Generation-specific owner insights from 193+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2016–2020 G80?290
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2016–2020
13
recall campaigns
electrical system
most-complained area
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2016-2020 G80 broadly describe it as a reliable, comfortable, quiet luxury sedan that delivers strong value for the money, with many calling it the best car they have owned.
19 problems reported (9 recurrent, 10 isolated) · high confidence
Including multiple module failures requiring engine wiring harness replacement.
The 3.8L V6 is the consensus pick for reliability, described as bulletproof, simple, and the safest engine to buy; the 3.3T is considered solid but more complex, and the 5.0L V8 is repeatedly called the least reliable of the three. Among model years, the 2020 is described as the most desirable within this generation for its updated head unit and fewer common issues, and the 2018 is flagged as having more reported odd problems than 2017, 2019, or 2020. Higher trims (Technology, Ultimate) are recommended over base for feature content, though some owners argue the base 3.8 benefits from having fewer gadgets that can break.
Owners compare it most often with the Lexus GS, Lexus LS, Lincoln (sedan), Honda Accord 2.0T and Infiniti Q50.
Is a 2016–2020 G80 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Owners of the 2016-2020 G80 broadly describe it as a reliable, comfortable, quiet luxury sedan that delivers strong value for the money, with many calling it the best car they have owned. Praise centers on ride smoothness, cabin quietness, build solidity, seat comfort, and the 3.8L V6's dependability, while criticism focuses on electrical gremlins (especially in the 3.3T Sport), sunroof rattles and closing problems, A/C that stops cooling on long drives in hot weather, and door handles/latches failing. Several owners note that the 2018 model year appears to generate more reported problems than 2017, 2019, or 2020, and that the 2020 model year is considered the most desirable due to an updated head unit and fewer common issues. The 3.8L naturally aspirated V6 is repeatedly singled out as the most reliable engine choice, while the 5.0L V8 and 3.3T are seen as less reliable or more complex.
Owners position the G80 as the value and comfort play in the luxury segment: better bang for the buck than German brands, with lower maintenance costs than a German luxury car, but less reliable and with a worse dealer experience than Lexus. Against the Lexus GS, owners say the Genesis offers more excitement and value while the Lexus is more reliable; against the LS, owners considered the 2018-2021 LS disappointing and not worth the money. Against the Honda Accord 2.0T, owners describe the G80 as comfort-focused, quieter, heavier, and not sporty, while the Accord is quicker and more fun. Against the G70, owners consistently say the G70 handles better and is sportier but is much smaller, tighter in back, and less quiet, while the G80 is the smoother, roomier grand tourer. Against the G90, the G80 is the same formula in a smaller package. Owners repeatedly note the G80 is a luxury cruiser, not a sports sedan.
Owners recommend the 3.8L V6, ideally well maintained, as the reliability-first choice, and suggest the 3.3T only with an extended warranty because of electrical issues. For the 3.3T, owners advise checking recalls, including the driver-side turbo oil feed pipe recall (replaced with a stainless steel line) and an engine bay fuse recall, and note spark plugs at roughly 42k miles on the 3.3T versus about 60k on the 3.8. Owners recommend the Technology or Ultimate package over lower trims, noting the Technology package lacks the HUD, has a smaller and slower screen, no fog light, and no power trunk. For the 3.3T Sport, owners suggest a catch can for the direct-injection engine. Owners also advise buying an extended warranty on any used example, particularly the 3.3T.
Owners say this generation suits buyers who want a quiet, comfortable, feature-rich luxury sedan at a value price and who prioritize comfort over sporty handling; those wanting sporty should look at the G70. Owners advise against high-mileage luxury cars for students or buyers without a repair fund. Inspection advice from owners is extensive: verify all service records, confirm no warning lights, check that tires are fresh and it passes inspection, and test every accessory including windows, sunroof, A/C, HUD, emergency braking, rear cross traffic, backup camera, and lane keep assist. Owners specifically warn to check the sunroof closes properly and that the A/C blows cold, and to have a pre-purchase inspection done. Owners note that as a second owner the powertrain warranty drops to 5 years/60k miles rather than 10 years/100k, so remaining coverage on a 2018 may be short. Owners also note the 2016 model was sold as a Hyundai Genesis rather than under the Genesis G80 name, and that a 2016 with a G80 badge has an aftermarket badge.
Owners frequently note that the 3.8L V6 is based on an old, proven engine design and is the least complex of the available engines, which they credit for its reliability. Several owners mention that Connected Services remote start was sunset on 2017-2019 G80s due to 3G network shutdown, and that Apple CarPlay can be added to some vehicles via a navigation software update. Owners describe the 5.0L V8 as discontinued after this generation. One owner reported a 3.8L example reaching 240,000 km without burning oil and another cited a 2015 3.8 with 550,000 km needing only a radiator change. Owners repeatedly emphasize that regular oil changes and following severe-service maintenance intervals keep these cars trouble-free. Analysis based on approximately 193 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 2019 | 50 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2018 | 174 | 6 | electrical system |
| 2017 | 66 | 2 | electrical system |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
2020 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulecampaign 21V160000
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.
2020 · engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/superchargercampaign 24V191000
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.
2019 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulecampaign 21V160000
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.
2019 · electrical system:starter assembly:solenoidcampaign 24V107000
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.
2019 · engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/superchargercampaign 24V191000
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.
2018 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulecampaign 21V160000
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.
2018 · engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipecampaign 19V538000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Genesis G80 and 2017-2018 Genesis G90 vehicles equipped with 3.3 liter turbocharged engines. The turbocharger oil supply pipe may have a loose seal, causing oil to leak onto the exhaust manifold.
2018 · visibility:windshieldcampaign 18V305000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Genesis G80 and Genesis G90 vehicles. The windshield and rear window on these vehicles may have been installed with incorrect primer, potentially reducing the glass bonding strength.
2018 · air bags:sensor:occupant classificationcampaign 18V496000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Genesis G80 vehicles. The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly detect that an adult is in the passenger seat, even if the seat is unoccupied. In the event of a crash, if a child or infant is in the seat, the front passenger air bag may deploy instead of being deactivated.
2018 · electrical system:starter assembly:solenoidcampaign 24V107000
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.
2018 · engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/superchargercampaign 24V191000
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.
2017 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulecampaign 21V160000
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.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.