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2016 Hyundai Genesis Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2016 Hyundai Genesis carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering indicator light and control unit/module. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Steering wheel locks and fails to return to center.” Hyundai's owner's manual splits service into Normal and Severe schedules. Most US drivers qualify as Severe due to short trips, extreme temperatures, or stop-and-go traffic. Hyundai Assurance covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance on new vehicles. The Theta II 2.0L and 2.4L engines (2011-2019) are subject to TSBs around oil consumption — strict adherence to oil intervals matters.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT

Campaign #17V359000 · May 6, 2017

Issue: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Sonata and Genesis vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the warning light to indicate that the parking brake is applied may intermittently not illuminate in the dash due to corrosion in the switch.

Risk: If the parking brake indicator is not illuminated when the parking brake is applied, the driver may operate the vehicle with the parking brake partially engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 164.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #21V160000 · Oct 3, 2021

Issue: 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.

Risk: An electrical short circuit inside the ABS module could cause an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Fix: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:SOLENOID

Campaign #24V107000 · Feb 13, 2024

Issue: 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.

Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: 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).

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Hyundai Genesis.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

    Action #AQ23002 · opened Nov 17, 2023

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electron…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Steering wheel locks and fails to return to center

STEERING

8 NHTSA complaints · 2017-11 → 2026-08

“The steering rack malfunctions or fails. When driving at high speeds, the steering wheel gets stuck after being turned. It does not return to center and has to be yanked or forced back to center”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11747998
“Steering becomes stuck in a curve and doesn't return to center. This creates a very dangerous condition when the steering "unsticks" and causes the car to veer from side to side. Condition is caused by a failure inside the electric power steering rack”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11705312
“Purchased this car from a Hyundai dealer and immediately after multiple times the steering has stuck in place while making a left hand turn, not allowing the car to come out of the turn”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11618174

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Oil pressure sensor triggers false low oil warning light

ENGINE

12 NHTSA complaints · 2023-02 → 2026-04

“Oil pressure switch in engine fails to accurately read oil pressure due to a lack of voltage, needing replacement”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11732788
“The oil pressure light illuminates at low RPMs and turns off under a load or higher RPMs. In checking Hyundai Genesis forums, this is a common failure/fouling of the oil pressure switch”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11715963
“The engine oil pressure sensor is failing on a lot of these vehicles at around 60k miles. The repair is costly due to where the sensor is located. Repair is more than $1000 dollars for a part that costs $180”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11546462

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door handle or latch fails and door will not open

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-01 → 2026-03

“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the passenger’s side rear door failed to open from inside or outside or unlock as needed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11722431
“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that upon arriving to his destination and attempting to retrieve his child from the vehicle, the driver's side rear door failed to open. No warning lights were illuminated. No warning lights were illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11667561
“PASSENGER FRONT DOOR HANDLE SNAPPED FREE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO OPEN. THE REAR PLASTIC RETAINING CAP FAILED PREMATURELY ON A SELDOMLY USED DOOR. THE FAILURE RESULTED IN THE DOOR NOT BEING ABLE TO BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11390883

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof glass shatters while vehicle is in motion

STRUCTURE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-01 → 2020-05

“THIS IS AWFUL, I WAS JUST DRIVING ON A SUNNY SUNDAY AND I HEARD THE WIND AND START WONDERING WHAT IS CAUSING IT. THEN I OPENED THE SUNROOF WINDOW AND PIECES OF GLASS STARTED TO FALL OVER MY HEAD AND ALL OVER MY CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11323125
“THE VEHICLE IS WAS ON A HIGHWAY DOING 70MPH WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES IN FRONT OR NEAR BY. THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF SUDDENLY EXPLODED SENDING TINY PIECES OF GLASS ALL OVER THE VEHICLE INTERIOR. THE SUNROOF WAS NOT HIT BY ANY DEBRI ON THE ROAD. THE WEATHER WAS SUNNY WITH 50F”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11089191
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI GENESIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL LOUD NOISE THAT CAME FROM THE VEHICLE AND THEN NOTICED THAT THE SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10947549

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ABS brake recall repair parts remain unavailable

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

6 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2024-11

“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V160000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated the parts were not available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11428675
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI GENESIS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50-55 MPH, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11405525
“The car's auto hold brakes locked by themselves and could not be released”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11626295

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Starter or wiring harness failure with smoke or fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

13 NHTSA complaints · 2022-11 → 2026-06

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11694040
“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, after which she observed smoke coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle lost electrical power”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11585229
“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked; however, after entering the vehicle, the contact smelled an abnormal smoke odor”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11547324

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Automatic headlights shut off while using the turn signal

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

12 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2024-09

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11615723
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11464051
“WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON A HIGHWAY AT NIGHT ALL THE INTERIOR LIGHTING, DASH, AND HEADLIGHTS WENT COMPLETELY OUT FOR THREE SECONDS THEN CAME BACK ON. WE SLOWED DOWN BUT THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES BEFORE WE REACHED OUR DESTINATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10992497

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal service: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson 2011-2019): never extend — oil consumption issues are documented in Hyundai TSBs.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. AWD Tucson and Santa Fe owners benefit from rotation at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Elantra and Sonata front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required to maintain ABS and ESC pump life.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe service or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Hyundai SP-IV or SPH-IV — substitutes can cause harsh shifting and torque converter damage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on Theta II, Lambda II, and Smartstream engines. 1.6T (Veloster N, Kona N): 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Hyundai Long-Life Coolant (pink): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it damages the cylinder head gasket on GDI engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on most Hyundai models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Replace at 90,000 miles on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

28 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

3

complaints mentioning a crash

4

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2016 Hyundai Genesis reflects Hyundai's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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