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2018 Genesis G80

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Genesis G80
Pictured: Genesis G80 IAA 2021 1X7A0229. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Large Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan AWD 3.8, 4dr Sedan AWD 5.0
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl turbo, 5.0L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
22 combined · 19 city / 27 hwy
Length
196.5 in
Curb weight
4,295–4,687 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 33 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Genesis G80 is a large car offered with 3 engines (3.8L 6-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl turbo and 5.0L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 197 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,295 lb (4dr Sedan AWD 3.8).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 27 highway), 5% worse than the 2018 large car average of 23.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 98 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2018

  • Engine added: 3.3L 6-cyl turbo
  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 G80 →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan AWD 3.8196.5 in74.8 in57.9 in118.5 in64.6 / 65.7 in4,295 lb52/48
4dr Sedan AWD 5.0196.5 in74.8 in57.9 in118.5 in64.6 / 65.7 in4,687 lb52/48

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
G80 RWD3.8L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22-5%$3,050414
G80 AWD3.8L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 20-13%$3,350445
G80 AWD3.3L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20-13%$4,100453
G80 RWD3.3L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-13%$4,100442
G80 RWD5.0L 8-cylAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive16 / 24 / 19-18%$4,350474
G80 AWD5.0L 8-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive15 / 23 / 18-22%$4,550503
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.1 MPG2018 Large Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Genesis G80 4 DR RWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★9.5%
2018 Genesis G80 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★9.5%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2018 Genesis G80 4 DR RWD
Frontal crash test — 2018 Genesis G80 4 DR RWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2018 Genesis G80 4 DR RWD
Side crash test — 2018 Genesis G80 4 DR RWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 large cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Genesis G80 (this car)22 MPG★★★★★7
2018 BMW 5 Series30 MPGNot rated0
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class25 MPG★★★★★0
2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class30 MPGNot rated0
2018 Audi A628 MPG★★★★★2
2018 Lexus LS28 MPGNot rated4
2018 Lincoln Continental21 MPG★★★★★2

Recalls (7)

Safety advisory: 3 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust · Oct 8, 2026 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 26V664000 · 94,622 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Genesis) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Hyundai Genesis, and 2017-2020 Genesis G80 vehicles. The front power seat motors may overheat due to a stuck power seat control switch, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
Risk
A fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the repair has been performed. The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 7, 2026. Owners of Hyundai vehicles may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Genesis owners may contact Genesis customer service at 844-340-9741. Hyundai recall number for this recall is 308 and Genesis' recall number is 035G. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 13, 2026.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger · Mar 8, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V191000 · 28,439 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Genesis G80, 2017-2022 G90, and 2019-2022 G70 vehicles equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 turbocharged engine. The left turbocharger oil feed pipe may deteriorate and leak oil.
Risk
An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Fix
Dealers will replace the left turbocharger oil feed pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 3, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 019G. This recall expands and replaces recall number 19V-538. Vehicles previously repaired under 19V-538 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Electrical System › Starter Assembly › Solenoid · Feb 13, 2024 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 24V107000 · 90,907 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
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. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 254(H) and 018G(G).
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Mar 10, 2021 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 21V160000 · 94,646 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
An electrical short circuit inside the ABS module could cause an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Fix
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2021. Owners can contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 201 and 006G.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe · Jul 19, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V538000 · 8,059 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Genesis G80 and 2017-2018 Genesis G90 vehicles equipped with 3.3 liter turbocharged engines. The turbocharger oil supply pipe may have a loose seal, causing oil to leak onto the exhaust manifold.
Risk
Oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the turbocharger oil supply pipe, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 003G.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Jul 27, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V496000 · 3,305 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Genesis G80 vehicles. The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may incorrectly detect that an adult is in the passenger seat, even if the seat is unoccupied. In the event of a crash, if a child or infant is in the seat, the front passenger air bag may deploy instead of being deactivated.
Risk
In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag deploys instead of being deactivated when a child or infant are in the front passenger seat, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the OCS, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 002G.
Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear · May 10, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V305000 · 37 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Genesis G80 and Genesis G90 vehicles. The windshield and rear window on these vehicles may have been installed with incorrect primer, potentially reducing the glass bonding strength.
Risk
If the glass bonding strength is reduced over time, the windshield and rear window may detach while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front and rear glass, free of charge. The recall began on July 6, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 001G.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Genesis G80 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

98Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
8Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
15,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System21
Unknown Or Other18
Steering16
Engine12
Wheels9
Air Bags9
Service Brakes5
Power Train5
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/12: 124/01: 224/02: 124/04: 524/05: 424/06: 224/07: 324/08: 224/09: 124/11: 224/12: 125/02: 325/03: 125/05: 125/07: 225/09: 125/11: 225/12: 126/01: 526/02: 226/04: 126/07: 226/08: 126/10: 323/1224/0424/0724/1125/0325/0926/0126/07max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Genesis G80 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Electrical System — 21 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Steering — 16 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Engine — 12 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 15,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Genesis G80. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other G80 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 G8023–Not rated10
2026 G8023196.5 inNot rated19
2025 G8024196.5 in★★★★★23
2024 G8025196.5 in★★★★★23
2023 G8026196.5 in★★★★★511
2022 G8026196.5 in★★★★★47
2021 G8026196.5 in★★★★★49
2020 G8021196.5 in★★★★★311
2019 G8021196.5 in★★★★★427
2017 G8022196.5 inNot rated367

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Genesis. How we calculate this →