132 of the
1,725 complaints filed about the Hyundai Genesis
are about the lighting —
8% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2015.
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 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.
The headlights intermittently turn off when driving at night. Usually it’s related to using the turn signal, but sometimes it does it completely on its own. Puts others and self at risk as driving down remote roads in the dark and lights cutting out for several seconds can be deadly. Dealer claims they cannot replicate after having the car for nearly 13 weeks total. (7 weeks first time, did not fix issue, 6 weeks second time, “couldn’t replicate”) Unknown. The dash will flash the headlight menu but no other warnings.
NHTSA complaint #11618200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When headlights are in auto mode, use of the turn signal can result in the headlights flickering or shutting off completely. This is not the result of hitting the light mode switch but rather an electrical short occurring in the stalk. The problem is particularly dangerous at night when signaling for an upcoming turn and loss of all vehicle lighting occurs. The problem has not been reproduced by a dealer. The component has not been inspected by officials. Initial occurrence was winter of 2022 with increasing frequency since then.
NHTSA complaint #11615723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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
NHTSA complaint #11601320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The turn signal lights on both the driver and passenger side frequently goes out/stops working (at least 2-3 times a year per side). This has occurred since I purchased the vehicle in 2015. I have had the lamp housing replaced following a campaign issued by the manufacturer and any other related diagnostics and bulb replacements were done under warranty by the dealership. However, the issue persists due to sockets burning out too quickly as it's recorded by the dealership. I have also contact the Hyundai corporation regarding this several times and opened complaints. Nothing has been done. I have records to show how often the turn signals have had to be replaced over the last 9 years. By now I would've expected this would be a recall (especially with other owners complaining of the same things across the Internet). This is a safety concern because not having reliable turn signals/turn signals going out too soon prevents other drivers from knowing what turn I am about to make while driving. That is a safety concern for me and others who are oncoming in my direction.
NHTSA complaint #11587356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On [XXX], my vehicle was not starting at all, prompting me to seek professional assistance. Subsequently, the car was towed to a nearby auto shop for a comprehensive diagnostic. The findings indicated that the starter was the root cause of the issue and required replacement. Additionally, a battery replacement was deemed necessary. Coincidentally, on the same day, a recall notice was issued regarding the starter, citing a fire risk associated with the component. In light of the recall notice, the vehicle was relocated from the auto shop to my residence. On [XXX], the car was then towed to the dealership for further investigation and confirmation of the starter diagnostic, as advised by Hyundai corporate by an agent named, Doreen. I contacted Hyundai corporate on Friday, [XXX] , seeking guidance about the starter diagnosis. Their recommendation was to have the car towed to the dealership to validate the starter issue. She stated they will be able to expedite the resolution process at a national level once the dealership confirms the diagnosis. Today, on [XXX], Capitol Hyundai in San Jose, CA, associate by the name of Ali Lee, informed me that the starter was not the culprit; rather, it was identified as a "faulty" new battery installed six months ago. This revelation is disconcerting, especially considering that the car, parked for six days, should not have been able to start if the issue was solely related to the battery, as confirmed by the dealership. This report aims to document the sequence of events for future reference and to address potential safety concerns associated with the recalled starter, which poses a fire risk. Moreover, I would like to bring to your attention some pre-existing issues that might be connected to the recall, including light flickering while driving, headlights turning completely off automatically at night on the freeway & challenges w the car windows when using the designated buttons. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11573239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This has been a recurring safety issue problem! The front turn signals repeatedly have indicated on etiher side that the bulb is burned out and hence do not light up nor flash when this occurs. Some folks chalk this up to it is normal for bulbs to burn out so I have been replacing them when this happens. But, a new bulb doesnt always work! It gets to be a game of try this bulb and then that bulb and then sometimes nothing works and I plug the turn signal harness back in and maybe a few days later it starts to work so it is more than a bulb issue and a significant safety issue if folks assume that the turn signal is performing correctly and the oncoming cars dont see any sign that I'm planning on turning. I can put in a new bulb and try adjusting the bulb in its seated position and grab the wires and jiggle to see if there is a short or bad conection and nothing changes the fact that the new bulb is not working. Also the bulbs that arent working appear to be in good working order when looking at the 2 filaments
NHTSA complaint #11569752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My turn signals burn bulbs burn out constantly (2x a year) and I drive approx 8k miles per year. Turn signals are a basic basic safety issue & given that if you explore the Hyundai Genesis form it is a KNOWN faulty wiring design. . It is not simply a matter of changing a bulb - it’s very difficult to get to. Hyundai knows this issue since they changed the housing design for the 2016. I believe they owe their customers a safe option.
