VehicleVerdict

2016 Hyundai Genesis problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2016 Hyundai Genesis carries two red flags at once: 135 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Genesis years to avoid.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (32), engine (29), and other (13), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

135

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

5

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Genesis years?

Genesis NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted411 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 309 complaints2010: 115 complaints2011: 161 complaints2012: 362 complaints2013: 188 complaints2014: 31 complaints2015: 411 complaints2016: 135 complaints2018: 4 complaints
Genesis NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Genesis years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Hyundai Genesis problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3224%
Engine2921%
Other1310%
Lighting118%
Transmission107%
Brakes86%
Fuel System64%
Steering64%
Body & Structure54%
Airbags32%
Speed Control32%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Latches & Locks21%
Seats21%
Seat Belts11%
Suspension11%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2016 Hyundai Genesis have recalls?

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

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.

17V359000BrakesJune 5, 2017 · 161,074 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Sonata and Genesis vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the warning light to indicate that the parking brake is applied may intermittently not illuminate in the dash due to corrosion in the switch.

Consequence

If the parking brake indicator is not illuminated when the parking brake is applied, the driver may operate the vehicle with the parking brake partially engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 164.

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.

“"TAKATA RECALL" I WAS IN MOTION DRIVING LESS THAN 30MILES/HOUR IN TRAFFIC, STOPPING FEW TIMES AND KEPT A GOOD DISTANCE. ALL OF A SUDDEN, I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO STOP BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP AND KEPT MOVING FAST. I APPLIED THE BRAKES SOO HARD, VEHICLE DID NOT STOP THE COLLISION SYSTEM THAT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 20, 2016 · crash

“ABOUT A MONTH BEFORE THE INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS FULLY IMSPECTED IN OFFICIAL DEALERSHIP, NO ISSUES REPORTED. A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE INCIDENT, THE WIPERS STARTED WORKING WITH THE ENGINE OFF; I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR AN INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS LEASED WITH ABOUT 10 MONTHS LEFT ON THE LEASE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 13, 2018 · fire

“THE SHARK FIN COVER FELL OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON. NO AUTOMATED CAR WASHES, NO INCLEMENT WEATHER AND THE SCREW HOLDERS (PLASTIC) BROKE. HAS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. I CAN'T FIND REPLACEMENT COVER. I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY ON A CLEAR NIGHT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 23, 2020

“WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH HEADLIGHTS ON AUTO, I PUT THE TURN SIGNAL ON, AND ALL LIGHTS (INTERIOR, DASH, AND HEADLIGHTS) RANDOMLY GO OUT. THIS ALSO HAPPENS RANDOMLY AT NIGHT WHEN CHANGING LANES (USING TURN SIGNAL) AND I MUST QUICKLY TURN THEM ON MANUALLY. THIS SPECIFICALLY HAPPENS WHEN USING TURN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · March 16, 2020

“IF I DO NOT FILL THE AUTO WITH A PREMIUM BLEND GASOLINE THE CAR WILL INCONSISTENTLY OVER REV AND JERK INTO GEAR IF I ACCELERATE SOMEWHAT SUDDENLY. THIS RESPONSE IS QUITE ODD AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT SINCE THE CAR KICKS INTO GEAR RATHER HARD AFTER ACCELERATING AND THEN LETTING OFF THE GAS. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 5, 2018

2016 Hyundai Genesis — common questions

Is the 2016 Hyundai Genesis reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 135 complaints put the 2016 model at #6 of 10 Genesis years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Genesis years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Genesis problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (32 complaints), engine (29 complaints), other (13 complaints).

Does the 2016 Hyundai Genesis have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Hyundai Genesis. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Hyundai Genesis 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 Hyundai Genesis years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Genesis years to avoid are 2015, 2012, 2009, 2016. The cleanest record among Genesis years belongs to 2008.

How safe is the 2016 Hyundai Genesis?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Hyundai Genesis 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.