272 of the
1,725 complaints filed about the Hyundai Genesis
are about the electrical system —
16% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2015.
Starter wiring burned and caused a small, localized fire in the engine compartment of the vehicle. Replacement of the starter assembly along with related engine wiring harness is necessary for vehicle operation. After mechanic review, it was determined the vehicle will catch fire upon attempt to start the vehicle. The vehicle was parked near our home when the internal burning and subsequent small fire started. The problem was reported to our nearest Hyundai dealership and the car was evaluated by the dealership to confirm the above. The car was inspected by Progressive insurance as well at the dealership and it was determined it was not included in TSB 24-01-057H recall for this VIN for the 2015 Hyundai Genesis. For this specific issue, there was zero indication this was a possibility.
NHTSA complaint #11749032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11746437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN, The car lose electricity, shutting down by itself, when I press start engine, or when I shut down engine, recently car shuts off while I drive it on highway, it didn't start until I jump start it, also it shows lights of ABS, and brakes auto hold, cruise control not working.
NHTSA complaint #11740461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I took my car in to Tomball Hyundai due to intermittent failure of the headlight switch and the wiper switch when both of these features are set to the ‘Auto’ setting. These are very intermittent issues, but as luck would have it, it was sprinkling on my drive to the dealership on [XXX] and I was able to capture the wiper issue via video on my phone which I shared with the service advisor. Then, fortunately, 2 days later, the service technician was able to verify the intermittent headlight failure. I was aware of a TSB (TXXH) which is meant to address this problem, however, Hyundai issued a superseded TSB a few months after the original, in which they deleted the wiper switch from the service. The 2015 Genesis multifunction switch is sold as a single integrated unit (P/N 93400-3M031), but Hyundai’s TSB 20-BE-009H-1 mandates a "hack" repair that leaves the failing wiper switch in place. It is my assertion that when Hyundai settled a class action lawsuit regarding this switch, they agreed to extend the warranty on the entirety of the Multifunction Switch Assembly (NOT just the Headlight portion of the switch) for 15 years and Unlimited mileage. The Hyundai National Customer Service Case Manager (Roobika, 714-912-2118 National Consumer Affairs) told me that my request of having the complete switch replaced was denied due to the vehicle being out of warranty and having 73,481 miles. *to be clear here - Hyundai HAS agreed to replace the Headlight switch only - their denial centers on the Wiper switch. Eager to find a solution, I suggested that I could cost-share. This was declined as well. I was only given the option of buying the whole switch myself and allowing them to provide the labor to install it. Furthermore, It is technically illogical to perform a warranty repair by disassembling an integrated unit to replace one half while ignoring the failure of the other half—especially when the labor required to access the part is identical. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),
NHTSA complaint #11733724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving approximately 35–40 mph, the steering wheel locked unexpectedly. My [XXX] child was in the vehicle at the time. I was nearly unable to control the vehicle, creating a serious risk of a crash or fatal injury. The vehicle has a long history of electrical problems including repeated battery failures and a prior transmission replacement. Due to the steering failure, the vehicle is unsafe to operate and has not been driven since the incident. No warning lights were observed prior to the steering failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11715982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car has previously been reported for having issues with electrical problems that I have had to fight the manufacturer to get repaired unsuccessfully.I am constantly experiencing and smelling burning in my dash when I crank the car. Car is no longer under warranty, so therefore, I cannot afford to continue to go in and report the same problem over and over again.My turn signal bulbs are constantly blowing, and I'm having to replace them at a rate that is not normal.I'm sure this is all related.
NHTSA complaint #11714810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle: 2015 Hyundai Genesis sedan (3.8L) Issue Type: Exterior Lighting / Electrical System Description of the Problem: I am reporting an intermittent electrical failure affecting the rear lighting and backup safety systems on my 2015 Hyundai Genesis. The vehicle’s reverse lights, tail lights, and backup camera intermittently fail and flicker, especially when the trunk is opened or moved. This behavior has worsened over time. The failure appears to be related to wiring in the trunk area, as opening or closing the trunk causes the lights and camera to flicker or stop functioning. This issue affects multiple systems simultaneously, including: •Reverse (backup) lights •Tail lights •Backup camera License plate lighting The reverse lights and backup camera sometimes do not function at night, and the tail lights may flicker or go out. Safety Incident / Near Miss: At night, while backing up, I nearly struck a pedestrian because: •I could not clearly see behind the vehicle due to the backup camera and reverse lights not functioning, and •The pedestrian did not realize the vehicle was backing up because the reverse lights were not illuminated. No injury occurred, but this was a serious near-miss involving a pedestrian at night. Additional Information: I have since learned that Hyundai has issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for 2015–2016 Genesis vehicles related to damage or failure of the trunk wiring harness, which can cause loss of rear lighting and backup camera function. My vehicle’s symptoms match the conditions described in the bulletin. This issue appears to be a design-related wiring failure caused by normal trunk operation, not misuse or modification. Current Status: The problem is ongoing and worsening. Rear lighting and backup safety systems are unreliable and fail intermittently without warning.
