VehicleVerdict

2009 Hyundai Genesis problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 309 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Genesis year — the 2009 model ranks #3 of 10 Genesis years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 42% of all reports (130 of 309), far ahead of electrical system at 36.

309

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

24

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Genesis years?

Genesis NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted411 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 309 complaints2010: 115 complaints2011: 161 complaints2012: 362 complaints2013: 188 complaints2014: 31 complaints2015: 411 complaints2016: 135 complaints2018: 4 complaints
Genesis NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Genesis years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Hyundai Genesis problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes13042%
Electrical System3612%
Lighting258%
Other237%
Steering217%
Speed Control165%
Engine155%
Transmission103%
Visibility & Wipers72%
Airbags52%
Fuel System52%
Seats41%
Suspension31%
Tires & Wheels31%
Body & Structure21%
Seat Belts21%
Latches & Locks21%

Does the 2009 Hyundai Genesis have recalls?

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

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.

13V489000BrakesOctober 29, 2013 · 43,500 units

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).

Consequence

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 consumeraffairs@hmausa.com. Hyundai's recall number is 114.

13V113000LightingApril 1, 2013 · 1,712,336 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Consequence

Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI GENESIS. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 18, 2010 · crash

“WAS DRIVING CAR TO MEET MY HUSBAND AND WHEN I TURNED THE CORNER, HE WAS FRANTICALLY WAVING ME TO GET OUT OF THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS ON FIRE, IN THE FRONT UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE BUMPER. I GOT OUT AND SAW FLAMES SHOOTING FROM UNDER THE BUMPER. WITH THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ON THE WAY, WE MADE SEVERAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 22, 2016 · fire

“VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON CITY STREET WHEN ANOTHER MOTORIST SIGNALED THAT FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF FRONT DRIVERS SIDE BUMPER. FORTUNATELY, MY WIFE WAS NEARING HOME AND PULLED OVER IN FRONT OUR HOUSE WHERE I SPRAYED AND SOAKED AREA OF FIRE UNTIL IT RECEDED. WHEN I WAS ABLE TO VIEW DAMAGE, THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · July 2, 2018 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI GENESIS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 7 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A WALL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 17, 2017 · crash

“IAM FROM IRAQ.. MY CAR I BOUGHT 2 YEARS AGO WAS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY & NOW I CANNOT FIND ANY MAINTENENCE HYUNDAI DEALER NEAR BY AS I LOVE THIS CAR & WANT HELP FOR MAINTAINING & RETURNING TO FUNCTION PROPERLY BECAUSE EVERY THING NEEDS MAINTENANCE IN MY CAR FROM ENGINE & STABILITY CONTROL IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 14, 2009 · crash

2009 Hyundai Genesis — common questions

Is the 2009 Hyundai Genesis reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 309 complaints put the 2009 model at #3 of 10 Genesis years. It is one of the Genesis years to avoid.

What are the most common 2009 Genesis problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (130 complaints), electrical system (36 complaints), lighting (25 complaints).

Does the 2009 Hyundai Genesis have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Hyundai Genesis. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2009 Hyundai Genesis under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Genesis years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Genesis years to avoid are 2015, 2012, 2009, 2016. The cleanest record among Genesis years belongs to 2008.

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.