VehicleVerdict

2012 Hyundai Genesis problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 362 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.5 times the median Genesis year — the 2012 model ranks #2 of 10 Genesis years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (69), brakes (61), and electrical system (52), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

362

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Genesis years?

Genesis NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 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, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Genesis years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Hyundai Genesis problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine6919%
Brakes6117%
Electrical System5214%
Transmission4011%
Other329%
Lighting247%
Steering154%
Speed Control134%
Visibility & Wipers113%
Fuel System103%
Airbags82%
Suspension82%
Tires & Wheels72%
Seat Belts41%
Seats41%
Body & Structure21%
Driver Assistance21%

Does the 2012 Hyundai Genesis 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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 12, 2024 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING AT A SPEED OF AROUND 35 TO 40 MPH ON A STREET (THAT'S NOT HIGHWAY). I WAS MAINTAINING A PROPER DISTANCE TOO FROM THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. FOR SOME REASON THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED SUDDENLY. I RESPONDED IMMEDIATELY, BUT THE BRAKING WAS SO SOFT AND I FELT LIKE NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 20, 2013 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI GENESIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 15, 2014

“THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT THE GAS PEDAL HAVING A FORCE APPLIED THERETO AND WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. ONCE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS PLACED IN PARK, THE ENGINE OPERATED AT OVER 3,000 RPM WITHOUT THE GAS PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. ONCE THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 13, 2013

“CAR SHUT OFF FULL POWER OFF WHILE ON A RESIDENTIAL ROAD AND I WENT ACROSS THE ROAD UP A SLANTED SMALL HILL AND RAN OVER TREE AND YARD DEBRIS. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 20, 2021 · crash

2012 Hyundai Genesis — common questions

Is the 2012 Hyundai Genesis reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 362 complaints put the 2012 model at #2 of 10 Genesis years. It is one of the Genesis years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 Genesis problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (69 complaints), brakes (61 complaints), electrical system (52 complaints).

Does the 2012 Hyundai Genesis have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Hyundai Genesis. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 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.