Problems · by component

2016 Hyundai Genesis electrical system problems

30 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Genesis cite electrical system, 29% of all 103 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
30
29% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in a nearby parking lot, upon returning, there was heavy black smoke coming from under the front passenger’s side seat. Upon further inspection, the contact burned his right hand while attempting to check for the source of the fire. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer while the black smoke was present, where it was diagnosed with a possible wiring harness failure and the vehicle remained with the dealer for further investigation. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the method of how the smoke was extinguished was unknown. No medical attention was sought. A Police report was not filed. The contact stated that as per the insurance provider, it was unknown if the vehicle was a total loss. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 25, 2026Electrical systemFire reportedODI 11746437
“Dear NHTSA, I am filing this complaint to formally report a serious vehicle safety hazard and to express concern over how Hyundai/Genesis has handled it. My 2016 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 AWD experienced a n engine compartment fire originating from the starter motor, which subsequently melted the engine wiring harness and surrounding components. This fire could have easily caused serious injury or death, as it occurred shortly after starting the vehicle. Fortunately, I was able t o shut the vehicle off and get t o safety before the flames spreadThe dealership and Genesis Customer Care opened a case (Case #41642221) but later informed me that this was "not related" to the existing Hyundai/Genesis recall involving the same starter and wiring harness fire risk. Their explanation was that my incident was merely a "coincidence" - despite the identical cause and symptoms described in the recall documentation. This reasoning is unacceptable, irresponsible, and ignores the fundamental issue: the fire originated from the starter, the same component already known t o have a fire-related defect. Dismissing a near-identical safety incident as unrelated poses a severe public…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 17, 2025Electrical system, EngineFire reportedODI 11694040
“After car was taken to dealership to fix recalls on the drive home the car lost steering mid turn directly after fuses which were part of the recall started clicking then car completely shut off in the middle of the road”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 19, 2025Steering, Electrical system, EngineODI 11643782
“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an electrical short. The mechanic replaced the starter. Additionally, the mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was covered under a recall and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the starter harness and the starter compartment had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that he would need to pay the repair fee even though the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V107000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that he was disregarded and advised by the dealer to pay out of pocket. Additionally, the dealer advised the contact to trade the vehicle in. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened; however, the contact was denied assistance because the vehicle was out of warranty. The contact stated the manufacturer also failed to acknowledge the recall. The failure mileage…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 6, 2024Electrical systemODI 11606747
“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V107000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel deactivated. Additionally, the headlights turned off unintendedly and the engine seized. The vehicle was able to restart however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,300. Parts distribution disconnect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 31, 2024Electrical systemODI 11605612
“This has happened a few times the first time i was driving and the headlights flicked on and off on the dash it showed it switched from auto to off by its self it has done that a few times. The time that i was driving on the highway and the lights when out during the night i was driving 65mph over a pass with no warning I had to turn them on because they did not come back on by them self. I contacted the hyundai dealership they told me there was a tsb for it but the problem would have to happen while they are driving it so they could fix it under warranty. This is a huge safety risk because they note "Certain vehicles may exhibit intermittent headlight flickering while driving with the light switch on AUTO light mode" in there TSB and it says " intermittent" witch means "not happening regularly or continuously" so it doesn't happen they wont cover it under warranty. And it happens at random times witch causes a safety risk because if the light out it can cause a fatal accident. i contacted hyundai about this my self and they told me the same thing that the dealer has to have it happen to them or its not covered. please look into this it needs to be recalled tsb 20-BE-009H-1”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 11, 2024Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11601320

Showing 6 of 30 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

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
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

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

Other 2016 Genesis problem areas