Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2017 Genesis G80
The 2017 Genesis G80 offers solid performance but is marred by significant electrical and brake issues, per recalls. Pay close attention to electrical components and brake system functionality during inspection, as these can lead to serious safety concerns.
Known issues to inspect
Starter solenoid short
How to check: Inspect for signs of water entry around starter.
ABS module malfunction
How to check: Check ABS warning light on the dashboard.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or hesitation
Red flag: Strange noises persist throughout
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe all dashboard lights for warnings
Red flag: ABS warning light stays on
- 03
Low-speed braking
What to check: Test the feel and response of the brakes
Red flag: Spongy or unresponsive brakes
- 04
Straight road drive
What to check: Monitor for steering wheel vibrations
Red flag: Persistent vibrations felt
- 05
Parking
What to check: Check if parking brake holds well
Red flag: Parking brake doesn't engage fully
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the starter solenoid been replaced?
- Any issues with the ABS system recently?
- How often has it been serviced?
- Have there been any electrical fires?
- Can you provide a vehicle history report?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Maintenance service history
- Accident history report
- Title and registration
- Warranty documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on 6/7/2026. Grounded in the NHTSA recall corpus and owner-complaint patterns for the 2017 Genesis G80.