2012 Hyundai Genesis

Above average

Owners filed 259 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
56,085 milesMedian miles at failure

210 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine49
011
Electrical System40
001
Power Train25
000
Service Brakes24
100
Unknown or Other22
100
Exterior Lighting15
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module13
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Electric › Control Module11
000
Air Bags8
403
Fuel/Propulsion System7
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor16V117000
Filed Feb 29, 201618,700 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2012 Genesis vehicles manufactured August 1, 2011, to April 30, 2012, and 2011-2013 Equus vehicles manufactured July 10, 2011, to June 12, 2012. The windshield wiper motor cover seal on the affected vehicles may degrade allowing corrosion on the wiper motor's circuit board. The corrosion can cause intermittent or total loss of wiper function.

Risk. Inoperative wipers during inclement weather can decrease driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor cover and seal, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 140.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Fluid13V489000
Filed Oct 29, 201343,500 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Genesis vehicles manufactured April 30, 2008, through March 28, 2012. The vehicles may contain brake fluid which does not protect against corrosion of the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU).

Risk. If the module corrodes, reduced brake effectiveness may result, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Hyundai will notify owners and instruct them to bring their vehicle to a dealer for service. Hyundai will inspect the HECU module for proper operation, and will replace the modules as necessary. Hyundai will replace the factory brake fluid in those vehicles that have not previously had the factory brake fluid replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151 or by email at [email protected]. Hyundai's recall number is 114.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Jul 8, 2026CA

Brake pedal has been intermittently low/spongy and has progressively gotten worse. During these events, the brake pedal goes nearly to the floorboard, and braking power is weak but will typically function after pumping the pedal repeatedly. Stopping or slowing in an emergency situation may not be possible. There is no manual emergency brake. No trouble codes found, and no warning lamps illuminated related to the braking system. Dealer diagnosed faulty antilock braking system (ABS) hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU). This exact defect is addressed in Warranty Extension TXXP: Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) [XXX] Hyundai rejected this under the warranty coverage because the vehicle build date is approximately 2 weeks beyond the date range in the TSB. Subsequent web searches revealed replacement parts were available for production in late XXX. The TSB's affected date range ends on XXX. This vehicle was produced on XXX and was not included in the recall notifications. It is not known if a complete stock purge was performed on the production line or if parts were continued to be installed until old stock was depleted. Other vehicles outside of the TSB stated production date range may also have this latent critical safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 6, 2026FL

I am submitting this letter as a formal safety defect complaint regarding my 2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 sedan, which is experiencing braking system behavior that directly mirrors the defect described in Hyundai Recall Campaign 114 (NHTSA Campaign 13V489000), despite my vehicle not being included by VIN. Although excluded by VIN, the functional failure mode matches recalled vehicles, indicating the defect population may extend beyond the original VIN range. The vehicle exhibits the following symptoms: 1.Excessive and inconsistent brake pedal travel 2. Soft and spongy brake pedal feel 3. Highly variable brake biting point 4. Requirement to pump the brake pedal to obtain normal braking 5. Unpredictable brake engagement during normal driving These symptoms are intermittent and occur without warning, significantly increasing stopping distance and reducing driver confidence. The behavior is consistent with internal hydraulic or HECU malfunction, which the original recall attributes to corrosion caused by improper brake fluid formulation. I am particularly concerned because I am a disabled driver, and any reduction in braking reliability presents an elevated safety risk. Unpredictable brake response materially affects my ability to operate the vehicle safely and to respond to emergency conditions. While Hyundai has limited the recall to certain VIN ranges, Model Years Affected: 2009–2012 Hyundai Genesis sedans built April 30, 2008 – March 28, 2012. The braking behavior is functionally

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 31, 2026VA

Brake line on driver rear rusted and leaking above brake hose. Cannot drive vehicle safely with this leak. Would leak brake fluid each time I step on brake pedal. Problem magnified when car is on and brake booster is working. Vehicle not at dealer or mechanic yet, but link to video of driver rear brake line leaking on 1-31-2026: [XXX] Service Campaign 991 [XXX] ) was completed less than two years ago on Feb 19, 2024 (today is 1/31/2026). See note about "dealer will apply an anti-corrosion treatment to certain parts, and *replace the brake lines if necessary*" Not told about any rust, nor any parts replaced. Link to service campaign quote: [XXX] No warning lamps, messages, or symptoms of the problem. Assumed wheel liner covered brake line from salt. Vehicle is located in [XXX] and I suspect other brake lines are also rusted out. Would like manufacturer to replace all brake lines under warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 6, 2025GA

The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, she collided with another vehicle on the front driver's side. No air bags deployed. BM Automotive towed the vehicle, then the vehicle was towed to her local dealership. The contact stated that she sustained head and back injuries. The contact mentioned they informed her that she sustained whiplash as well. Medical attention was required. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The contact mentioned that the seat belt did retract during the impact. The contact stated that the failure was not diagnosed by a dealer or independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Visibility
Filed Feb 5, 2025150,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact had engaged the windshield wipers during a light rainstorm and noticed that the intermittent wiper function was not working as designed. The contact stated that gradually the wiper speeds were no longer functional, and only the high-speed option was operable. The contact had taken the vehicle to the local dealer who diagnosed that the gasket around the wiper motor had failed, and that water had entered the wiper motor and determined that the wiper motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred; however, the contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer and was advised that the vehicle was no longer under warranty and had to be repaired out-of-pocket. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the gasket around the wiper motor had deteriorated, and water was leaking into the wiper motor's electrical circuits. The contact was advised by the mechanic that there was a recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V117000 (Visibility); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

EngineFire1 injured
Filed Nov 8, 2024TN

These cars has some serious engine issues they are literally defective I've had 5 different engines installed in my car I keep the maintenance up on my car but its still no luck with the engines I've risked my life from almost having accidents due to engine failure I have proof that these calls have been engines and I honestly feel like it's a serious issue that needs to be adjusted

Engine
Filed Nov 8, 2024TN

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound emanating from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred a week later. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic, who again diagnosed a failure with the engine and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred three additional times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.

