Rear differential assembly replacement at 2500kms

[NLTND]

Update to my original post- after about 2,500 miles with the new differential, the noise is back. I drove with the same tech that originally worked on my GV80 and he said he heard it again, maybe even louder this time. Waiting on the official diagnosis (been a week already), but I have a feeling I know the answer. I love everything else about the car, so it's a shame, but I think I have to give it back to Genesis (they already issued me a repurchase offer). Now I am debating if I should get a 2022 GV80 instead or change brands, since I have not read about any differential issues with the 2022. Lesson learned- do not buy a new model the first year it is out!!! Anyone have any comments if this same issue has happened to their 2022 GV70 or GV80?

I believe the bulk of drivetrain problem(s) have mostly, if not all dealt with the RWD powertrain. Genesis does not offer that configuration anymore in any trim level and maybe for good reason. Everything now is All Wheel Drive only. You can confirm this by going to: Build Your Own Genesis | Genesis USA

It is a good practice to avoid most first-year versions of any complex piece of machinery or software as there will always be some major bugs to be worked out on initial releases. I work on high tech medical equipment and I see this on every single NEW product released. Search through the forum posts regarding drivetrain issues to confirm my suspicions as I have a 2022 AWD model with no issues to date. If you love the GV80 like I do then getting a 22-23 AWD model may be your answer. I waited for the 2022 year release just for this reason but I went for the AWD 3.5T Prestige. The only thing the 23 model year has that I would prefer is that better infotainment knob.

 

[BillZ]

I believe the bulk of drivetrain problem(s) have mostly, if not all dealt with the RWD powertrain. Genesis does not offer that configuration anymore in any trim level and maybe for good reason. Everything now is All Wheel Drive only. You can confirm this by going to: Build Your Own Genesis | Genesis USA

It is a good practice to avoid most first-year versions of any complex piece of machinery or software as there will always be some major bugs to be worked out on initial releases. I work on high tech medical equipment and I see this on every single NEW product released. Search through the forum posts regarding drivetrain issues to confirm my suspicions as I have a 2022 AWD model with no issues to date. If you love the GV80 like I do then getting a 22-23 AWD model may be your answer. I waited for the 2022 year release just for this reason but I went for the AWD 3.5T Prestige. The only thing the 23 model year has that I would prefer is that better infotainment knob.

While there clearly was a problem with some 2021's, it was also clearly a small minority. I have had none of the major issues that have been the subject of the many posts on this forum as I approach 33,000 km on my Canadian Prestige 3.5 AWD. The one minor issue I did have (valet mode) to a long time to remedy and was frustrating. I see that Consumer Reports advises against the 2021 as a used car and I suppose given a choice and knowledge of these issues, there is some (although minor in my view) reason for that. Having said that, it's rather easy to check a vehicle's repair history these days and identify which have had the problems and whether they have been remedied. I enjoyed being "the first kid on my block" with a GV80 (still am in fact) and I have no regrets about buying the 2021.

 

[Orzel]

Just turned 20k miles with our 21 (3.5 Advanced). Other than a check engine light at high altitudes, no real engine issues, the car has been flawless. We have completed several 2k to 3k mile road trips and the GV is an absolutely super road trip vehicle. Wouldn't hesitate to buy another or recommend.

 

[new_G80_owner_KC]

I have a 2021 G80 2.5, 15k miles. I also noticed the sound starting around the 5K mark and noticed my gas mileage had started to decrease but since the noise wasn't loud, it wasn't high on my list to have diagnosed. Took my G80 in around the first of Dec, the dealership had no problem identifying the bad differential and mentioned they had replaced a few across models. A new rear diff was ordered and installed. The dealership is 30 miles away, no noise on the way home. 2 days later; OMG, the noise was WAY worse on the new diff than the org one. A second diff is on order, so fingers crossed.

