be a recall. This is a common issue, & quite frankly a dangerous one. If the fuel pump module is miscommunicating with the seat belts, that could cause them to not react in a collision. I have my vehicle scheduled to be serviced in a few days.

NHTSA ID

11727749

Incident

Mar 1, 2026

My car wont start. When I press the start button everything turns on but it wont start. It functions like the car is ready to drive. For example, it says drive to display tire pressure. The start button says the car is on. I can change gears, the radio works, back up camera works but the car didnt start. This happened before when there was a recall to the starter relay switch. Im wondering if its the same thing again. After waiting over 4 hours the car was able to start. Then again today same issue. There are no warning lights or system failure lights coming on to indicate theres any issue.

NHTSA ID

11727417

Incident

Mar 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the passenger’s side rear door failed to open from inside or outside or unlock as needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the rear passenger’s door handle actuator was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,100.

NHTSA ID

11722431

Incident

Feb 28, 2026

Mileage

80,100 mi

Oil light keep coming on when the car is stopped or at the light and turns off when it's running mechanic says it's an oil pressure switch which is a common problem with this car. I read a lot of complaints about this but Hyundai is not doing anything.

NHTSA ID

11720050

Incident

Feb 20, 2026

Passenger seat caught fire while vehicle was parked in attached garage and self-extinguished. Insurance deemed vehicle total loss due to extent of damage.

NHTSA ID

11718137

Incident

Jan 23, 2026

The oil pressure light illuminates at low RPMs and turns off under a load or higher RPMs. In checking Hyundai Genesis forums, this is a common failure/fouling of the oil pressure switch. Oil level is fine; it is the switch that fails, giving the owner a false sense of low oil and potential catastrophic engine damage. Unfortunately, the engine design requires a very expensive disassembly of the engine manifold and other parts to access and replace this small switch.

NHTSA ID

11715963

Incident

Oct 11, 2025

Was told by mechanic their was a possibility for fire with the starter mechanism.

NHTSA ID

11711589

Incident

Feb 20, 2025

Oil light appears when at a stop and goes off when accelerating. was told by mechanic this is a sensor problem common to my vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11711588

Incident

Oct 5, 2025

Engine oil light comes on and turns back off. Car has 97,000 miles and has regular oil changes.

NHTSA ID

11710066

Incident

Jan 9, 2026

Steering becomes stuck in a curve and doesn't return to center. This creates a very dangerous condition when the steering "unsticks" and causes the car to veer from side to side. Condition is caused by a failure inside the electric power steering rack.

NHTSA ID

11705312

Incident

Dec 16, 2025

Dear NHTSA, I am filing this complaint to formally report a serious vehicle safety hazard and to express concern over how Hyundai/Genesis has handled it. My 2016 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 AWD experienced a n engine compartment fire originating from the starter motor, which subsequently melted the engine wiring harness and surrounding components. This fire could have easily caused serious injury or death, as it occurred shortly after starting the vehicle. Fortunately, I was able t o shut the vehicle off and get t o safety before the flames spreadThe dealership and Genesis Customer Care opened a case (Case #41642221) but later informed me that this was "not related" to the existing Hyundai/Genesis recall involving the same starter and wiring harness fire risk. Their explanation was that my incident was merely a "coincidence" - despite the identical cause and symptoms described in the recall documentation. This reasoning is unacceptable, irresponsible, and ignores the fundamental issue: the fire originated from the starter, the same component already known t o have a fire-related defect. Dismissing a near-identical safety incident as unrelated poses a severe public safety concern and suggests Hyundai/Genesis may be avoiding accountability for additional affected vehicles outside the recall's VIN range. I believe this defect and the manufacturer's response warrant a n urgent NHTSA investigation into the scope of the existing recall and whether it should be expanded. This issue is not only mechanical but life-threatening, as an engine fire caused by electrical failure could easily occur while driving or in an occupied area. Please investigate this issue and ensure Hyundai/Genesis takes full responsibility for this defect before someone i s seriously injured or killed

NHTSA ID

11694040

Incident

Oct 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that upon arriving to his destination and attempting to retrieve his child from the vehicle, the driver's side rear door failed to open. No warning lights were illuminated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.

