VehicleVerdict

2018 Genesis G80 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2018 Genesis G80 carries two red flags at once: 114 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 9.1× the G80 norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the G80 years to avoid.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (22), steering (15), and other (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

114

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

13

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other G80 years?

G80 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted114 complaints2017: 80 complaints2018: 114 complaints2019: 34 complaints2020: 12 complaints2021: 13 complaints2022: 8 complaints2023: 9 complaints2024: 1 complaints2025: 4 complaints2026: 14 complaints
G80 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all G80 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Genesis G80 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2219%
Steering1513%
Other1412%
Engine1412%
Tires & Wheels1311%
Airbags98%
Brakes87%
Transmission54%
Body & Structure44%
Driver Assistance33%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Lighting22%
Seats11%
Latches & Locks11%
Suspension11%

Does the 2018 Genesis G80 have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V191000EngineMarch 8, 2024 · 28,439 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Genesis G80, 2017-2022 G90, and 2019-2022 G70 vehicles equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 turbocharged engine. The left turbocharger oil feed pipe may deteriorate and leak oil.

Consequence

An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the left turbocharger oil feed pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 3, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 019G. This recall expands and replaces recall number 19V-538. Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-538 will need to have the new remedy completed.

24V107000Electrical SystemFebruary 13, 2024 · 90,907 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Genesis, 2017-2019 Genesis G80, Genesis G90, and 2019 Genesis G70 vehicles. Water may enter the starter solenoid and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a remedy relay kit in the engine junction box, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 254(H) and 018G(G).

21V160000BrakesMarch 10, 2021 · 94,646 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Genesis and 2017-2020 Genesis G80 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and short circuit.

Consequence

An electrical short circuit inside the ABS module could cause an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2021. Owners can contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 201 and 006G.

19V538000EngineJuly 19, 2019 · 8,059 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Genesis G80 and 2017-2018 Genesis G90 vehicles equipped with 3.3 liter turbocharged engines. The turbocharger oil supply pipe may have a loose seal, causing oil to leak onto the exhaust manifold.

Consequence

Oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the turbocharger oil supply pipe, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 003G.

18V496000AirbagsJuly 27, 2018 · 3,305 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Genesis G80 vehicles. The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly detect that an adult is in the passenger seat, even if the seat is unoccupied. In the event of a crash, if a child or infant is in the seat, the front passenger air bag may deploy instead of being deactivated.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag deploys instead of being deactivated when a child or infant are in the front passenger seat, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the OCS, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 002G.

18V305000Visibility & WipersMay 10, 2018 · 37 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Genesis G80 and Genesis G90 vehicles. The windshield and rear window on these vehicles may have been installed with incorrect primer, potentially reducing the glass bonding strength.

Consequence

If the glass bonding strength is reduced over time, the windshield and rear window may detach while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front and rear glass, free of charge. The recall began on July 6, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 001G.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 27, 2025 · crash

“ 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 17, 2025 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 9, 2026

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 7, 2025

“THE VEHICLE HAS HAD TWO TIRE SIDEWALL FAILURES (RIGHT FRONT AND REAR) RESULTING IN LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE AND THE NEED TO REPLACE BOTH TIRES (CONTINENTAL PROCONTACT TX). ONE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE OTHER WAS DETECTED WHILE PARKED. THERE WAS NO OTHER DAMAGE OR INJURY.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 20, 2018

2018 Genesis G80 — common questions

Is the 2018 Genesis G80 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 114 complaints put the 2018 model at #1 of 10 G80 years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the G80 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 G80 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (22 complaints), steering (15 complaints), other (14 complaints).

Does the 2018 Genesis G80 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Genesis G80. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Genesis G80 under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Genesis G80 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the G80 years to avoid are 2018, 2017, 2019, 2020. The cleanest record among G80 years belongs to 2024.

How safe is the 2018 Genesis G80?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Genesis G80 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.