VehicleVerdict

2011 Hyundai Genesis problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2011 Hyundai Genesis sits mid-pack among Genesis years: 161 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 148, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (29), other (27), and electrical system (19), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

161

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Genesis years?

Genesis NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 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, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Genesis years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Hyundai Genesis problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2918%
Other2717%
Electrical System1912%
Speed Control1610%
Engine159%
Lighting117%
Steering106%
Transmission64%
Visibility & Wipers53%
Tires & Wheels53%
Seats42%
Airbags42%
Body & Structure32%
Fuel System32%
Suspension21%
Driver Assistance21%

Does the 2011 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.

“TUESDAY FEBRUARY 2, 2016 I WAS DRIVING ON OLYMPIC BLVD APPROXIMATELY 35 PMH. AS I ATTEMPTED TO TURN RIGHT ON THE ROUND ABOUT TO THE AVENUE OF THE STARS I WAS UNABLE TO BRAKE. I FLOORED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE BRAKES WERE UNRESPONSIVE. I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE AGAIN BUT BY THAT TIME IT WAS TOO LATE. MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 2, 2016 · crash

“BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS IS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED UNEXPECTEDLY / RANDOMLY. DEALER COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM SO NO FIX WAS DONE. THERE WAS A HYUNDAI RECALL, #114, WHICH REQUIRED THE CHANGING OF THE BREAK FLUID DUE TO CORROSION OF THE HECU. THIS WAS PERFORMED IN 2014 BUT APPARENTLY THIS HAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 11, 2019

“THE CAR WAS PARKED (NOT RUNNING OR MOVING) IN AN OPEN AIR GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT. I WAS IN THE GROCERY STORE FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES AND CAME OUT TO FIND A CROWD AND A FIRE CREW WHO HAD JUST PUT OUT THE FIRE IN THE HOOD AREA OF MY CAR. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE CAR BUT THEY ARE ON MY PHONE AND I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 6, 2020 · fire

“WHEN STARTING MY CAR, RPMS JUMPED TO 4 WITHOUT PRESS ANY PEDALS. AND MY CAR WAS SHAKING AND REALLY BIG SOUND FROM ENGINE WHILE ITS ON PARK. AND I SWITCHED TO DRIVE MODE AND SUDDENLY MY CAR MOVE FORWARD BY ITSELF. AND THEN HIT SIDEWALK AND HEATSHIELD GOT DAMAGED. I WENT TO DEALERSHIP. BUT NO PROBLEM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 14, 2013 · crash

“THE CAR WAS PARKED (NOT RUNNING OR MOVING) IN AN OPEN AIR GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT. I WAS IN THE GROCERY STORE FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES AND CAME OUT TO FIND A CROWD AND A FIRE CREW WHO HAD JUST PUT OUT THE FIRE IN THE HOOD AREA OF MY CAR. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE CAR BUT THEY ARE ON MY PHONE AND I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 6, 2020 · fire

2011 Hyundai Genesis — common questions

Is the 2011 Hyundai Genesis reliable?

It is close to typical for the Genesis: 161 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2011 Genesis problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (29 complaints), other (27 complaints), electrical system (19 complaints).

Does the 2011 Hyundai Genesis have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Hyundai Genesis. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2011 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.