2021 Genesis GV80 Complaints

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 10/05/2026

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.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE — Filed 08/03/2026

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/01/2026

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.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 09/01/2026

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/18/2026

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

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/15/2026

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/23/2026

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/19/2026

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)

STRUCTURE — Filed 03/26/2026

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/08/2025

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE — Filed 04/25/2024

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 04/07/2026

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 12/29/2025

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 02/22/2026

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)

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 12/29/2025

The contact owned a 2021 Genesis GV80. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the instrument cluster had failed and needed to be replaced at the owner's expense. The contact declined to pay for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 70 MPH at night, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon opening the front driver's side door, the contact noticed that there was smoke coming from under the vehicle. The contact walked to the front of the vehicle and noticed flames coming from under the hood, by the windshield connecting point. The fire was extinguished by the fire department, but there was no report filed. The police arrived at the scene but failed to file or to provide a police report to the contact. There was no reported injury. The contact stated that the vehicle burned to the ground. The dealer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where it was deemed a total loss by the manufacturer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had previously advised that the vehicle would be towed to a third laboratory for analysis; however, the manufacturer had failed to do so and had sent field technicians, who took pictures of the burned vehicle instead. The manufacturer then informed the contact that no assistance would be provided because the manufacturer was not liable for the failure, per the technician's report. The contact inquired a copy of the report and was informed that the copy could not be provided because it was private data. Additionally, the manufacturer advised the contact that he would need to retain the vehicle to pursue the matter. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V630000(Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 03/04/2026

Vehicle is experiencing sudden loss of drive power without warning. There is no error code, nor dashboard indicator (check Eng, etc.). It suddenly just loses power - engine still running. This loss of motive-power safety condition is identical to the fuel pump cavitation issue, consistent with the NHTSA recall 23V630000. My VIN is currently not on the recall, but was manufactured exactly in the mid- range of the June - Dec 2021 production, that has had the recall. Built in the August-Sept 2021 timeframe. Currently in the shop for troubleshooting. Can provide repair invoice at a later date. I think this issue is larger than the recall suggests.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 11/17/2025

The passage side headlight has moistures in it. They said run the engine for 30 minutes so it will dissolve and it didn't. And now the headlights not working and its $2,000 to get it replace.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 10/01/2025

Condensation has appeared in the driver side headlight. It has caused the headlight and blinker to stop working. In addition, several warning lights have appeared on the dash indicating the following operations are no longer working.... Driver Attention Warning System, Forward Safety System, Lane Change Assist system, Lane Departure Warning System and High Beam Assist. While the driving assist systems may be optional functions, the lack of headlight and blinker are, in my opinion, safety issues. Certainly, the car would not pass a safety inspection in the state of Virginia and, as a result, I would not be able to register the vehicle. Genesis has known of the headlight condensation problem for years and has issued several TSB's, yet they continue to build cars with a known safety issue. In my opinion, a safety recall should be implemented and Genesis should be required to repair the problem at their expense.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 08/30/2025

2021 gv80. Drivers side headlight failed while on vacation. Had newly formed condensation in headlight and must have shorted it had to drive back home with no turning signal and no headlight. Had the shop look at it when I got home and confirmed the unit was bad. Dealer is charging around 2,500-3,000.00 for headlight replacement

LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 06/01/2025

my cluster went black. No dash lights. No speedometer. no odometer. no cruiz control nothing works. the 2022-23-124 47,000 have been recalled .. Why not the 2021? Its the same part.. tHIS IS A DISASTER. TOTALLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE .

LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 07/28/2021

As I was exiting a driveway onto a 4 lane highway(2 lanes, divider, 2 lanes) I was attempting to enter into the nearest lane when my car completely pulled the wheel into the outer lane where an oncoming vehicle was and there was impact deploying airbags. I did not have the driving assist engaged. My vehicle was totaled and I had injuries requiring emergency care.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 12/27/2024

I was driving approx 15 MPH i drove through a S turn in a residential area at slow speed . Suddenly my vehicle lost power and I hit a parked car . The right front corner was damaged. The driver side airbags, deployed the passenger side air bags did not deploy automatic break did not work. The safety warning did not go off . The vehicle was taken to my yard where it was later taken to a body shop, I found out later this shop was not an approved Allstate shop which was a mistake with Repair was done poorly, and not completeld I don’t think it’s safe to drive. The air bags have not been replaced . There is a headlight still Not working since the accident There is no reason for me to crash that day. I was wide awake just woke up. The car just did not handle properly. Something went wrong and now I find out that this vehicle make model is being recalled for fuel pump failures, which is causing loss of power in accidents. That’s exactly what happened in my car. Genesis needs to take responsibility for this vehicle as it has with other similar vehicles. This Vehicles has not been inspected for this with the dealership. I’ve taken it to them. They say there’s nothing wrong.That would be Genesis of Las Vegas .

AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 01/25/2024

I was driving my Genesis GV 80 in January and in the Trac near my work and I came out of a s turn and the car seemed to over correct and lost power.. I hit a parked car and it was pushed onto 2 other cars .My front end was damaged and airbags deployed. My seatbelt jerked me and was damages . There have been recalls on this vehicle for fuel pump problem which causes crashes. There's been a recall in this vehicle for the seatbelt explodes. There's also a problem with the headlight doesn't work and it's full of water. The seals are bad in the headlight has not been recalled yet. I want Genesis to take responsibility for this accident and compensate me. I'm taking my car into the dealership today Las Vegas with Las Vegas Genesis to discuss this issue and have them take a look at this car. I don't feel comfortable with this car anymore. My insurance could be with Allstate and the car is still not fixed right . I mistakenly attached a photo of a VIN number for a different vehicle. Please omit photo 5832. That's my Volvo. There's nothing to do with this case. Sorry I didn't know how to remove it.

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 07/09/2023

The brakes failed at about 25mph. My car collided into the car in front of me. After several attempts to pump the brakes they never re-engaged to stop the vehicle.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 04/11/2023

The contact's mother owned a 2021 Genesis GV80. The contact stated that while her mother was driving into a parking space at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. The vehicle drove over a field and into oncoming traffic before crashing into another vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. Only the front driver's side air bag was deployed. A police report was filed. The contact's mother later received medical attention for injuries sustained to her ribs, left shoulder, and neck, as well as hearing loss in the left ear. The vehicle was towed to a body shop; however, it was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,500.