Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Hyundai Genesis owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in a nearby parking lot, upon returning, there was heavy black smoke coming from under the front passenger's side seat. Upon further inspection, the contact burned his right hand while attempting to check for the source of the fire. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer while the black smoke was present, where it was diagnosed with a possible wiring harness failure and the vehicle remained with the dealer for further investigation. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the method of how the smoke was extinguished was unknown. No medical attention was sought. A Police report was not filed. The contact stated that as per the insurance provider, it was unknown if the vehicle was a total loss. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an electrical short. The mechanic replaced the starter. Additionally, the mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was covered under a recall and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the starter harness and the starter compartment had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that he would need to pay the repair fee even though the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V107000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that he was disregarded and advised by the dealer to pay out of pocket. …
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the trunk ajar indicator light illuminated on the instrument panel, prompting the contact to pull to the shoulder of the road to secure the trunk. After assuring that the trunk was secured, the trunk open indicator light failed to turn off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. Later, the contact stated that, upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. Roadside Assistance arrived and informed the contact that an electrical component had drained the battery, requiring the battery to be replaced. The battery was replaced, but the vehicle was not taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V107000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel was deactivated. In addition, the headlights shut off and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,240. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V107000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel deactivated. Additionally, the headlights turned off unintendedly and the engine seized. The vehicle was able to restart however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,300. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the electrical power inside the vehicle became inoperable, and the vehicle lost power for approximately 10 seconds before the cabin lights returned to normal functionality. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the vehicle could not be repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start for 10 minutes. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.
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. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the starter solenoid. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V107000 (Electrical System). The VIN was included in the recall however, parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 104,000.
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. The contact opened the hood and became aware that there were sparks coming from the battery terminals and the starter. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with internal starter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
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. …
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. My 2016 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 AWD experienced a n engine compartment fire originating from the starter motor, which subsequently melted the engine wiring harness and surrounding components. This fire could have easily caused serious injury or death, as it occurred shortly after starting the vehicle. Fortunately, I was able t o shut the vehicle off and get t o safety before the flames spreadThe dealership and Genesis Customer Care opened a case (Case #41642221) but later informed me that this was "not related" to the existing Hyundai/Genesis recall involving the same starter and wiring harness fire risk. …
Related recalls
Electrical system › Starter assembly › Solenoid
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.
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.
Electrical complaints in other Genesis years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2016 Hyundai Genesis?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Hyundai Genesis, 30% of the model year's 104 complaints. The component named most often is starter assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Hyundai Genesis electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 24V-107 (solenoid, Feb 13, 2024). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2016 Hyundai Genesis electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 37% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.