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2015 Hyundai Genesis: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2015 Hyundai Genesis has 306 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, more than any other Genesis model year in its list, and electrical faults lead the way[1][2][3]. It also has 10 recalls, including a seat motor fire recall with no repair available yet, so checking recall status comes first[2][4].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 306 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Genesis[1]. Of those, 10 mention a crash, 5 a fire and 8 an injury, and no deaths are reported[1]. Keep in mind that these are unverified owner reports and one complaint can name more than one part of the car.
| Component group | Complaints | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system[3] | 114 | 40,002 |
| Engine[7] | 47 | 23,795 |
| Exterior lighting[8] | 43 | 36,251 |
| Unknown or other[9] | 41 | 26,419 |
| Steering[10] | 29 | 24,690 |
| Brakes[11] | 27 | 49,500 |
| Power train[12] | 23 | 31,400 |
| Structure[13] | 21 | 29,400 |
Electrical system. This is the biggest group by far, with 114 complaints[3]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe the car shutting down or losing its gauges, power steering assist and other systems, sometimes while moving and sometimes ending in a tow[3]. Others describe driver aids and convenience features that work only some of the time, such as parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and folding mirrors[3].
Engine. There are 47 engine complaints[7]. Owners in the sample describe the engine stalling or shutting off while driving, and a few describe unusual engine noise on a nearly new car or a hesitation when pulling away[7].
Exterior lighting. Of the 43 lighting complaints[8], owners in the sample we read describe headlights that flicker, cycle through modes or go dark for a few seconds while driving, often right after using the turn signal[8]. Some owners also describe front turn signal or daytime running light bulbs burning out repeatedly[8].
Steering. There are 29 steering complaints[10]. In the sample, owners describe power steering assist cutting out or the wheel suddenly turning stiff, often at the same moment warning lights come on[10].
Unknown or other. This group is smaller at 41 complaints, but it has the most crash and injury mentions, with 6 of each[9].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2015 Genesis[2]. Some cover only the Genesis Coupe or cars built in certain months, so check your own car's VIN on NHTSA.gov[14][15][16][17][18][19].
- Front power seat motor fire (26V664). A stuck power seat switch can make the front seat motors overheat, which can start a fire while parked or driving[4]. The remedy is still under development and no repair is available yet[4]. Owners are told to park outdoors, away from other vehicles and buildings, until it is repaired, and letters are expected to go out December 7, 2026[4].
- Starter solenoid fire (24V107). Water can get into the starter solenoid and short it, which can start a fire in the engine compartment[20]. Owners are told to park outside until the repair is done[20]. Dealers install a relay kit in the engine junction box for free[20].
- ABS module fire, Coupe (23V651). This recall covers many Hyundai models and names the Genesis Coupe[14]. The ABS module can leak brake fluid inside and short out, which can cause an engine compartment fire[14]. Dealers replace the ABS fuse for free[14].
- ABS module fire (21V160). The ABS module can short out inside and start a fire in the engine compartment, whether the car is parked or moving[21]. Dealers replace the ABS module fuse for free[21].
- Parking brake warning light (17V359). Corrosion in the switch can keep the parking brake light from coming on, so you might drive with the brake partly set and raise the risk of a crash[22]. Dealers replace the switch for free[22].
- Remedy pending
Passenger air bag sensor, Coupe (16V722). On the Genesis Coupe, a wiring connector for the passenger seat occupant sensor can come loose when the seat moves[15]. The air bag might then deploy when it should not, or with less force than a severe crash calls for[15]. Dealers secure the connector for free[15]. When the recall was filed, Hyundai said parts were not yet available and a second letter would follow[15]. - Instrument cluster display (16V575). On up to 3,031 sedans built from February 1 to May 20, 2015, the 7-inch cluster can show the wrong speed or the wrong warning lights[16]. Dealers update the cluster software for free[16].
- Tire sidewall cracks (15V864). Factory Hankook Ventus S1 noble2 tires on some cars can crack in the sidewall and lose air quickly, which can cost you control of the car[17]. Dealers replace them with another brand of tire for free[17].
- Rear differential bolts, manual Coupe (15V756). On manual-transmission Coupes, the bolts holding the differential can loosen, and the driveshaft can come apart from it, leading to a loss of power[18]. Dealers check the assembly for free[18].
- Tail lamp water leak (15V097). Water in the rear lamps can make the dash show the wrong gear or delay the shift out of Park, so the car could move the wrong way[19]. Dealers add pads to keep the water out for free[19].
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on engine, drive and body style.
| Version | City | Highway | Combined | Fuel | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan 3.8L 6-cyl, RWD[5] | 18 | 28 | 22 | Regular | $3,050 |
| Sedan 3.8L 6-cyl, AWD[23] | 16 | 25 | 19 | Regular | $3,550 |
| Sedan 5.0L 8-cyl, RWD[24] | 15 | 23 | 18 | Premium | $4,550 |
| Coupe 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8)[25] | 16 | 25 | 19 | Premium | $4,350 |
| Coupe 3.8L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd[26] | 16 | 24 | 19 | Premium | $4,350 |
The 3.8L rear-wheel-drive sedan is the most efficient version at 22 mpg combined, and it runs on regular fuel[5]. The 5.0L sedan is rated on premium fuel and has the highest estimated fuel cost[24]. EPA's annual cost uses today's fuel price assumptions, not the prices from 2015.
