Owners have filed 13 complaints
about the 2021 Genesis G80 with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 7 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 16
Against the median year of the Genesis G80. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2021 Genesis G80
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Tires
323.1%
Brakes
323.1%
Electrical System
215.4%
Other & Unspecified
17.7%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
17.7%
Body & Structure
17.7%
Transmission & Drivetrain
17.7%
Median failure at 29,034 miles
Engine & Cooling
17.7%
Median failure at 29,034 miles
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2021 Genesis G80 4 DR RWD
10.1% risk
2021 Genesis G80 4 DR AWD
10.1% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2021peak 3May 2026
Recalls on the 2021 Genesis G80
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20261858,689 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: On certain vehicles, the nuts for the crossover fuel pipe may not have been properly tightened. As a result, fuel could leak. Safety Risk: A fuel leak can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Genesis will notify owners in writing and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and tighten the nuts or replace the crossover high-pressure fuel pipe, as necessary.
Recall 20230746,900 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, there may be a problem with the front seat belt pretensioners. As a result, the driver and/or passenger seat belt pretensioners could explode in a crash. If this happens, small pieces of metal could hit people in the vehicle. Note: This recall replaces recall R0200 (Transport Canada Recall No. 2021-627). Vehicles that were repaired under that recall also require this repair. Safety Risk: A seat belt pretensioner that explodes could create a risk of injury. Corrective Action: Genesis will notify owners by mail and instruct you to bring your vehicle to a dealership to install protective caps over the driver and front passenger's seat belt pretensioners, as necessary.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Carmichael, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
The windows do not roll down or up from any of the switches. this was taken in for a warranty repair and after i received the vehicle back. it worked for a day and has now began to do the same intermittent working and not working. where more often than not i am unable to roll the windows down. Along with the memory seat function not recognizing any presses. On vehicle pickup, the memory seat function was not working, the technician immediately hooked his tools up and reset something and got it working again. They said they had replaced a harness to get the door switches working properly. However the same issue has not started again. leading me to believe that was not the cause of the issue. Like before trying to roll the windows down from either the drivers master switch or any of the passenger door switches results in no operation conditions. randomly it will start working for a bit but than go back to inoperable. This problem has been occurring since i got the car and will be calling the dealer back again to express the dissatisfaction and failure to repair what they claimed to have fixed. It has already spent just under 2 months in the shop out of the 3 months that i have owned the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11736914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carmichael, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The windows do not roll down or up from any of the switches. this was taken in for a warranty repair and after i received the vehicle back. it worked for a day and has now began to do the same intermittent working and not working. where more often than not i am unable to roll the windows down. Along with the memory seat function not recognizing any presses. On vehicle pickup, the memory seat function was not working, the technician immediately hooked his tools up and reset something and got it working again. They said they had replaced a harness to get the door switches working properly. However the same issue has not started again. leading me to believe that was not the cause of the issue. Like before trying to roll the windows down from either the drivers master switch or any of the passenger door switches results in no operation conditions. randomly it will start working for a bit but than go back to inoperable. This problem has been occurring since i got the car and will be calling the dealer back again to express the dissatisfaction and failure to repair what they claimed to have fixed. It has already spent just under 2 months in the shop out of the 3 months that i have owned the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11736914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle Information: * Year: 2021 * Make: Genesis * Model: G80 * Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): [XXX] ] * Mileage at time of incident/problem start: Approximately 26,377 miles Problem Description: The issue began around [XXX]. When pressing the brake pedal, whether the vehicle is completely stopped or while driving, a distinct clicking or ratcheting sound is heard. The sound is clearly audible inside the cabin and is slightly louder when listening under the hood. The sound appears to be originating from an area near a valve or other component (possibly related to the brake booster or ABS system). The sound is always present when the brake pedal is depressed, regardless of the amount of pressure applied (whether pressed firmly or smoothly) or the state of the engine (the sound occurs even when the engine is off). Currently, the brakes function and the vehicle is able to stop. There are no warning lights illuminated on the dashboard indicating a fault in the brake system or any other system. Actions Taken So Far: The vehicle has not been taken for service regarding this specific issue yet. I have a scheduled appointment with an official Genesis dealer on the upcoming [May 7, 2025] to have the problem inspected and diagnosed. Reason for Submitting This Report: Although the brakes are currently functional, this unusual and persistent sound from the brake pedal is a significant concern and suggests a potential malfunction in a core component of the braking system. Since brake issues directly relate to the safety of the occupants and other road users, I have decided to report this potential defect to NHTSA for documentation and to contribute to any future investigations regarding the safety of the 2021 Genesis G80 model. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11659272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gilbert, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake pedal concern. When pressing the brake pedal in Drive but while the vehicle is not moving there is a tapping sound and feeling coming from the brake pedal.
NHTSA complaint #11613618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whitestown, IN
TIRES
(front) 245/40R20 (rear) 275/35R20 Rear passenger tire failed, sidewall failure. Instantly went to 0 PSI on dash notification. A cop helped us change it. Less than a mile layer going less than 50 MPH (max rating for spare) the front passenger tire exploded. The same cop caught up with us and could confirm that the front tire was there and was now gone.
