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 an oil change was recommended every 3 months and if it was overdue, the vehicle would stall and would sputter while driving. In addition, there was a burning odor entering the vehicle through the vents. No warning light was illuminated however there was an intermittent chime indicating that the oil level was low. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who informed that the failure was related to an unknown recall and referred the contact to the dealer. The contact called the dealer who confirmed the VIN was not included in a related recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the oil warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated before gaining forward momentum. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent and occurred while slowing traffic or a traffic signal. The oil warning light was occasionally illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the oil pressure switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
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. …
I have been told to not park my car in the garage or near any structure. A fire could happen any time, while driving, or parked in the garage or outside the garage. I've spoken to a Genesis representative who told me they could not give me a loaner until they have a fix. My wife is [redacted] and handicapped. I'm [redacted] and we're very concerned about our safety. We live in a condo community that has no room to park on the street, so I'm parking behind my garage. I believe all these things are special circumstances and warrant special dispensation. It sure would take some stress out of lives if we could get a loaner.
My 2016 Hyundai Genesis has several open recalls. I cannot get a dealership to help me get these issues resolved. One recall in particular Hyundai recall number 254 is causing major safety issues. My car does not start 90% of the time without being jumped and now the car will die out while driving. It has caused me to almost wreck several times. I have called all of the local Hyundai dealerships none of which say they can get me in for weeks and that there is no fix for my problem. If I do get to someone to book an appointment, when they hear the problem they put me on permahold and then the line disconnects! This is a major safety issue and needs to be fixed by Hyundai immediately.
Car experience loss of control to accelerator while driving on major highway. The vehicle's speed coasted down from highway speed of 65mph to low 50s before vehicle was safely stopped on roadside emergency breakdown lane. This incident could have easily resulted in a collision with faster-moving traffic. The vehicle has been transported to a dealer for inspection to determine the cause, however this episode appears very similar to a documented issue in 2016 with a faulty fuel harness and low pressure fuel pump. No warnings or indications were present until after the car was turned off and restarted.
Oil pressure switch in engine fails to accurately read oil pressure due to a lack of voltage, needing replacement. Causes driver to be unable to read proper oil pressure, leading to a possibility of fire through extreme overheating and friction-induced mechanical failure if the oil pressure is too low and unable to be read. The part has not been inspected by the manufacturer in any capacity, but it is a known issue with the Hyundai 3.8L V6 GDI engine. The oil pressure lamp will display at low RPMs and when at idle. A known fix it replacement of the sensor.
Car is shutting off when stopped. When it shuts off, the engine light comes on, the battery lights, the EPS, the master warning light, the FCA system light, and the EPB. When the engine shuts off, I still have power to my car and the radio still playing but nothing to my engine. I brought my car to 2 different mechanic and brought it to the dealership today and they are saying there's nothing wrong with my car. My car have been shutting off all this month and that's not normal,
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. Oil level is fine; it is the switch that fails, giving the owner a false sense of low oil and potential catastrophic engine damage. Unfortunately, the engine design requires a very expensive disassembly of the engine manifold and other parts to access and replace this small switch.
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. I believe a precedent was set when in Korea Hyundai was forced to issue a recall. [redacted]
Engine complaints in other Genesis years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2016 Hyundai Genesis?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2016 Hyundai Genesis, 28% of the model year's 104 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Hyundai Genesis engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2016 Hyundai Genesis, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Hyundai Genesis engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 18,000 miles, and 60% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.