YearToAvoid

2012 Hyundai Equus Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

60/100

#3 most-complained of 6 Equus years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2012 Hyundai Equus has 8 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 60 out of 100 — #3 highest of 6 Equus model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is transmission & powertrain (4 complaints, 50% of the total). Complaints report 1 crash and 1 injury.

Complaints
8
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
18
15 city / 23 hwy

Top 2012 Hyundai Equus problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Transmission & Powertrain4 (50%)
  2. Engine3 (38%)
  3. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (25%)
  4. Airbags1 (13%)
  5. Brakes1 (13%)
  6. Electrical System1 (13%)
2012 Hyundai Equus complaints: complaints filed per month7Aug 2014Jan 2015Mar 2015Mar 2020May 2020Jul 2026
12 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2014 to Jul 2026; peak Jul 2026 (7).

2012 Hyundai Equus recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 16V117000Feb 29, 2016Visibility & Wipers18,700 vehicles

    Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor

    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.

    Risk: 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.

2012 Hyundai Equus fuel economy and fuel cost

City
15 MPG
Highway
23 MPG
Combined
18 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$4,450
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2012 compared with other Equus years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201120122013201420152016
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2011Avoid10024218
2012Caution608118
2013Good4010118
2014Avoid8036118

All Hyundai Equus years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Hyundai Equus a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 Hyundai Equus ranks #3 of 6 among Equus model years (Complaint Index 60/100, verdict: Caution). It has 8 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Equus?
The most reported problem areas are transmission & powertrain (4 complaints), engine (3 complaints), and suspension, wheels & tires (2 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 41,000 miles.
Does the 2012 Hyundai Equus have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2012 Hyundai Equus, most recently reported 2016, covering visibility & wipers.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Hyundai Equus?
EPA rates the 2012 Hyundai Equus at 18 MPG combined (15 city / 23 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.