Last updated: 2026-07-26

2018 Genesis G80 Reliability Report
The 2018 Genesis G80 scores 55/100 ("Mixed"). With 6 recalls and 94 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
Recalls
6
Complaints
94
Complaint Rate
126.2per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (18)
- STEERING (15)
- WHEELS (8)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2018 is 1 year after the launch in the us refresh.
- Year 2 in the First generation (DH) (2017–2020).
- 1st generation G80 (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2017: First generation (DH) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2018: This Model Year
2018 is 1 year after the launch in the us refresh.
Should You Buy the 2018 Genesis G80?
A 55/100 score puts the 2018 Genesis G80 in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open. 2018 is 1 year after the launch in the us refresh.
Complaint volume sits above average at 94 owner complaints alongside 6 recalls. Issues in electrical system (18) tend to be the costly ones.
Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put electrical system (18) at the top of the inspection checklist.
Compared to the 2019 Genesis G80, which scored 11 points higher.
Pros
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
- +Not a first-year model
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for Sedan
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Oil pressure sensor, air conditioning, and recall-related concerns (18 complaints)
- −Safety recall: park-outside advisory issued
Compare 2018 Genesis G80 With

2018 Toyota Avalon
Reliability: 77/100

2018 Nissan Maxima
Reliability: 72/100

2018 Buick Lacrosse
Reliability: 75/100

2018 Chevrolet Impala
Reliability: 77/100

2018 Volkswagen Passat
Reliability: 71/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 6 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (18)
- STEERING (15)
Recall Overview
6
recalls on record
The 2018 Genesis G80 has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
126.2
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 24.4
Safety Incidents
8
Crashes
0
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Genesis G80 Recall Details
6 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Genesis G80. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Genesis G80, 2017-2022 G90, and 2019-2022 G70 vehicles equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 turbocharged engine. The left turbocharger oil feed pipe may deteriorate and leak oil.
Consequence
An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left turbocharger oil feed pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 3, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 019G. This recall expands and replaces recall number 19V-538. Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-538 will need to have the new remedy completed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Genesis, 2017-2019 Genesis G80, Genesis G90, and 2019 Genesis G70 vehicles. Water may enter the starter solenoid and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a remedy relay kit in the engine junction box, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 254(H) and 018G(G).
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Genesis and 2017-2020 Genesis G80 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module could malfunction and short circuit.
Consequence
An electrical short circuit inside the ABS module could cause an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2021. Owners can contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 201 and 006G.
Buying a used 2018 Genesis G80? Check its history first
Every 2018 Genesis G80 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2018 Genesis G80 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.5%
Safety Technologies
Genesis G80Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Genesis G80.
Test air conditioning for cooling effectiveness after extended use
Inspect tires for sidewall bubbles or gashes, especially if Continental ProContact TX
Check steering responsiveness and ensure it returns to center smoothly
Verify all airbags deploy correctly during a diagnostic check
Confirm recall repairs have been completed, especially for electrical and engine issues
Inspect for oil leaks, particularly around the turbocharger oil supply pipe
2018 Genesis G80 Common Problems by Component
94 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
18 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Genesis G80 frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving the oil pressure sensor, air conditioning, and recall-related concerns. Complaints often describe the oil pressure sensor malfunctioning at idle, causing the oil light to illuminate intermittently, which has led to at least one reported crash. Multiple owners also mention the air conditioning failing to cool effectively during extended use, especially in hot climates. Additionally, numerous reports highlight delays in addressing recall repairs due to unavailable parts, with some owners expressing concerns about potential fire risks. These issues typically arise in vehicles several years old, often beyond the manufacturer warranty period, and can pose safety risks such as impaired visibility, overheating, and uncertain oil pressure status.
STEERING
15 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Genesis G80 frequently report issues with the steering system, particularly a sticking or binding steering wheel that does not return to center without manual effort. Typical symptoms include the steering wheel remaining in the turned position during curves and requiring significant driver input to straighten, with some noting this occurs both at high and low speeds. Complaints often mention these issues arising at mileage ranges from around 27,300 to 47,500 miles. Two crash incidents are associated with steering wheel airbag non-deployment, raising safety concerns. Buyers should be aware of potential steering control issues and review the availability of any manufacturer service bulletins or warranty extensions.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
11 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Genesis G80 frequently report issues with the air conditioning system, describing it as failing to cool effectively after extended driving, particularly in high-heat environments, with symptoms including warm air blowing and reduced cooling capacity. Complaints often involve the system shutting off or requiring a reset after the vehicle is turned off for a period. This issue is noted at various mileage points, with some reports around 24,000 to 28,000 miles. Additionally, owners describe problems with the driver side rear door latch failing to open, posing potential safety concerns in emergencies. Tire-related issues are also mentioned, with sidewall blowouts and bubbles forming in Continental tires within the first 1,000 to 6,000 miles, raising concerns about tire reliability. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, such as heat-related discomfort and compromised exit safety, that used car buyers should consider.
WHEELS (8 complaints)
WHEELS
8 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the Continental ProContact TX tires on the 2018 Genesis G80, primarily involving sidewall failures and bubbles. Complaints frequently mention sidewall gashes, blowouts, and bubbles occurring at relatively low mileages, often under 10,000 miles, with some reports of failures as early as 6,000 miles. These tire failures are noted both while the vehicle is in motion and while parked, and some owners attribute these issues to road hazards like potholes. The recurring nature of these failures suggests potential safety implications, as several owners express concerns about driving at higher speeds due to the risk of tire blowouts. Buyers considering this vehicle may want to investigate the condition of the tires and consider potential replacement options.
ENGINE (8 complaints)
ENGINE
8 complaintsOwners report several engine-related issues with the 2018 Genesis G80. A recurring problem involves engine stalling, where the vehicle shuts off unexpectedly during driving, requiring a restart. Complaints frequently mention an oil pressure sensor issue that triggers warnings, especially in cooler temperatures, potentially obscuring more serious engine problems. Multiple owners describe oil leaks related to previously addressed recalls, with some noting smoke and fire hazards. These issues often appear around 38,500 to 43,628 miles. Safety implications include potential fire risks and loss of vehicle control due to engine stalling.
AIR BAGS (7 complaints)
AIR BAGS
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Genesis G80 report multiple issues related to airbag deployment, particularly during crash events. Complaints frequently mention that the driver's airbag does not deploy, even in severe accidents, while other airbags may deploy inconsistently or only partially. Several reports describe conflicting vehicle identification data from the Event Data Recorder and Genesis systems, which may impact safety-critical information. Typical symptoms include airbag warning lights and increased resistance codes, with some vehicles showing these issues around 126,000 to 127,000 miles. The safety implications are significant, as four complaints involve crashes, resulting in five injuries, highlighting the potential risk to occupants.
POWER TRAIN (5 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Genesis G80 frequently report issues with the transmission unexpectedly shifting from drive to neutral, especially after reversing. This issue is often mentioned alongside symptoms such as the vehicle failing to accelerate after making a turn and requiring multiple attempts to stay in drive. Complaints also describe a concerning incident involving a crash where the brakes failed to respond, leading to unintended acceleration and loss of control. These issues are noted at various mileage ranges, with one owner specifying failures occurring around 25,000 to 31,158 miles. The reports indicate potential safety implications, including crashes and loss of vehicle control.
STRUCTURE (4 complaints)
STRUCTURE
4 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Genesis G80 commonly report issues with the vehicle's sunroof glass, with multiple incidents of the glass exploding outward while driving at highway speeds. These occurrences are described as sudden, with a loud pop or explosion, and typically happen in clear weather conditions without apparent external impact. The complaints do not specify a consistent mileage range for these incidents, but they do highlight potential safety concerns, such as the risk of flying debris and glass entering the cabin. Additionally, one owner reports a rear passenger door that fails to open, posing a safety risk for passengers needing to exit the vehicle. These issues are important for potential buyers to consider, particularly regarding the structural integrity of the sunroof.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (3 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
3 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Genesis G80 report several issues related to the engine and engine cooling system. Commonly reported symptoms include the illumination of the Check Oil and Low Oil warning lights while idling, engine overheating, and white smoke emanating from under the vehicle. These issues are often observed at mileages ranging from approximately 45,000 to 72,200 miles. Complaints also highlight problems with the turbo pipe seal failing, leading to oil dripping onto the exhaust manifold, and difficulties obtaining parts for recall-related repairs. While no crashes or fires are reported, potential buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly concerning engine overheating and oil leaks, as they may affect vehicle reliability.
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Genesis G80 frequently report issues related to a recall for the service brakes, specifically concerning the unavailability of repair parts. Complaints consistently mention that despite receiving recall notifications, parts required for the hydraulic brake repair are not available, leading to delays in completing the recall work. No actual brake failures are reported by owners, and there are no mentions of crashes, fires, or loss of control related to this issue. The recurring theme in these complaints is the extended wait time for parts, which may be a consideration for potential buyers looking for timely recall resolutions.
When Do 2018 Genesis G80 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Genesis G80 Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Genesis G80 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Genesis G80 year is 2026 with a reliability score of 77/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (73/100) and 2025 (72/100).
Genesis G80 Years to Avoid
The worst Genesis G80 year is 2018 with a score of 55/100, primarily due to electrical system (18) issues.
2018
(Current Model)
Genesis G80 Reliability Score Trend
Genesis G80 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 72/100 compared to 65/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 55/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 77/100 | Good |
Genesis G80 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Genesis G80 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Genesis G80?
How many recalls does the 2018 Genesis G80 have?
Is the 2018 Genesis G80 expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2018 Genesis G80 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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