Power Train
Filed Jul 28, 2024IL

During normal driving conditions, the 8 speed automatic transmission will randomly hesitate to upshift from 2nd to 3rd and from 4th to 5th, causing an unpredictable loss of power. Symptoms will show up intermittently, and do not seem to be caused by certain events. This is unsafe because the unpredictability of the problem could cause power loss during moments where acceleration is needed to avoid an accident (moments which would otherwise be completely safe, i.e. merging onto a freeway, turning across incoming traffic, right turns into the direction of traffic, etc.) This problem already has a TSB issued by Hyundai. Problem has been reproduce by a technician. Component has been checked by a technician. There are no warning lights or other symptoms before failure.

Electrical System
Filed May 2, 202485,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact shifted into park(P) and pressed the Push to Start button, and the vehicle restarted. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that an OBD scanner was unable to retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes for the failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The contact is requesting to be contacted via telephone in reference to this inquiry.

Engine
Filed Apr 9, 202462,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, shut off but was able to coast off the highway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electronic computer motherboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on backorder. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

Engine
Filed Apr 4, 2024210,034 milesFL

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to start and made a continuous clicking sound before starting. Additionally, while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the ABS, and traction control warning lights were illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a drained battery. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a faulty tensioner. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with an unknown failure. The mechanic stated that there was no available fix for the vehicle and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 210,034. The VIN was not available.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 10, 2024NJ

Recall from 2014 under Hyundai genesis BH over brake corrosion and leading to HECU /electrical / wheel stability/electrical wire problems /fire Also immobilizer and safety I now have no dash or steering wheel controls Believe car was broken into shows signs of elapsed time/fob and controls inside no longer work Two fuses inside driver side panel spark even when car is not on Took to Springfield Hyundai They not only lied and stated my car isn’t under any recall but they stated online they did a safety inspection which is not true I just replaced rear brakes and after barely driving 1,000 miles the brakes are making a wearing metal noise and sound like they are bad again I even stated I had information for the immobilizer since Hyundai didn’t install on any of their vehicles until 2022 Now I enter my vin and it comes up under the 2 door coupe not the sedan (BH) Also found archived article from car and driver about the FBI suing Hyundai in 2014 over the exact model and make 2012 Hyundai Genesis BH over brake corrosion accidents and HECU issues causing accidents and other electrical issues Now I am scared worried and I am being ignored an neglected Driving a car that clearly is not safe and putting my life in danger if I have a tampered VIN from theft of no immobilizer this is Hyundai negligence and now my VIN isn’t showing correctly for my make and model I NEED help I have videos of fuses sparking and printed recall Info for my make and model under NHTSA safety investigations I

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 26, 202422,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to immediately stop. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the brake booster and brake master cylinder. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V489000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) but the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 22,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 14, 2024NJ

Submitted complaint of unsafe fumes /gas smells emitting from engine and into cabin of car to site on 10/23/2023 for my vin the complaint I see is under Tires This should be under engine I said nothing about tires it's a 2012 Hyundai Genesis BH 4 door sedan battery wasn't holding charge engine idles high and low poor gas mileage and sluggish brake light always on even after repair

Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems
Filed Nov 17, 2023170,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, an abnormal fuel odor was coming from the vehicle with heavy smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the tire pressure and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not serviced or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Power Train
Filed Nov 15, 2023155,620 milesPA

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact stated that the check engine light was later illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to a second independent mechanic. The mechanic retrieved a code for a defective pressure sensor. Upon investigation, the contact discovered Manufacturer Communication Number: 16-8at-011) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the Manufacturer Communication Number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 155,620.

Engine
Filed Nov 13, 2023MD

Car shuts off while driving for no reason. Happens last time on the beltway. No check engine light or warning that it will cut off. Doesn’t happen at the mechanics. No one knows why it happens. I see this is an ongoing issue for Genesis

Engine
Filed Sep 21, 2023120,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, and to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 29, 2023FL

Driver's side passenger door lock does not electronically function--either by key fob or by driver's control. Passenger door must be manually locked and unlocked. This defect was present from time car was purchased new but was only discovered after car was out-of-warranty since passenger door had never been used until grandchildren began using back seat. This represents an safety hazard in the event that back-seat passenger needs to exit car quickly via electronic means. We are aware that this defect is quite common among 2012 Hyundai Genesis owners. Hyundai Motors of America knows that this was a manufacturing design defect but thus far, is unwilling to support warranty repair. Warranty repair is quite costly, averaging $700-900, and this is likely the reason why HMA has elected to publicly hide and ignore the issue.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 29, 2023TN

Brakes are spongy/soft - My car has been inspected by a Hyundai dealership and an ABS control module replacement has been recommended at cost of $2901. A safety recall campaign was issued in 2012 to include "certain 2009-2012MY Genesis (BH) produced from April 30, 2008 to March 28, 2012 (Recall #114). On May 9, 2022, TSB #22-BR-001H-1 was issued. My car's VIN indicates that my car was produced March 30, 2012 and the repair under the "extended warranty" has been denied because my car was produced two days later and therefore not included in the safety recall. I have reached out to Hyundai and I have a case manager assigned to me.

20 of 259 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2015
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20183010Routine
201696340Routine
2015290630Above average
201422000Routine
2013126020Routine
2012 — this page259210Above average
2011122330Routine
201088300Routine
2009234320Above average
20081000Routine

Compare every Genesis year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 29, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.