Research · 3 NHTSA variants

2018 Genesis G-ClassRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls and 115 owner complaints for the 2018 Genesis G-Class. Most complaints involve electrical system (28) and engine (17). NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
7campaigns
Latest Oct 2026
Owner complaints
115
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

7 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Seats: power adjust

Park outsideRemedy pending

Hyundai Motor America (Genesis) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Hyundai Genesis, and 2017-2020 Genesis G80 vehicles. The front power seat motors may overheat due to a stuck power seat control switch, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.

SeatsReported Oct 9, 2026NHTSA 26V664000

Electrical system: solenoid

Park outsideFree remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported Feb 13, 2024NHTSA 24V107000

Service brakes

Park outsideFree remedy

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.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Mar 10, 2021NHTSA 21V160000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

115 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2018 – Oct 2026
  1. Electrical system28
  2. Engine17
  3. Steering16
  4. Air bags10
  5. Wheels9
  6. Power train7
  7. Tires5
  8. Service brakes5
  9. Structure5

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each G-Class model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201794
2018115
201996
202017
202120
202243
202339
20247
20256
202610
Crashes reported
9
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
5
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

28 reports4 crashes1 fire
“This complaint is filed regarding an under-hood thermal fire incident and unauthorized modification involving a federally mandated safety recall for a 2018 Genesis G80 (VIN: [XXX]). To resolve a starting issue, technicians at Van Hyundai in [XXX], bypassed the standard ignition circuit and installed an un-fused manual starter bypass switch kit. This bypass directly conflicted with active NHTSA Safety Recall Campaign 24V107000, which requires a specific fused relay kit (Part 91950-DH15KQQH) to prevent engine fires. This unauthorized, un-fused modification caused a severe electrical short and a subsequent thermal fire incident under the hood. The fire physically melted and destroyed the recall component and adjacent wiring infrastructure. The dealership and corporate office are now refusing to fix the fire damage they caused unless I pay out of pocket. I request an immediate federal investigation into this hazardous repair practice that completely compromised a critical safety recall remedy.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 28, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineFire reportedODI 11774214

Engine

17 reports1 fire
“Failing oil pressure sensor which “blinds” the driver of the engines true oil levels. It occasionally causes the car to go into “limp” mode or stall which could cause unnecessary and unreasonable traffic safety hazards. This is a well known and documented critical safety defect by Genesis as they’ve already executed a recall for the issue in their home country / market of South Korea.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2026Unknown or other, EngineODI 11773029

Steering

16 reports2 crashes
“When negotiating a curve, the steering wheel sticks and does not return to center without the driver forcing the wheel back to the required direction. Instead of a smooth and consistent feeling when turning the wheel, the steering wheel feels "locked" until the driver's force breaks the steering wheel free. In addition, the steering wheel makes a faint but noticeable grinding noise when turned in either direction. No warning lights illuminate.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2026SteeringODI 11772248
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

6 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Genesis G80 4 DR RWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.5%
Overall
5 / 5
Genesis G80 4 DR AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.5%
Overall
5 / 5
Genesis G80 Sport 4 DR RWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.5%
Overall
5 / 5
Genesis G80 Sport 4 DR AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.5%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 12028Vehicle 12027Vehicle 12665
05 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
07 —FAQ

2018 G-Class questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Genesis G-Class have?

7 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2018 Genesis G-Class problems?

Owners filed 115 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (28), engine (17), steering (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

How safe is the 2018 Genesis G-Class?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Genesis G-Class 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026