Safety ratings
NHTSA gave both the 4-door AWD and the 4-door RWD 5 stars overall, with 5 stars in frontal, side and rollover tests[6][27]. Their rollover risk is 9.5%[6][27]. The 2-door has only a rollover rating, 5 stars, with a rollover risk of 8.2%[28].
Engine and size
The 3.8L 6-cylinder is rated at 311 to 348 hp depending on version[29]. The 5.0L 8-cylinder is rated at 420 hp[30].
The size figures below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars.
How 2015 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 235 | 3 |
| 2010 | 156 | 5 |
| 2011 | 146 | 6 |
| 2012 | 271 | 5 |
| 2013 | 200 | 4 |
| 2014 | 44 | 3 |
| 2015 | 306 | 10 |
| 2016 | 104 | 6 |
The 2015 model year has more complaints and more recalls than any other Genesis year in NHTSA's list[2].
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2009[2] | 235 | 3 |
| 2010[2] | 156 | 5 |
| 2011[2] | 146 | 6 |
| 2012[2] | 271 | 5 |
| 2013[2] | 200 | 4 |
| 2014[2] | 44 | 3 |
| 2015[2] | 306 | 10 |
| 2016[2] | 104 | 6 |
The 2014 has the fewest complaints at 44[2]. The 2016 has about a third as many complaints as the 2015, with 104, and 6 recalls[2]. These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so a year that sold more can show more complaints.
Should you buy a used 2015 Genesis?
The 2015 Genesis earned 5 stars overall from NHTSA as a sedan[6][27], but it also has the most complaints and recalls of any Genesis year listed[2]. Electrical problems lead the complaint list with 114 reports[3]. Before you buy, run the VIN on NHTSA.gov and ask for proof that any open recalls are done, especially the fire recalls 24V107 and 21V160, and 23V651 on a Coupe[20][21][14]. The seat motor fire recall 26V664 has no repair yet, so plan to park outdoors as advised until one is available[4]. If the car checks out and its electrical systems work as they should on a test drive, it can be a fair choice. A 2016 has far fewer complaints on file[2], but it is covered by the same fire recalls 26V664, 24V107 and 21V160[4][20][21].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2015 Hyundai Genesis?
- The electrical system has the most NHTSA complaints, 114 of 306[3][1]. Engine (47), exterior lighting (43) and unknown or other (41) come next[7][8][9].
- Does the 2015 Hyundai Genesis have open recalls?
- It has 10 recalls[2]. The newest, 26V664 for front seat motors that can overheat and catch fire, has no remedy yet, and owners are told to park outdoors[4]. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov for the rest.
- What gas mileage does the 2015 Genesis get?
- The 3.8L RWD sedan is rated 18 city, 28 highway and 22 combined mpg[5]. The 5.0L sedan is rated 15 city, 23 highway and 18 combined on premium fuel[24].
- Is the 2015 Hyundai Genesis safe?
- NHTSA rates the 4-door AWD and RWD 5 stars overall, frontal, side and rollover[6][27]. It also has several fire-related recalls. Make sure 24V107 and 21V160 have been done[20][21]. Recall 26V664 has no repair yet, so owners are told to park outdoors[4].
- Is the 2015 or 2016 Genesis a better year?
- By NHTSA's numbers, the 2016 has 104 complaints and 6 recalls, compared with 306 complaints and 10 recalls for the 2015[2]. The counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 306 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Hyundai Genesis (10 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 8 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Hyundai Genesis model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 114 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,002). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 26V664, filed October 8, 2026: Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Genesis RWD, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 47 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 23,795). NHTSA vehicle records
- 43 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 36,251). NHTSA vehicle records
- 41 complaints name the unknown or other component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 26,419). NHTSA vehicle records
- 29 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 24,690). NHTSA vehicle records
- 27 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 23 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 31,400). NHTSA vehicle records
- 21 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 29,400). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 23V651, filed September 22, 2023: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit / Module . NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V722, filed October 7, 2016: Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V575, filed August 2, 2016: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V864, filed December 22, 2015: Tires › Sidewall. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V756, filed November 16, 2015: Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V097, filed February 19, 2015: Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V107, filed February 13, 2024: Electrical System › Starter Assembly › Solenoid. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V160, filed March 10, 2021: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit / Module . NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V359, filed June 5, 2017: Parking Brake › Indicator Light. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Genesis AWD, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Genesis RWD, 5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Genesis Coupe, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic (S8), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Genesis Coupe, 3.8L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR RWD: rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 8.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Hyundai Genesis with 3.8L 6-cylinder: rated 311 to 348 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Hyundai Genesis with 5.0L 8-cylinder: rated 420 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GENESIS 2DR COUPE RWD 3.8 GT: length 182 in, width 73 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,589 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GENESIS 4DR SEDAN AWD 3.8 PREMIUM/3.8 LUX/3.8 TEC: length 196 in, width 75 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 4,295 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GENESIS 4DR SEDAN AWD 5.0 ULTIMATE: length 196 in, width 75 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 119 in, curb weight 4,687 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov