2021 Genesis G80

Tires

The 2021 Genesis G80 has generated 6 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “(front) 245/40R20 (rear) 275/35R20 Rear passenger tire failed, sidewall failure. Instantly went to 0 PSI on dash notification. A cop helped us change it. Less than a mile layer going less than 50 MPH (max rating for spare) the front passenger tire exploded. The same cop caught up with us and could confirm that the front tire was there and was now gone.” (NHTSA Complaint #11566744)

Brakes

Brake defects affecting safety may qualify for California’s two-repair threshold under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, which applies to defects likely to cause death or serious bodily injury. The 2021 Genesis G80 has generated 4 NHTSA complaints related to braking, including ABS failures, grinding, reduced stopping power, and warning lights. Owner reports include: “Vehicle Information: * Year: 2021 * Make: Genesis * Model: G80 * Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): [XXX] ] * Mileage at time of incident/problem start: Approximately 26,377 miles Problem Description: The issue began around [XXX]. When pressing the brake pedal, whether the vehicle is completely stopped or while driving, a distinct clicking or ratcheting sound is heard. The sound is clearly audible inside the cabin and is slightly louder when listening under the hood. The sound appears to be originating from an area near a valve or other component (possibly related to the brake booster or ABS system). The sound is always present when the brake pedal is depressed, regardless of the amount of pressure applied (whether pressed firmly or smoothly) or the state of the engine (the sound occurs even when the engine is off). Currently, the brakes function and the vehicle is able to stop. There are no warning lights illuminated on the dashboard indicating a fault in the brake system or any other system. Actions Taken So Far: The vehicle has not been taken for service regarding this specific issue yet. I have a scheduled appointment with an official Genesis dealer on the upcoming [May 7, 2025] to have the problem inspected and diagnosed. Reason for Submitting This Report: Although the brakes are currently functional, this unusual and persistent sound from the brake pedal is a significant concern and suggests a potential malfunction in a core component of the braking system. Since brake issues directly relate to the safety of the occupants and other road users, I have decided to report this potential defect to NHTSA for documentation and to contribute to any future investigations regarding the safety of the 2021 Genesis G80 model. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)” (NHTSA Complaint #11659272)

Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes

Electrical system failures are notoriously difficult to diagnose and repair, which often results in multiple unsuccessful repair attempts — a key element of a lemon law claim. Reported issues for the 2021 Genesis G80 include infotainment malfunctions, battery drain, warning lights, power window failures, and intermittent starting problems. 2 NHTSA complaints have been filed for this category. Owner reports include: “All lights warning lights illuminate and gauges stop working. Loss of functionality includes critical control and safety systems and features: •No Speedometer •No Turn Signals •No Tachometer •Odometer not recording miles •Airbag warning •Electric power steering system warning •Steering and driving assist failure •Brake System Failure Warning •ABS Failure Warning •Collision avoidance system failure (forward and rearward) •Check engine •AWD system warning •Lane keep and lane change assist system failure •Blind spot monitoring system failure •Reverse and surround view camera failures •No infotainment or radio control on center stack •Windows and trunk release inoperable •All in-car electronics •On-board maintenance system warnings, random resets All off the above failures occurred without any prior indication of an issue, while vehicle was in motion and being driven on public roads with other drivers and vehicles nearby. These are repeat and reoccurring issues, first appearing at approximately 3,900mi on 01/20/2022. This vehicle is not safe to be driven. It is a danger to its driver (me) and passengers, and also all other nearby vehicles and pedestrians. It remains at Genesis of Akron, despite the inability to be repaired. On November 18, 2022 they required me to turn in the loaner I had been given and I was informed neither Genesis of Akron nor Genesis USA will provide safe transportation during the arbitration or lemon investigation period(s).” (NHTSA Complaint #11494305)

Other Systems

The 2021 Genesis G80 has generated 2 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “The G80 is equipped with a bluetooth system that should read incoming text messages while in drive. (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxfPQ37jJbI&t=6s) Instead, after I select “Listen” the car tells me “unavailable while Driving.” When I close this system message, the display shows the first several words of the text message – allowing me to read the message while in Drive. This is unsafe. My vehicle is not the only one experiencing this problem – see https://genesisowners.com/genesis-forum/threads/voice-text.37457/ for other reports and more details. I have contacted Genesis USA several times with no luck. I have returned the car for service multiple times with no resolution.” (NHTSA Complaint #11451267)

Power Train,Engine

Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2021 Genesis G80 have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 2 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “The contact owns a 2021 Genesis G80. The contact stated while driving 30-40 mph on two separate occasions, the transmission disengaged, and the vehicle stalled and restarted without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,034.” (NHTSA Complaint #11425645)

Active NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Genesis G80

The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Genesis G80 by the NHTSA or Genesis. If your vehicle is affected, the manufacturer is required to provide a free remedy. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.

California Lemon Law — Song-Beverly Act

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790–1795.8) is one of the strongest lemon laws in the United States. It protects buyers and lessees of new and certified pre-owned vehicles that develop substantial defects the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, a lemon law presumption is triggered when any of the following apply to your 2021 Genesis G80:

• 4+ repair attempts for the same non-safety defect without resolution
• 2+ repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury
• 30+ calendar days out of service for warranty repairs (cumulative, not consecutive)

Once the presumption is triggered, the burden shifts to Genesis to prove the vehicle is not a lemon. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Genesis must pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail — meaning qualified representation costs you nothing out of pocket.

What You Can Recover

If your 2021 Genesis G80 qualifies as a lemon under California law, Genesis may be legally required to:

• Repurchase your vehicle — Full refund of your down payment, all monthly payments, registration fees, and incidental costs (towing, rentals), minus a mileage offset for miles driven before the first repair attempt
• Replace your vehicle — Provide a new, comparable vehicle at no cost to you
• Pay your attorney’s fees — Under § 1794(d), Genesis pays all legal fees if you prevail
• Civil penalty up to 2x damages — If Genesis willfully violated the Act, courts may award double the actual damages

Steps to Protect Your 2021 Genesis G80 Claim

Step 1: Document every repair visit. Keep all repair orders, work orders, and dealer invoices. Each visit counts as a repair attempt, even if the dealer says nothing is wrong.

Step 2: Keep returning for repairs. You must give Genesis a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Visit different authorized Genesis dealers if needed and ask for written documentation of each visit.

Step 3: Contact a California lemon law attorney. Once you believe the threshold has been met — 4 attempts for non-safety defects, 2 for safety defects, or 30 days out of service — contact an attorney for a free case evaluation. Under § 1794(d), Genesis pays your fees if you win.

Step 4: Send a demand letter. Your attorney will send Genesis a formal demand letter. Most California lemon law cases resolve through negotiation without going to trial.

2021 Genesis G80 Lemon Law Questions

How many repair attempts qualify my 2021 Genesis G80 as a lemon?

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, four or more repair attempts for the same non-safety defect, or two attempts for a safety-related defect, triggers the lemon law presumption. Additionally, 30 or more cumulative days out of service qualifies regardless of the number of repair attempts.

Does Genesis pay my attorney fees?

Yes. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Genesis is required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail in a lemon law claim. This means qualified lemon law representation is free to you if your case succeeds.

Can I file a lemon law claim without an active recall?

Yes. A recall is not required to file a lemon law claim. The Song-Beverly Act covers any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. NHTSA complaints support the claim by establishing a pattern, but are not a prerequisite.

What is the time limit to file a lemon law claim for my 2021 Genesis G80?

California lemon law claims are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered or should have discovered the defect. However, you must still be within the manufacturer’s original warranty period when the defect first appears. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.