NHTSA complaint #11566744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waialua, HI
TIRES:SIDEWALL
245/40 R20 (FRONT) 275/35 R20 (REAR) The two front and one rear tire experienced sidewall failures within the first 25,000 of use. The tires have been disposed. I thank god that the failures did not occur at highway speed which could have caused serious injury to me and other motorists. There were no warning before the tire failures. After the third failure occurring on 2/12/23, I changed all four tires to Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season.
NHTSA complaint #11507928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Uniontown, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
All lights warning lights illuminate and gauges stop working. Loss of functionality includes critical control and safety systems and features: •No Speedometer •No Turn Signals •No Tachometer •Odometer not recording miles •Airbag warning •Electric power steering system warning •Steering and driving assist failure •Brake System Failure Warning •ABS Failure Warning •Collision avoidance system failure (forward and rearward) •Check engine •AWD system warning •Lane keep and lane change assist system failure •Blind spot monitoring system failure •Reverse and surround view camera failures •No infotainment or radio control on center stack •Windows and trunk release inoperable •All in-car electronics •On-board maintenance system warnings, random resets All off the above failures occurred without any prior indication of an issue, while vehicle was in motion and being driven on public roads with other drivers and vehicles nearby. These are repeat and reoccurring issues, first appearing at approximately 3,900mi on 01/20/2022. This vehicle is not safe to be driven. It is a danger to its driver (me) and passengers, and also all other nearby vehicles and pedestrians. It remains at Genesis of Akron, despite the inability to be repaired. On November 18, 2022 they required me to turn in the loaner I had been given and I was informed neither Genesis of Akron nor Genesis USA will provide safe transportation during the arbitration or lemon investigation period(s).
NHTSA complaint #11494305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Uniontown, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
All lights warning lights illuminate and gauges stop working. Loss of functionality includes critical control and safety systems and features: •No Speedometer •No Turn Signals •No Tachometer •Odometer not recording miles •Airbag warning •Electric power steering system warning •Steering and driving assist failure •Brake System Failure Warning •ABS Failure Warning •Collision avoidance system failure (forward and rearward) •Check engine •AWD system warning •Lane keep and lane change assist system failure •Blind spot monitoring system failure •Reverse and surround view camera failures •No infotainment or radio control on center stack •Windows and trunk release inoperable •All in-car electronics •On-board maintenance system warnings, random resets All off the above failures occurred without any prior indication of an issue, while vehicle was in motion and being driven on public roads with other drivers and vehicles nearby. These are repeat and reoccurring issues, first appearing at approximately 3,900mi on 01/20/2022. This vehicle is not safe to be driven. It is a danger to its driver (me) and passengers, and also all other nearby vehicles and pedestrians. It remains at Genesis of Akron, despite the inability to be repaired. On November 18, 2022 they required me to turn in the loaner I had been given and I was informed neither Genesis of Akron nor Genesis USA will provide safe transportation during the arbitration or lemon investigation period(s).
NHTSA complaint #11494305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Uniontown, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
All lights warning lights illuminate and gauges stop working. Loss of functionality includes critical control and safety systems and features: •No Speedometer •No Turn Signals •No Tachometer •Odometer not recording miles •Airbag warning •Electric power steering system warning •Steering and driving assist failure •Brake System Failure Warning •ABS Failure Warning •Collision avoidance system failure (forward and rearward) •Check engine •AWD system warning •Lane keep and lane change assist system failure •Blind spot monitoring system failure •Reverse and surround view camera failures •No infotainment or radio control on center stack •Windows and trunk release inoperable •All in-car electronics •On-board maintenance system warnings, random resets All off the above failures occurred without any prior indication of an issue, while vehicle was in motion and being driven on public roads with other drivers and vehicles nearby. These are repeat and reoccurring issues, first appearing at approximately 3,900mi on 01/20/2022. This vehicle is not safe to be driven. It is a danger to its driver (me) and passengers, and also all other nearby vehicles and pedestrians. It remains at Genesis of Akron, despite the inability to be repaired. On November 18, 2022 they required me to turn in the loaner I had been given and I was informed neither Genesis of Akron nor Genesis USA will provide safe transportation during the arbitration or lemon investigation period(s).
NHTSA complaint #11494305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Loudon, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The G80 is equipped with a bluetooth system that should read incoming text messages while in drive. (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxfPQ37jJbI&t=6s) Instead, after I select "Listen" the car tells me "unavailable while Driving." When I close this system message, the display shows the first several words of the text message - allowing me to read the message while in Drive. This is unsafe. My vehicle is not the only one experiencing this problem - see https://genesisowners.com/genesis-forum/threads/voice-text.37457/ for other reports and more details. I have contacted Genesis USA several times with no luck. I have returned the car for service multiple times with no resolution.
NHTSA complaint #11451267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tiburon, CA
TIRES
The contact owns a 2021 Genesis GV80 equipped with Pirelli Tires, Tire line: Scorpion STR, Tire Size: 265/55/R19, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger's side tire had an inner sidewall blowout. The tire was not replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to two dealers. The tire and vehicle failure mileages were not available.
NHTSA complaint #11444048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,034 milesHenderson, NV
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Genesis G80. The contact stated while driving 30-40 mph on two separate occasions, the transmission disengaged, and the vehicle stalled and restarted without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,034.
NHTSA complaint #11425645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,034 milesHenderson, NV
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Genesis G80. The contact stated while driving 30-40 mph on two separate occasions, the transmission disengaged, and the vehicle stalled and restarted without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,034.
NHTSA complaint #11425645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