NHTSA ID

11667561

Incident

Jun 16, 2025

Mileage

134,000 mi

After car was taken to dealership to fix recalls on the drive home the car lost steering mid turn directly after fuses which were part of the recall started clicking then car completely shut off in the middle of the road

NHTSA ID

11643782

Incident

Feb 19, 2025

Oil Pressure Light comes on when car is up to temp and idling. Took to dealership on 2/5 and they believe it is the sensor and quoted $1500.00 to replace it.

NHTSA ID

11641735

Incident

Feb 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000.

NHTSA ID

11631617

Incident

Dec 19, 2024

Mileage

133,000 mi

The car's auto hold brakes locked by themselves and could not be released.

NHTSA ID

11626295

Incident

Nov 18, 2024

The oil pressure sensor is causing a oil light. This is a known issue on these cars and engines due to a faulty sesnsor. There even is a recall in Korea for the same cars; however, there is not one in the US.

NHTSA ID

11625476

Incident

Nov 11, 2024

On [XXX], after driving on a rainy day (with a flood warning reported by NWS), I noticed a strong burning smell in the garage the next day, and my car wouldn’t start. Unable to get it running, I had it towed to a nearby repair shop, where they found burn marks on the starter and starter harness. The repair costs were significant, so I filed a claim with my insurance under my comprehensive coverage. The following day, the insurance adjuster informed me that Hyundai had issued a recall (RECALL 254, 24V 107000) related to my issue and advised me to take the vehicle to Hyundai for repair. I had the car towed to the Hyundai dealer in Cumming. However, after diagnosing the vehicle, Hyundai of Cumming stated that it was not subject to the recall. I believe this incident is clearly part of the recall, as shown in the attached photos from the local repair shop. Since Hyundai of Cumming claimed it wasn’t covered, my insurance company requested a detailed explanation and additional photos, but Hyundai of Cumming has been unresponsive for over a month. I reached out to Hyundai Motor USA, but they simply provided the same information as Hyundai of Cumming, without any investigation. During this process, I incurred nearly $1,000 for a rental car, which was a significant expense for me. Two months after the incident, Hyundai of Cumming offered me two options: A) Pay out of pocket for repairs, or B) Remove the vehicle from their shop. Since the car wouldn’t start, I had no choice but to pay for the repairs. I finally got my vehicle back on October 19, 2024, three months after the incident, with total costs around $6,000, including the rental. I still don’t understand why Hyundai of Cumming believes this burned starter solenoid incident is not part of the recall. As a typical customer, I feel powerless against this large corporation, despite knowing this issue should be covered. If you need anything else from me, please feel free to reach out anytime. Thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

NHTSA ID

11620985

Incident

Jul 23, 2024

Purchased this car from a Hyundai dealer and immediately after multiple times the steering has stuck in place while making a left hand turn, not allowing the car to come out of the turn. Also does it slightly while driving on highway straight, but not as forcefully as when in a turn. Very dangerous and Hyundai nor the Hyundai dealer We purchased it from will even take a call from me over it. No check engine lights or warnings. Yes, it was very dangerous for us in the car as well as the other cars on the road. Could have been a very serious accident. I wish Hyundai would take it seriously. The dealer I purchased it from said they had thoroughly checked it out but they wont take any calls from me since purchase. Yes the car is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11618174

Incident

Sep 19, 2024

When headlights are in auto mode, use of the turn signal can result in the headlights flickering or shutting off completely. This is not the result of hitting the light mode switch but rather an electrical short occurring in the stalk. The problem is particularly dangerous at night when signaling for an upcoming turn and loss of all vehicle lighting occurs. The problem has not been reproduced by a dealer. The component has not been inspected by officials. Initial occurrence was winter of 2022 with increasing frequency since then.

NHTSA ID

11615723

Incident

Sep 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the oil warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated before gaining forward momentum. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent and occurred while slowing traffic or a traffic signal. The oil warning light was occasionally illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the oil pressure switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

NHTSA ID

11612545

Incident

Feb 4, 2023

Mileage

51,000 mi