44 of the 280 complaints filed about the Genesis GV80 are about the electrical system — 16% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2021.
44
Complaints
16%
Share of all complaints
2
Crashes
1
Fires
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11758551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On June 18 at approximately 9:50 p.m., I was driving my 2026 Genesis GV80 (6,493 miles) on a highway where traffic was reduced to one lane due to road paving. Traffic was heavily congested. I came to a complete stop behind a tractor-trailer on a flat/level roadway and remained stationary for approximately 30–40 seconds with my foot on the brake. The vehicle's automatic start/stop feature had been manually disabled. While completely stopped, the vehicle unexpectedly began moving forward toward the tractor-trailer despite my foot being on the brake pedal. I released and reapplied/pumped the brakes multiple times, but the vehicle continued moving forward. The brake pedal felt normal. I attempted to place the transmission into Park, but there was no response and no warning or message. The vehicle continued forward and contacted the rear of the tractor-trailer. After contact, the vehicle stopped and I was then able to place it in Park. When traffic began moving, I put the vehicle back into Drive. Because heavy traffic prevented me from safely exiting the lane, I remained in place but left additional distance from the tractor-trailer. The same condition occurred a second time: while again at a complete stop, the vehicle began moving forward with the brake pedal fully depressed. This time, I was able to place the vehicle in Park before contacting anything. There were no brake, transmission, or other warning lights/messages during either occurrence. However, the vehicle displayed a notification indicating I was making a telephone call when no call was occurring; it appeared to reference a call from earlier that evening. The unexpected forward movement occurred twice during the same driving event.
NHTSA complaint #11758621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Component Affected: Electrical / Interior Cabin Comfort / HVAC SystemsDescription of Defect:I am reporting an active thermal defect in the dashboard footprint of my 2021 Genesis GV80 AWD 3.5T. Following a 35-to-40-minute dynamic road test under engine load, severe heat migrates directly from the engine compartment into the passenger cabin. The instrument cluster panel and surrounding dashboard structures reach an extreme, verified temperature of 110°F, while the adjacent passenger vents measure standard cooling at 80°F.This severe cabin heat soak began immediately following an authorized dealership replacement of the air conditioning evaporator coil, requiring complete dashboard disassembly. The thermal failure strongly indicates a compromised bulkhead/firewall seal, displaced steering column boot, or an uninstalled engine-bay thermal insulation blanket, which allows high-temperature engine bay heat and air pressure to blow directly into the vehicle's internal electronic housing components.Safety Hazard:An instrument cluster panel reaching 110°F poses an immediate safety hazard. It creates a severe cabin driver distraction, generates a risk of physical burns upon contact with vehicle instrumentation, and risks causing a thermal breakdown or electrical fire within the vehicle's primary digital dashboard wiring harness.Dealer/Manufacturer Actions:Two separate authorized Genesis retailers have refused to conduct a 40-minute dynamic road test to recreate the thermal failure. Technicians performed only a brief, 3-minute static idle test inside a shop bay and declared the vehicle "operating as designed." Genesis Motor America corporate customer care has used these insufficient 3-minute static shop tests to prematurely close my consumer safety case. The manufacturer refuses to diagnose this vehicle under dynamic driving loads or inspect the firewall seals under the 12-month dealer repair workmanship warranty. No crash or injury has occurred yet, but the thermal risk remain
NHTSA complaint #11757976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On June 23, 2026, while operating my 2021 Genesis GV80, the vehicle's entire infotainment and system software rebooted without warning as I was leaving a parking lot. As a direct result of this reboot, the driver seat automatically moved out of my saved position. I was no longer able to reach the pedals and could not properly control the vehicle. This incident occurred while the vehicle was in motion. It took me several minutes to safely bring the vehicle to a stop, at which point I turned the car off and restarted it. Upon restart, all of my saved settings had been wiped. This is a safety defect, not a minor software issue. A seat repositioning without driver input while a vehicle is in motion constitutes a loss of vehicle control. Had this occurred at highway speed the consequences could have been fatal. I am aware that Genesis issued Safety Recall 031G for mid-drive infotainment reboots on other GV80 model years. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether this defect extends to 2021 model year vehicles and whether a recall expansion is warranted.
