MYRModel Year Report

2012 Hyundai Genesis

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2012 Hyundai Genesis
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
260
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

26% of complaints

Complaints per year

2008: 1 complaint 2008 2009: 235 complaints 2010: 88 complaints 2010 2011: 122 complaints 2012: 260 complaints 2012 260 2013: 126 complaints 2014: 22 complaints 2014 2015: 290 complaints 2016: 97 complaints 2016 2018: 3 complaints
2008: 1 complaint 2008 2009: 235 complaints 2009 2010: 88 complaints 2010 2011: 122 complaints 2011 2012: 260 complaints 2012 260 2013: 126 complaints 2013 2014: 22 complaints 2014 2015: 290 complaints 2015 2016: 97 complaints 2016 2018: 3 complaints 2018
2008: 1 complaint 2008 2009: 235 complaints 2009 2010: 88 complaints 2010 2011: 122 complaints 2011 2012: 260 complaints 2012 260 2013: 126 complaints 2013 2014: 22 complaints 2014 2015: 290 complaints 2015 2016: 97 complaints 2016 2018: 3 complaints 2018

2012: 260 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20081
2009235
201088
2011122
2012260
2013126
201422
2015290
201697
20183

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

26% · 68 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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...

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-11-08

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-21

Service brakes

23% · 61 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-10-22

Brake pedal has been intermittently low/spongy and has progressively gotten worse. During these events, the brake pedal goes nearly to the floorboard, and braking power is weak but will typically function after pumping the pedal repeatedly.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-08

Electrical system

19% · 49 reports
INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Complete failure of engine. Sensors and electrical components malfunctions. Touch screen display non responsive and keystrokes off. Gas/fuel would spew back out when filling. Windshield visibility poor. Lighting dim. Hydraulic system fail.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-01-28

Power train

15% · 40 reports

Most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.

INJURY

Exterior lighting

9% · 24 reports

Most commonly citing turn signal.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2012Complaint volume 260 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2013-10-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2014-04-04 Brake hydraulic control module failure
  3. R
    2013-12-24Service brakes, hydraulic13V489000 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).

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2016-04-22Visibility16V117000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Hyundai Genesis — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 68 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 61 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 49 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 13V489000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 16V117000 · Visibility
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 Hyundai Genesis reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Hyundai Genesis is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Genesis?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Genesis have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.