2012 Hyundai GenesisProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 260 owner complaints about the 2012 Hyundai Genesis, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-117 the manufacturer reports only 74% of affected cars repaired.

2012 Hyundai Genesis

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 18, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2012 Hyundai Genesis has problems

260 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine683
Electrical system491
Power train391
Service brakes, hydraulic331
Service brakes281
Exterior lighting240
Steering150
Vehicle speed control121
Fuel/propulsion system90
16 other systems548

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2012 Hyundai Genesis recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

74%repaired · 2017 Q3

Windshield wiper/washer: motor

Recall 16V-117 · Feb 29, 2016 · 18,700 vehicles · 13,887 repaired

Risk. Inoperative wipers during inclement weather can decrease driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

76%repaired · 2015 Q1

Service brakes, hydraulic: fluid

Recall 13V-489 · Oct 29, 2013 · 43,500 vehicles · 32,967 repaired

Risk. If the module corrodes, reduced brake effectiveness may result, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Hyundai.

Mileage at failure

When do engine problems start?

62kmiles, median

Based on the odometer reading in 61 engine complaints. 89% were reported before 100,000 miles.

median0k50k100k150k200k+
8under 30k miles54under 100k miles7100k miles or more
Best & worst years

2012 vs. every other Genesis year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Genesis median. How we score

'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'18
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2012 Hyundai Genesis safety ratings

2012 Hyundai Genesis 4 DR RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Rollover: 5 stars (9.5% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2012 Hyundai Genesis, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Brake hydraulic control module failurePE13033 · closed Apr 4, 2014
    Led to recall 13V-489
In owners' words

What Genesis owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound emanating from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the…
Complaint 11624199 · Nov 8, 2024
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 11624127 · Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact shifted into park(P) and pressed the Push to Start button, and the vehicle restarted. The contact was able to continue…
Complaint 11586620 · May 2, 2024 · 85,000 miles

Own a 2012 Genesis?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.