Problems · NHTSA complaints

2018 Genesis G-Class problems

Owners filed 115 complaints about the 2018 Genesis G-Class with NHTSA between Feb 2018 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (28).

Complaints
115
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
9
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system28
  2. Engine17
  3. Steering16
  4. Air bags10
  5. Wheels9
  6. Power train7
  7. Tires5
  8. Service brakes5
  9. Structure5
  10. Engine and engine cooling3
  11. Seats2
  12. Exterior lighting2
  13. Forward collision avoidance2
  14. Latches/locks/linkages2

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
201813
201913
20206
202111
20227
202312
202426
202512
202615

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

28 reports4 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“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

Air bags

10 reports6 crashes1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2018 Genesis G80. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's vehicle was involved in a crash. The contact stated that the vehicle crashed into a deer, and then crashed into a hill. The vehicle spun around three times and rolled over after crashing into the hill. The front driver's air bag did not deploy. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. A Police report was filed. The contact sustained bruises to the chest and back pain. The passenger who was seated in the front passenger's seat sustained bruises. No medical treatment was provided at the scene of the crash, however the contact later visited her primary physician. The vehicle was towed to the contact's family members' residence and later towed to the contact's residence. The insurance inspection confirmed that, according to the EDR, the front diver's air bag skipped stage one. In addition, the contact was informed that an unknown recall had been initiated for the front passenger's air bag for the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the aftermarket seat…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 11, 2026Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11717208

Wheels

9 reports
“TIRES DEVELOPED BUBBLES IN SIDE WALLS ON TWO TIRE. ALSO CAR WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS FOR THE SPEED LIMIT. ALWAYS FIGHTING THE STEERING WHEEL TO STAY IN LANE. I AM 80 YEARS OLD AND THERE WERE MANY COMPLAINTS OF FLATS AND LOSE OF CONTROL THAT I DECIDED TO REPLACE ALL THE TIRES. I CONTACTED HYUANDAI AND ALSO CONTINNENTAL AND WAS GIVEN NO SATISFACTION.ON GOING COMPLAINTS ABOUT ROAD NOISE ON THE OLD TIRES AND THE NEW TIRES HAVE NOT BE RECTIFIED.. MECHANIC SAID LOW PROFILE TIRES ARE THE CAUSE OF BOTH. CAR WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE PROBLEMS OCCURRED”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 31, 2019Steering, WheelsODI 11240776

Power train

7 reports1 crash
“Component: Engine / Turbocharger / Oil Line / Fire Risk Vehicle Problem: For the past five months, my oil light has been coming on and off sporadically (not flickering), even though mechanics and oil shops said there was no issue. A few days ago, the car started smoking out of nowhere, though it wasn’t overheating and there were no visible signs of leakage. I took it to the shop, and they diagnosed a turbocharger oil supply pipe leak that is severe and poses a fire risk. I am in a new city with no support system and have a baby. Multiple car dealerships have refused to fix my vehicle, even though I have been informed this part is under recall. I have tried calling and visiting, and no one will help. This is a safety concern, especially since the vehicle is at risk of catching fire while driving.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 23, 2025Power train, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11675780
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026

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