VehicleVerdict

2012 Hyundai Equus problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2012 Hyundai Equus — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Equus years?

Equus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted54 complaints2011: 33 complaints2012: 5 complaints2013: 16 complaints2014: 54 complaints2015: 12 complaints2016: 12 complaints
Equus NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Equus years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Hyundai Equus problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension240%
Airbags120%
Electrical System120%
Transmission120%

Does the 2012 Hyundai Equus have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“MY VEHICLE SWAYS LIKE A BOAT SIDE TO SIDE NO MATTER MY SPEED, BUT ON THE HIGHWAY IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE I'M LOSING CONTROL. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AFTER HAVING IT FOR 4 WEEKS THEY RETURNED MY VEHICLE BACK TO ME NOT REPAIRED AND NO ANSWERS TO WHY THE ISSUE STARTED. I WAS TOLD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 2, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI EQUUS. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE JOLTED CONTINUOUSLY AND SHIFTED INDEPENDENTLY INTO ANOTHER GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 3, 2015

“AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF PURCHASING CAR THE ECS LIGHT STARTED ILLUMINATING WHICH IN RETURN GAVE CAR A SPONGY, BOUNCY RIDE ETC., HEIGHT FUNCTION WOULD NOT WORK. AFTER REPAIRS WERE DONE 1ST TIME AROUND JUNE-AUGUST OF 2013 SEEM LIKE EVERY FEW MONTHS PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR AGAIN AND AGAIN, LATEST BEING JULY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 5, 2013

“FOLLOWING A SLIP ON THE ROAD I AM THE VICTIM OF AN ACCIDENT ON THE EDGE OF A HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CAR STRUCK THE MOUNTAIN, BUT THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO ACTIVATE IN THE ACCIDENT RESULTING IN A FRONTAL IMPACT, WHICH CAUSED ME SERIOUS INJURY. WHY THE AIRBAGS ARE NOT TRIGGERED ?? THE CAR MADE SEVERAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 28, 2020 · crash

2012 Hyundai Equus — common questions

Is the 2012 Hyundai Equus reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Hyundai Equus have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 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.