 

[jb77]

Just turned 20k miles with our 21 (3.5 Advanced). Other than a check engine light at high altitudes, no real engine issues, the car has been flawless. We have completed several 2k to 3k mile road trips and the GV is an absolutely super road trip vehicle. Wouldn't hesitate to buy another or recommend.

AMEN god bless your troops

 

[goldmroj]

Update to my original post- after about 2,500 miles with the new differential, the noise is back. I drove with the same tech that originally worked on my GV80 and he said he heard it again, maybe even louder this time. Waiting on the official diagnosis (been a week already), but I have a feeling I know the answer. I love everything else about the car, so it's a shame, but I think I have to give it back to Genesis (they already issued me a repurchase offer). Now I am debating if I should get a 2022 GV80 instead or change brands, since I have not read about any differential issues with the 2022. Lesson learned- do not buy a new model the first year it is out!!! Anyone have any comments if this same issue has happened to their 2022 GV70 or GV80?

I have a 2022 GV70 and am currently waiting on a loaner to be available so they can replace the rear diff and transfer case. The noise started around 3500 miles. Very disheartening.

 

[new_G80_owner_KC]

I have a 2021 G80 2.5, 15k miles. I also noticed the sound starting around the 5K mark and noticed my gas mileage had started to decrease but since the noise wasn't loud, it wasn't high on my list to have diagnosed. Took my G80 in around the first of Dec, the dealership had no problem identifying the bad differential and mentioned they had replaced a few across models. A new rear diff was ordered and installed. The dealership is 30 miles away, no noise on the way home. 2 days later; OMG, the noise was WAY worse on the new diff than the org one. A second diff is on order, so fingers crossed.

Update: 2nd rear diff and transfer case were replaced. Finally got a quiet car again.

 

[Greenwing]

Wondering if the sound I'm hearing is what's being discussed here? I have a 2021 base AWD GV80 and at lower speed acceleration as the car shifts gears there is a distinct "grrrr" sound. It seems to happen as the car gets into the "bottom" of the next gear. Then as acceleration continues in that gear it comes out of the noisy bottom and goes away. With the automatic transmission I'm guessing at the gears but it seems to happen as it goes from 3rd to 4th gear (sounds is in the bottom of 4th gear).

 

[Crito]

Decided to drain/fill the rear diff today and the fluid was super dark, but at least it didn’t smell burnt. Had a decent amount of metal in suspension, but nothing concerning on the magnetic drain plug. Wasn’t expecting the fluid to be so dark after only 7600 mi. Will have to keep an eye on it. It did seem like it was a bit under filled from the factory though.

It's dark because of the molybdenum assembly grease. Diffs need to be broken in or they break.

 

[new_G80_owner_KC]

GreenWing, can't hurt to have them look at it, given it's under warranty.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[CX03]

2022 3.5 Advanced, replaced rear diff 3 times and still no good, Genesis has agreed to repo the car.

 

[Burgie]

I just purchased the GV80 3.5T and since parking it in the garage all the time, the garage smells like differential oil. Dealer remarked it may be from oil coatings placed on parts to reduce rusting during shipping?? Has anyone else noted this odor from theirs? I have about 700 miles on it presently.

 

[GV80Fan]

No exterior smell ever noted when new or two years later in the garage with my 3.5. Interior wise, inside the cabin, just the leather new car smell, now a bit less. I leave the driver window open in the driver door when in the garage. But I wouldn’t want to do that if the garage smelled. I would have the source checked on the service department lift and in the engine compartment. Good luck.

 

[BillZ]

I just purchased the GV80 3.5T and since parking it in the garage all the time, the garage smells like differential oil. Dealer remarked it may be from oil coatings placed on parts to reduce rusting during shipping?? Has anyone else noted this odor from theirs? I have about 700 miles on it presently.

With only 700 miles on it, have you yet taken it on a good long highway run where everything gets hot enough to burn off any contaminants on the exterior components of the engine, exhaust, etc. It's possible that's all it is.