Problems · by component

2016 Hyundai Genesis engine problems

27 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Genesis cite engine, 26% of all 103 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
27
26% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Oil pressure switch in engine fails to accurately read oil pressure due to a lack of voltage, needing replacement. Causes driver to be unable to read proper oil pressure, leading to a possibility of fire through extreme overheating and friction-induced mechanical failure if the oil pressure is too low and unable to be read. The part has not been inspected by the manufacturer in any capacity, but it is a known issue with the Hyundai 3.8L V6 GDI engine. The oil pressure lamp will display at low RPMs and when at idle. A known fix it replacement of the sensor.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 21, 2026EngineODI 11732788
“Oil light keep coming on when the car is stopped or at the light and turns off when it's running mechanic says it's an oil pressure switch which is a common problem with this car. I read a lot of complaints about this but Hyundai is not doing anything.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 23, 2026EngineODI 11720050
“The oil pressure light illuminates at low RPMs and turns off under a load or higher RPMs. In checking Hyundai Genesis forums, this is a common failure/fouling of the oil pressure switch. Oil level is fine; it is the switch that fails, giving the owner a false sense of low oil and potential catastrophic engine damage. Unfortunately, the engine design requires a very expensive disassembly of the engine manifold and other parts to access and replace this small switch.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 5, 2026EngineODI 11715963
“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 oil pressure sensor is causing a oil light. This is a known issue on these cars and engines due to a faulty sesnsor. There even is a recall in Korea for the same cars; however, there is not one in the US.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 15, 2024EngineODI 11625476

Showing 6 of 27 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

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

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