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2021 Genesis G90

The 2021 Genesis G90 is a luxury sedan that aims to provide a comfortable and refined driving experience. For the 2021 model year, it was available with two engine options: a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 generating 420 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the G90 for its luxurious interior, smooth ride, and extensive standard features. Criticisms often center around its lack of brand recognition compared to established luxury automakers, and some feel its driving dynamics aren’t as engaging as some of its competitors.

Engine

3.3L Twin-Turbo V6

  • Turbocharger Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, reduced power, check engine light. This can sometimes be related to oil starvation issues within the turbocharger.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty turbocharger and inspect the oil supply lines for blockages.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

5.0L Naturally Aspirated V8

No Issues Found

Transmission

Note: Both the 3.3T V6 and 5.0L V8 are paired with the same 8-speed automatic transmission.

  • Rough Shifting/Hesitation
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts, particularly between lower gears. Hesitation or delayed engagement when accelerating from a stop.
    • Solution: Begin with a transmission fluid flush, followed by a reprogram of the transmission control module (TCM). In cases where these steps don’t resolve the issue, replacement of the valve body may be needed.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush) - $800+ (valve body replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sits unevenly, ride height adjustment fails, “check suspension” warning light. This often involves a failing air strut or a problem with the air compressor.
    • Solution: Diagnose the specific component at fault (air strut, compressor, or height sensor). Replace the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ (depending on the part and location)
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
    • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or randomly reboots. This may be related to software glitches.
    • Solution: Attempt a system reset. If the problem persists, a software update or replacement of the infotainment unit may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (reset) - $1,500+ (unit replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sensor Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Various warning lights related to driver-assistance systems (lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, etc.) illuminating, and the systems becoming non-operational.
    • Solution: Diagnose the specific sensor that’s failing and replace it.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (per sensor)
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Automatic Trunk Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: Trunk fails to open or close automatically, gets stuck mid-operation, or provides an error message. Can be related to the trunk motor, sensors, or hydraulic components.
    • Solution: Diagnose the cause of the malfunction. Replacement of the faulty motor, sensor, or hydraulic components may be required.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat motor stops functioning, preventing seat adjustment. Can affect one or multiple motors within the seat.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per motor
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Genesis G90, while generally reliable, can experience some issues. Turbocharger failures in the 3.3T engine and air suspension problems represent some of the more expensive potential repairs. Infotainment glitches and electrical sensor issues can be annoying and may require dealer attention. Transmission issues appear less frequently, but are still notable. The issues range from minor annoyances to potentially costly repairs, and the problems can range anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to upwards of a few thousand dollars. Potential buyers should be aware of these common complaints and thoroughly inspect the vehicle’s systems before purchasing.

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