NHTSA complaint #11746299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle was parked in a residential garage with the engine off. A [XXX] child was secured in a rear driver-side car seat. The key fob was inside the vehicle on the passenger side. After the final door was closed, an adult immediately attempted to reopen the driver's door and found it locked. All vehicle doors were locked despite the key fob remaining inside the vehicle. No warning beeps, alerts, or messages were observed before or during the lockout. The cause is UNKNOWN. The vehicle appeared to lock with the key fob and child occupant inside. The outside temperature was approximately 90°F, and the garage was significantly hotter. The child was trapped inside for approximately 5–7 minutes, crying and visibly sweating. Because access could not be gained through any door, the passenger-side window had to be broken to rescue the child. This incident created a serious safety risk due to heat exposure and the inability to access a child occupant. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer or dealer at the time of this report. The suspected malfunction involves the electronic door locking and/or key detection system, but the exact cause is UNKNOWN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11745316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2022 Genesis GV80. The contact stated that upon start of the engine, the instrument panel had gone blank. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that an OTA(Over-The-Air) software update was performed which may have caused the failure. Approximately 20 minutes later, the instrument panel returned. Recently, the contact stated that the instrument cluster went blank and had never returned. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where they acknowledged the failure and informed the contact that the instrument panel had failed; the contact was given an estimate for the repair. Upon investigation, the contact was informed that a battery replacement may correct the failure; despite the battery replacement, the failure returned. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11739485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On April 20th, 2026 I called Genesis of Carmel (Address: [XXX] Phone: [XXX] ) to get a oil change. On the same day I called them I also explained that various warning lights started to appear in the dash (check high beam assist system, check driver attention system, check speed limit system). The next day on the 21st when I wen to t take the car in for service the car would not start. I had to have the car towed to the Genesis dealer listed above. I received no calls from the dealership for 2 weeks. When trying to call their phone it is very hard to get through and strangely they hang up on you once you been transferred to the service department. On May 10th I received a call back from the Genesis delership and they stated that they had out a battery in my car but that the battery is draining and they don't know why. I asked them in they provide loaners sionce ai have beeen without a car for sevral days. they expolained that they don't have any but I could call Genesis (844-340-9741) and perhaps they could help me faster. i asked why they couldn't call for me and they stated that I may have better success. I called Genesis at that phone number 844-340-9641 and again explained all of the above information. I was given a case number and provided the same day as requested the information that they are asking for. This is a copy of the email (attached) I received after that call. Please note that even in this email they are stating it will be awhile before they get back to me. I am still without a car or a call back from the dealership. Genesis Case #42662041 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11737754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Purchased CPO 2/28/24. Water intrusion defect manifested 5/28/24 (3 months) with electrical failures and dampness odor. Active leak discovered 9/25 - water leaked onto passenger during operation. CHILD HEALTH EMERGENCY: My daughter required THREE emergency room visits for severe allergic reactions after riding in vehicle - suspected mold/biological contamination from water intrusion. MANUFACTURER RESPONSE: Vehicle out of service 139 DAYS for warranty repairs (11/1-12/6/25: 35 days; 12/18/25-4/1/26: 104 days). Genesis inspection 1/19/26 but REFUSED to provide report claiming "attorney-client privilege." Genesis denied buyback 2/13/26. CURRENT CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE: Vehicle returned 4/1/26. Passenger side view mirror now non-functional (safety hazard for lane changes/merging). WATER LEAK HAS RETURNED - same leak, same dampness odor. The "permanent repair" FAILED after only 2 weeks. Dealership REFUSING all repairs. 12/18/25 INCIDENT: While driving in rain, multiple safety system warnings illuminated simultaneously (forward collision warning, stability alerts) - suspected water damage to electrical systems. SYSTEMIC DEFECT CONCERN: Online research shows MULTIPLE 2021-2024 Genesis GV80 owners reporting identical water intrusion from sunroof drainage system failures. This appears to be manufacturing/design defect affecting many vehicles. REQUESTING: 1. Safety investigation of 2021-2024 Genesis GV80 sunroof drainage systems 2. Potential recall for water intrusion defect 3. Investigation of health hazards from mold/contamination 4. Investigation of manufacturer concealing defect inspection findings DANGER: Water intrusion causing electrical failures creates fire risk, safety system failures, and biological contamination health hazards. Children at highest risk for mold exposure injuries.
