Some enthusiasts were skeptical when Genesis split off from Hyundai as its own brand about a decade ago, but this Korean luxury division has since proven its competence. Its original G90 full-size sedan is still stunning today, and Genesis’ current lineup includes some of the best-designed models in the luxury segment. Many brands are turning to massive screens in place of what used to be high-end materials sculpted into distinct designs. Meanwhile, Genesis goes against that grain by continuing the G90’s legacy in the same ways it started. How has the 2017 G90 held over the last ten years, though?
2017 Genesis G90 Reliability Statistics
2017 Genesis G90 front 3/4 angle in silver while parkedGenesis
Even though many buyers see Hyundai as a cheap brand, Genesis is moving in the opposite direction. The G90 has been around long enough to have plenty of reliability data to back up its claim. Owners generally have positive things to report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Car Complaints.
Genesis G90 Complaints And Recalls
2017 Genesis G90 exterior detail shot of the grille anf one headlightGenesis
The 2017 G90 is the most-complained-about model year according to NHTSA. However, it has only 24 complaints and 3 recalls, which isn’t too bad for an aging Hyundai. Digging deeper, we find that the few complaints out there pertain to serious issues such as overheating, engine misfires, the transmission popping out of gear while driving, and faulty head gaskets. We wouldn’t say there are enough of any one complaint to call them normal for this model, but these issues are certainly worth being aware of.
“The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The oil warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine was leaking oil and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was oil leaking from the turbochargers and the engine block.”
– Owner Complaint to NHTSA, 82,000 miles, December 12, 2023
On the official side of things, the NHTSA’s three recalls affecting the 2017 G90 include the following:
- July 19, 2019: Oil May Leak Onto Exhaust Manifold. Certain 2017–2018 G90 and 2018 G80 units equipped with 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 engines are subject to a recall related to the turbocharger oil supply pipe, which may have a loose seal, causing oil to leak onto the exhaust manifold. 8,059 units were affected.
- February 13, 2024: Water Damage to Starter Solenoid May Cause Fire. Affecting 90,907 units, including the 2017–2019 G90, among other models, is a recall related to water entering the starter solenoid, which could cause an electrical short and, while parked or driving, an engine compartment fire.
- March 8, 2024: Engine Compartment Fire From Oil Leak. Affecting 28,439 units, including the 2017–2022 G90, among other models, is a recall involving the 3.3-liter V6 turbocharged engine, in which the left turbocharger oil feed pipe may deteriorate and leak oil.
Based on two recalls and the majority of serious complaints, we recommend avoiding models equipped with the 3.3T V6 engine. Regardless of automaker, it’s fairly common to see new engines and models struggle for a year or two while the manufacturer works out initial problems.
G90 Maintenance And Repair Costs
2017 Genesis G90 side angle in silver while drivingGenesis
RepairPal tracks the G90’s common problems and their repair costs. According to that source, owners who didn’t get their turbocharger oil leaks fixed with the recall free of charge could see bills between $989 and $1,407 for oil line replacements. Owners also complained about gasket issues, which RepairPal says cost $1,491 to $2,063 for a new front cover gasket.
CarEdge also tracks repair costs, but doesn’t have enough data for the 2017 alone. That said, the source claims the G90 will cost owners $2,822 in maintenance and repairs over its first five years on the road. A G90 from 2017 could end up costing far more than that if you buy one today in average condition. Granted, the 3.3-liter engine is a source of many problems, and could cost more than the model’s other option.
What Engines Did The Original G90 Come With?
2017 Genesis G90 detail shot of the engine bay with a V8 badgeGenesis
With all that talk about how scary the 3.3T engine can be, it’s time to discuss its capabilities and the only alternative. The 2017 G90 came with a standard 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that made 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque, or an optional naturally aspirated Tau 5.0-liter V8 making 420 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. When equipped with its larger, more reliable, and more powerful V8 engine, independent testing reveals a 5.3-second 0-60 mph sprint and a top speed limited to 148 mph.
Both engines could be paired with either rear- or all-wheel drive, resulting in different fuel economy figures. According to the EPA, the 3.3-liter engine gets the same 20 combined MPG regardless of its drivetrain. The V8-powered examples get 19 MPG combined with RWD and 18 MPG with AWD.
The Interior Still Looks Great Today
2017 Genesis G90 interior view of the front cabin from the sideGenesis
The 2017 G90’s interior continues to impress today, as it features minimal screens in the front cabin. Those that exist are starting to feel slightly out of date, according to some owners on forums, but the lack of massive distractions pairs well with the sedan’s buttons and knobs. Genesis built this sedan to rival the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, and other full-size luxury sedans. That means the automaker had to work extra hard to include comfort features that would sway buyers away from their biggest competition.
Some features on the 2017 G90 include a 22-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, chrome steering-wheel controls that feel better than modern plastic, stitched leather, soft-touch surfaces, and real wood and metal trim. It’s also equipped with adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, driver drowsiness monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.
You Can Snag A 2017 G90 For $20,000 On The Used Market
2017 Genesis G90 interior view of the rear seats from the sideGenesis
The best part about the first-year G90 is its value today. Buyers on the used market can find base models in average condition with under 100,000 miles for under $20,000. Examples with the 3.3-liter engine are almost always going to be cheaper. The chart above shows CarBuzz’ price trends data, and how the 3.3T Premium RWD has an average price of about $19,000 at the time of writing. Kelley Blue Book agrees, as its estimate for the national average is $18,350.
If you want better reliability, more power, and more features, find a G90 5.0 Ultimate. Drivetrain quality doesn’t matter, and performance is barely affected by the choice between the two. That said, KBB estimates a fair purchase price of about $19,450. Good-condition examples in southwestern states are bound to be worth more than northern states, but they’re all bargains by today’s standards.
Other Used Full-Size Luxury Sedan Pricing
2013 Lexus LS 600h L painted in brown from the front 3/4 angleLexus
We mentioned earlier that the G90 rivals other full-size luxury sedans, but do those sedans hold their value any better? Its main rivals include the Lexus LS, Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8, and the BMW 7 Series. KBB lays out their 2017 model year’s base trims with the following fair purchase prices:
- 2017 Mercedes-Benz S 550: $26,700
- 2017 Lexus LS 460: $25,500
- 2017 Audi A8: $19,400
- 2017 BMW 740i: $18,950
All four main rivals are still more expensive today, just as they were when they were new. Part of the G90’s charm was its lower entry price than any of its rivals offered.
How Does The Current G90 Compare To Its Beginnings?
2023-2025 Genesis G90 Sedan front 3/4 angle in white while parkedGenesis
The 2026 Genesis G90 is available in three trims. The 3.5T AWD kicks off its lineup at $92,700, and comes equipped with a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 making 375 hp. Standard features include Nappa leather-upholstered front seats with heating, cooling, and massaging functions, heated rear seats, soft-close doors, microfiber suede pillars and headliner, and much more, proving the model has only moved forward in luxury. That said, it still doesn’t have a cabin full of screens like its contemporary rivals do.
A First-Year G90 Can Be A Good Used Purchase Today
2017 Genesis G90 interior detail shot of the rear-seat control centerGenesis
Once you get past the handful of scary customer complaints and its three recalls intended to address most of those issues, the 2017 Genesis G90 makes for a good used luxury sedan. If you end up with a 5.0-liter V8 under the hood, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about regarding reliability. Those with the V8 engine also came with more luxury features. For about $20,000, depending on location and condition, we would generally argue for buying one over its competition.
Sources: Genesis, NHTSA, Car Complaints, RepairPal, CarEdge, Kelley Blue Book, EPA, Genesis Forums