NHTSA complaint #11705708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, the vehicle started shaking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle accelerated but failed to exceed 20 MPH. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and shifted into park(P). The vehicle was restarted, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a handheld diagnostic machine retrieved DTC: P2106, P0638, and P2110. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the throttle body and the foot control throttle needed to be replaced. The contact was also advised by the mechanic that there may be an electrical system issue with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired, but the codes were reset. The contact took the vehicle to the residence and replaced the throttle body and the foot control throttle, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,600.
NHTSA complaint #11699843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 safety concern and suggests Hyundai/Genesis may be avoiding accountability for additional affected vehicles outside the recall's VIN range. I believe this defect and the manufacturer's response warrant a n urgent NHTSA investigation into the scope of the existing recall and whether it should be expanded. This issue is not only mechanical but life-threatening, as an engine fire caused by electrical failure could easily occur while driving or in an occupied area. Please investigate this issue and ensure Hyundai/Genesis takes full responsibility for this defect before someone i s seriously injured or killed
NHTSA complaint #11694040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After Hyundai performed a recall service on my vehicle, the radiator hose burst while I was driving on the highway, causing the engine to fail completely. Smoke came from the engine compartment, and I had to pull over immediately with my family to avoid a serious accident. Before the recall, the vehicle had no issues and ran perfectly for three months after purchase. The problem occurred only a few days after the recall service, which included work on the ABS module. Hyundai refused to take responsibility, even though this failure happened right after the recall repair. The dealership and manufacturer did not inspect the vehicle properly and made their decision based only on a phone conversation. This is a severe safety concern because the engine failed suddenly on the highway. I believe this failure is directly related to the recall work performed under NHTSA Recall #21V160000, which is still listed as incomplete on NHTSA records.
NHTSA complaint #11692472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Hyundai Genesis. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase of the vehicle. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 121,000. It was later discovered through auto check that the mileage was 199,985.
NHTSA complaint #11691818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
NHTSA complaint #11676723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I just purchased a 2015 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 4 door sedan 1/10/2025. Randomly lately the car does a slight jerk and the screen goes black, that happened about 5 times in just a few weeks. twice the car shutoff and back on at slow speed coming to a stop, and then entering into a parking lot. same day at 65-70 mph on the freeway it jerked hard and the engine turned off and on. Very scary and dangerous!! I did not see anything on recalls that would pertain to this happening. All recalls have been done on this car, that's what it indicated. Service guy wasn't sure. this is a random thing. I could leave my car with them but they'd have to drive it a lot for long periods before it might actually happen again.
NHTSA complaint #11654258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When the car gets wet, it sends my dashboard lights flashing, and I’m able to put the car in gear without stepping on the brake, I brought it to numerous of Honda dealerships and other mechanical shops, and they are undetermined to find the cause
NHTSA complaint #11652639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that the driver's side mirror failed to adjust properly to view the surroundings on the driver's side of the vehicle. The failure was causing issues and a need for chiropractic care due to the contact needing to manually turn and adjust to safely view oncoming traffic, which aggravated previous neck and back injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the mirror had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. When having the oil changed, the dealer informed the contact of 2 recalls; NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V160000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) and NHTSA Campaign Number unknown (manufacturer number 252) and Service Campaign Manufacturer Number 965 (NHTSA ID Number unknown). The fuel module, fuse assembly, and relay were replaced or repaired. The vehicle was kept for the remedies to be completed; however, approximately 2-3 weeks after the remedies were completed, the vehicle would hesitate when driving at various speeds, the engine would stall without warning, and the vehicle would fail to start on initial start-up, intermittently. The contact used engine cleaner, seafoam, and Lucas cleaner for the engine; however, the engine failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who was not able to provide a diagnosis or make contact for any updates since the vehicle's been returned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and had 2 cases of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #11651770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The front RH and LH turn signal harness is defective. The turn signal bulbs burn out quickly even after replacing the bulb harness. When the bulbs are out you are unable to notify oncoming traffic that your vehicle is turning.I believe the dealer is aware of the issue. No inspections other than by the dealer. the vehicle does notify you the bulb is burned out by a rapid green turn signal light on the dash.
NHTSA complaint #11645574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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
NHTSA complaint #11643782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.