NHTSA complaint #11732830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On Friday, April 11, 2026 I received an alert on my vehicle that there was a possible issue with the driver's side headlamps. After checking my headlamps I discovered that the driver's side headlamps were not on. It was night time when this happened and I was very concerned for my safety and the safety of others while driving without proper lighting. The issue has been confirmed by a Genesis Service representative stating that this is a very common issue with this particular vehicle. It was relayed that moisture gets in the light assembly and shorts out the ILCU, which kills light functions. I have not had the vehicle inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance representative. I feel that this issue, being known to be a common occurrence, should be a recall item and I am requesting a goodwill repair. I purchased this vehicle used and have had it for nine months. It was out of warranty when I purchased it so I purchased an extended warranty but unfortunately for me it does not include lighting. I am an elderly woman on a fixed income and cannot afford an expensive repair like this (approximately $2,500). I've always wanted a GV80 and was so excited when I purchased it. I am hopeful that Genesis will stand behind their product and put this item as a recall or in the very least grant a goodwill repair.
NHTSA complaint #11731618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Notice condensation building up in driver side headlamp, then I received LED lights failure warning ⚠️ as i was driving. Now i driver side signal is not working some times and now i have about 7 warnings on dash from headlamp failure to collision sensor going off. I know since car is a 2021 and i'm the second owner it's out of warranty, but i speculate that this problem probably known now look at other reports and it only had 35K miles when I purchased it.
NHTSA complaint #11731358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I'm reporting moisture in the driver headlight. I noticed a little moisture when I purchased it in October 25(used). Of course the warranty is up and the extended warranty doesn't cover replacement of assembly. Which is very pricey over $2000. I took it to the dealership to get it looked at but at the time it was still working but flickering alot, now it's completely out. I asked was it cracked and the service guy said no, this is something that we see sometimes. I didn't have any warning lights on prior to it going completely out. Now I can't get an expectation tag because of the headlight assembly needing to be changed. This is something Genesis must look into or offer warranties that cover expensive parts like that. It's definitely a hazard when both lights aren't working properly. I'm torn between trying to get it fixed or just letting the vehicle be repossessed and start over with something with a better warranty. I current have 6 alerts on dashboard since the light is completely out.
NHTSA complaint #11729582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owned a 2021 Genesis GV80. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the instrument cluster had failed and needed to be replaced at the owner's expense. The contact declined to pay for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 70 MPH at night, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon opening the front driver's side door, the contact noticed that there was smoke coming from under the vehicle. The contact walked to the front of the vehicle and noticed flames coming from under the hood, by the windshield connecting point. The fire was extinguished by the fire department, but there was no report filed. The police arrived at the scene but failed to file or to provide a police report to the contact. There was no reported injury. The contact stated that the vehicle burned to the ground. The dealer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where it was deemed a total loss by the manufacturer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had previously advised that the vehicle would be towed to a third laboratory for analysis; however, the manufacturer had failed to do so and had sent field technicians, who took pictures of the burned vehicle instead. The manufacturer then informed the contact that no assistance would be provided because the manufacturer was not liable for the failure, per the technician's report. The contact inquired a copy of the report and was informed that the copy could not be provided because it was private data. Additionally, the manufacturer advised the contact that he would need to retain the vehicle to pursue the matter. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V630000(Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
NHTSA complaint #11724760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Water enters headlamp assembly causing a he assembly to fail. Failed assembly ruins control module. Ruined control module disables multiple safety features (7 errors code show upon failure). Root cause is a faulty seal from original manufacturing. Manufacturer has corrected the faulty seal but did not issue safety recall leaving owners with defective and unsafe equipment as well as hefty repair bills.
