Reliability
Hyundai

Genesis (2016)

2016 · Compact Sedan · 1 engine
96 NHTSA Complaints
3 Recalls
4 Fire Reports
3 Crash Reports
View all 8 generations of the Hyundai Genesis → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

5.0 / 10

Reliability score

More owner complaints than similar compact sedans

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 33 powertrain complaints. A typical compact sedan fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 14.

Scores this low have often eased: the three years after looked about 1.5 points better in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall33 complaints against about 14 for similar vehicles
5.0
Last three years
n/aNot enough data
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced
n/aNot enough data
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating
n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

Hyundai Genesis Unidentified Engine

1 complaint 1.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
1

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Hyundai Genesis, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical System: 29 owner complaints
Engine: 29 owner complaints
Exterior: 11 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2016 Hyundai Genesis

On a used 2016 Hyundai Genesis, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (29), the engine (29) and the exterior lighting (11). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

  1. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 29 owner complaints on the 2016 Hyundai Genesis about the electrical system.
  2. Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 29 owner complaints on the 2016 Hyundai Genesis about the engine.
  3. Check every exterior light, the wipers, the washers, the mirrors and the glass.Safety. NHTSA has 11 owner complaints on the 2016 Hyundai Genesis about the exterior lighting.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2016 Hyundai Genesis

Recalls (3)

24V107000Feb 13, 2024serious
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.

21V160000Mar 10, 2021serious
Service Brakes

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.

17V359000Jun 5, 2017serious
Parking Brake

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.

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
5/5 (8.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional

Alternatives in Compact Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2016-2016 Hyundai Genesis complaints?

Owners have filed 96 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016-2016 Hyundai Genesis. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the engine and the exterior.

Is the 2016-2016 Hyundai Genesis a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 96 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016-2016 Hyundai Genesis. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016-2016 Hyundai Genesis have?

NHTSA has 96 owner complaints on file for the 2016-2016 Hyundai Genesis as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2016-2016 Hyundai Genesis?

NHTSA lists 3 recalls covering some 2016-2016 Hyundai Genesis vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Hyundai Genesis?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the engine and the exterior, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Genesis?

The 2016 Hyundai Genesis received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 5 stars (9.5% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 96 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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