VehicleVerdict

2011 Hyundai Equus problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 33 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.4 times the median Equus year — the 2011 model ranks #2 of 6 Equus years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Suspension leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (33% of the total).

33

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Equus years?

Equus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted54 complaints2011: 33 complaints2012: 5 complaints2013: 16 complaints2014: 54 complaints2015: 12 complaints2016: 12 complaints
Equus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Equus years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Hyundai Equus problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1133%
Brakes618%
Electrical System515%
Tires & Wheels39%
Engine26%
Lighting26%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Other13%
Steering13%
Airbags13%

Does the 2011 Hyundai Equus have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V117000Visibility & WipersFebruary 29, 2016 · 18,700 units

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.

Consequence

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.

14V713000LightingNovember 7, 2014 · 42,925 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Hyundai Genesis vehicles manufactured April 30, 2008, to November 21, 2010, and 2011 Hyundai Equus vehicles manufactured July 31, 2010, to November 21, 2010. Due to a circuit failure, the stop lamps in the affected vehicles may not illuminate.

Consequence

A following vehicle may not recognize that the vehicle is slowing or coming to a stop if the stop lamps on the vehicle do not illuminate as expected. There is an increased risk of a rear-end crash as a result.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the stop lamp switch circuit, free of charge. Hyundai issued an interim notification to owners on January 6, 2015. The recall began on March 23, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 125.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE WE WERE DRIVING THE CAR, THE CAR'S FRONT SUSPENSION SUDDENLY FAILED, THE FRONT COLLAPSED AND THE BODY OF THE CAR NEARLY TOUCHED THE GROUND ON FLAT GROUNDS AND DRAGGED AGAINST THE GROUND ON INCLINES AND DECLINES. THE WHEELS RUBBED AGAINST THE BODY OF THE CAR ON TURNS AND THE CAR BECAME VERY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 1, 2012 · crash

“THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL IS VERY LONG. I MUST BEGIN THE STOPPING PROCESS MUCH EARLIER THAN PREVIOUS. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED A FAILED HECU. THE VEHICLE IS ONLY A FEW MILES AND ONE MONTH OUT OF WARRANTY. HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA HAD AN INSPECTION CAMPAIGN FOR GENESIS HECU UNITS, BUT NOT EQUUS. HOW CAN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 15, 2016

“WHILE WE WERE DRIVING THE CAR, THE CAR'S FRONT SUSPENSION SUDDENLY FAILED, THE FRONT COLLAPSED AND THE BODY OF THE CAR NEARLY TOUCHED THE GROUND ON FLAT GROUNDS AND DRAGGED AGAINST THE GROUND ON INCLINES AND DECLINES. THE WHEELS RUBBED AGAINST THE BODY OF THE CAR ON TURNS AND THE CAR BECAME VERY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 5, 2012 · crash

“WHILE WE WERE DRIVING THE CAR, THE CAR'S FRONT SUSPENSION SUDDENLY FAILED, THE FRONT COLLAPSED AND THE BODY OF THE CAR NEARLY TOUCHED THE GROUND ON FLAT GROUNDS AND DRAGGED AGAINST THE GROUND ON INCLINES AND DECLINES. THE WHEELS RUBBED AGAINST THE BODY OF THE CAR ON TURNS AND THE CAR BECAME VERY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 1, 2012 · crash

“The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Equus. The contact stated there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the rod bearings…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 27, 2025

2011 Hyundai Equus — common questions

Is the 2011 Hyundai Equus reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 33 complaints put the 2011 model at #2 of 6 Equus years. It is one of the Equus years to avoid.

What are the most common 2011 Equus problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (11 complaints), brakes (6 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 2011 Hyundai Equus have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Hyundai Equus. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Hyundai Equus years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Equus years to avoid are 2014, 2011, 2015. The cleanest record among Equus years belongs to 2012.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.