NHTSA complaint #11722447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Had Recall 031G completed on 01/20/2026. Bluetooth continues to glitch and infotainment system continues to restart and go black while driving leaving driver without key information to operate vehicle posing a crash risk
NHTSA complaint #11716346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2024 GV80 with approximately 15k miles started completely powering off while driving multiple times and the vehicle started itself while in my enclosed garage space with no one in the vehicle, no button/brake pressed, not key fob pressed. I turned this into the dealership for manufacturer repair on 9/13/25 and as of today, 2/5/26, I still do not have my car back. The dealership explains there is an intermittent parasitic draw that they have been unable to identify. The battery drain, they claim, resulted in the car stopping by itself and starting by itself. The company has refused buyback under Lemon Law (not covering CPO), letters to the CEO have gone unanswered, multiple claims with Genesis corporate have resulted in no help and the local dealership is horrendous- no response, having the vehicle 5 months, no timeline.
NHTSA complaint #11715893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2025 Genesis GV80. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle was pulling to the right. The contact depressed the brake pedal and was able to turn back in the intended direction. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was advised that the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.
NHTSA complaint #11697735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Horn stopped working while trying to use on the highway. This is after the passenger headlight failed in July 2025. Why are these safety concerns not being addressed by the manufacturer?
NHTSA complaint #11691342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On September 28, 2025, after parking in my garage on a hot day (~80°F), my Genesis GV80 automatically locked all doors while my 3-year-old child and dog were still inside. My keys were also locked in the vehicle. Neither the driver nor passenger door thumbprint sensors responded. For approximately 20 minutes, I was unable to unlock the car while my daughter was trapped inside crying and screaming. I was forced to call the police and emergency services. The situation was only resolved when I calmed my daughter enough to press the unlock button from inside, just before the ambulance arrived. Police responded to the scene and a report was made. This is the second time this defect has occurred. A nearly identical incident happened previously when my daughter was 2 years old, though I did not obtain a police report at that time. This defect presents a serious safety hazard to children and passengers, especially in warm weather when entrapment can quickly lead to heat-related injury or worse. The locking and keyless entry system (including electronic thumbprint access) failed without warning. No dashboard lights, error messages, or other warnings appeared prior to the failure. The defect is reproducible, has been reported to Genesis, and is available for inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11690321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On September 28, 2025, after parking in my garage on a hot day (~80°F), my Genesis GV80 automatically locked all doors while my 3-year-old child and dog were still inside. My keys were also locked in the vehicle. Neither the driver nor passenger door thumbprint sensors responded. For approximately 20 minutes, I was unable to unlock the car while my daughter was trapped inside crying and screaming. I was forced to call the police and emergency services. The situation was only resolved when I calmed my daughter enough to press the unlock button from inside, just before the ambulance arrived. Police responded to the scene and a report was made. This is the second time this defect has occurred. A nearly identical incident happened previously when my daughter was 2 years old, though I did not obtain a police report at that time. This defect presents a serious safety hazard to children and passengers, especially in warm weather when entrapment can quickly lead to heat-related injury or worse. The locking and keyless entry system (including electronic thumbprint access) failed without warning. No dashboard lights, error messages, or other warnings appeared prior to the failure. The defect is reproducible, has been reported to Genesis, and is available for inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11690323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On [XXX], the GV80 experienced a complete electrical system failure (dashboard lights began flashing and eventually went black, display screen went black, steering wheel locked and brakes were hard to engage), all while my wife was driving on a major highway in rush hour traffic. The dealership claims this electrical system failure was caused by improper battery cable hookup, but this is incorrect. I have time stamped photographs showing a wiring harness that was already burned before any battery cables were connected. I also have documentation proving when the tow truck was dispatched to the vehicle’s location. Dealer Findings *Service advisor stated that there was improper procedure from someone hooking up cables to wrong posts and burning the wire(The issue occurred prior to any battery cables being connected ) -*Wiring harnesses are burned and damaged, creating excessive resistance *The condition is causing a dangerous buildup of heat *Multiple fuses have already blown and required replacement *The dealer explicitly advised that the vehicle is not safe to drive and could cause a fire at any moment Safety Risk This level of electrical damage is not consistent with ordinary wear or misuse. It represents a serious safety defect: • The failure rendered the vehicle completely inoperable. • The failure occurred while driving and resulted in a loss of steering and difficult braking, creating a severe risk of crash and injury. Estimate to repair $24, 754.57 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11684295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.