NHTSA complaint #11529192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rt Side Day Running Light. This model Hyundai Genesis uses what is suposed to be an intermittent bulb / socket for turn signaling. In this 2015 model it is so it's on ALL THE TIME as driving lamp. Bulb overheats, burns out, scorches the socket. Bulbs now last less than 5 months. Dealer replaced scorched scoket and bulb today. $169.00 Not under warranty
NHTSA complaint #11523412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The 2015 Hyundai Genesis model was produced with a halogen daylight running lamp that is also the directional turn signal; because of this dual function, the directional fails. When you google this issue, there are hundreds of other owners who have either made videos or blogged about the same issue. I have spent over $1000 dollars trying to fix the issue and when it was under warrantee, the dealership must have spent three times as much without success. Drivers coming at you, have no idea that you are turning or not. Wiring harnesses have been changed, switches replaced, multiple bulbs and I have even changed out the headlight assembly. Hyundai is aware of this issue and has turned their backs on their customers
NHTSA complaint #11519474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Both the left and right turn signals have had to be replaced over 5 times EACH since I purchased the car in 2018. The first time it happened I took it to the dealer and they said the lighting harness was the problem and they replaced it at no cost since it was under warranty. Then the right one went out and again they replaced the harness free. Then the left went out again and since replaced harness was under a year old, they replaced it at no cost. That was Feb 27. 2020. Each side has gone out at least 4 times since Feb, '20. Please keep in mind I drove less than 5000 miles during 2021 due to the pandemic. Now the dealer says the entire head light assembly must be replaced to solve the problem. This is a real safety concern because other drivers need to know where I'm turning or I might get hit. Hyundai charges $1,100 to replace headlight assembly on each side-any discount given! So now I must replace the bulb about every 3-4 months on each side to feel safe driving. This a problem with their 2015 models because we have a friend who had the same problem
NHTSA complaint #11509859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Head light control knob on the blinker handle. While driving, using the blinker, the headlights' turn knob is extremely sensitive. It has happened several times. Driving at night, turn on the blinker to go right, it also scrolls the headlight control and turns them off. HIGHLY dangerous in my opinion. Safety concern for myself and other drivers Mentioned this to Kingdom Kia of Rolla, MO. Service worker said she has heard of this complaint before. The light knob is very sensitive. Has not been inspected by manufacturer No warning lamps etc.
NHTSA complaint #11509949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driver side front turning signal/Daytime Running light burns out constantly. I have replaced that bulb at least 6 times since purchasing the car in 2018. Dealer confirmed it's common with my vehicle, and advised me to use OEM bulbs only as other bulbs would blow out faster. After the first bulb was replaced with a dealer OEM and that blew out within a few months, I purchased one from auto zone and it burned out within a week. Have been using OEM bulbs ever since. I have two friends with the exact same year make and model, and they have experienced the same issue. You can also see many threads hear describing the issue: https://www.google.com/search?q=2015+genesis+sedan+turn+signal+bulb+burns+out+site:genesisowners.com With a bulb that burns out constantly, there's a risk of people not wanting to swap them out and just not having a left turn signal on front of vehicle, this poses a safety risk to the driver and to everyone around them if they cannot properly signal their intent. One of my friends has chosen this route, after swapping the bulb 3 times, he has refused to do it any further. The indication that the bulb has burned out is a "Hyper Flash" meaning the left side turn signals will flash more rapidly than before to indicate a bulb has burned out. Many users have switched to LED lights to assuage the issue, however this is an aftermarket solution, not one that is provided by the manufacturer.
NHTSA complaint #11476969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The rear passenger brake/reverse light and rear camera were sporadically working until they all stopped working completely. After some research the cause of the problem is the trunk wire harness which has failed (20-BE-007H). Unfortunately this fix isn't know to dealerships who I've had attempt to fix the problem, which leaves me without a brake light, reverse light, and reverse camera.
NHTSA complaint #11467753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Use of the turn signal intermittently causes the headlights to turn off at night while in auto headlights mode switching to headlights on mode turns the lights back on.
NHTSA complaint #11464506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving at night on highway and tried to switch lanes. After I gave left signal and start changing lanes headlights turned off for several seconds. I almost panic and pushed the brake pedal. It was the Multifunction Switch which was going from Auto mode to Off.
NHTSA complaint #11464051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact's wife owns a 2015 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for the replacement of the front headlight, he was informed that the headlights wire harness of the vehicle was melting. The contact stated that the headlights wire harness was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they did not have any complaints related to the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11432938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The multi function switch on the steering column has a short within its components. When driving at night with the headlights on and I activate the multi function switch to change lanes, the headlights flicker. This is the second multi function switch that is having the same symptoms, because I had the same problem years ago and the multi function switch was replaced under warranty. It is now exhibiting the same symptoms as before but is no longer under warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11421460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.