What year Hyundai Genesis should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2009, 2012, and 2015 Genesis. The 2009 has the highest complaint index (100), followed by 2015 (89) and 2012 (78).

What is the best year for the Hyundai Genesis?

The 2014 Genesis is rated Best, with a complaint index of just 22 and only 22 total complaints and zero recalls. The 2010 is rated Good with a complaint index of 33.

Does the Hyundai Genesis have any recalls?

Yes, across the 2008-2018 model years NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns total. The 2015 alone has six recall campaigns, including two park-outside recalls for electrical and brake system risks.

What are the most common Hyundai Genesis problems?

Across all years, electrical system issues account for 29% of the 1,243 total complaints, followed by brakes at 26% and engine problems at 24%.

Is the 2016 Hyundai Genesis reliable?

The 2016 Genesis has a complaint index of only 44, but its verdict is capped to Caution because it carries a Do Not Drive or Park Outside recall despite the relatively low complaint index.

Hyundai Genesis Best and Worst Years (2008–2018)

Avoid 2009, 2012, and 2015 Hyundai Genesis years, which carry the highest complaint indexes (100, 78, 89) and multiple recalls. The 2014 is rated Best with a complaint index of just 22, and 2010 is rated Good at 33.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2009 Avoid 2012 Avoid 2015 Best 2014

Model years: 10; 2008–2018
NHTSA complaints: 1,243
Recall campaigns: 10
Crashes reported: 70
Fires reported: 16
Top problem area: Electrical System

Genesis Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Hyundai Genesis problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2008	No verdict	0	1	0	0	0	Brakes	—	—
2009	Avoid	100	235	15	2	3	Brakes	20	—
2010	Good	33	88	4	0	3	Brakes	20	—
2011	Caution	56	122	12	3	3	Brakes	20.5	—
2012	Avoid	78	260	8	1	2	Engine	19.5	—
2013	Caution	67	126	14	2	0	Engine	20.5	—
2014	Best	22	22	4	0	0	Engine	19.5	—
2015	Avoid	89	290	10	3	6	Electrical System	19	5★
2016	Caution	44	96	3	4	3	Electrical System	19	5★
2018	No verdict	11	3	0	1	0	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	—	—

Genesis years to avoid: what went wrong

2009 Hyundai Genesis Index 100 · 235 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2009 Genesis has the highest complaint index (100) of any year, driven mainly by brakes, which made up 54% of its 235 complaints at a median 69,700 miles. Electrical system issues followed at 20% of complaints around 60,000 miles. NHTSA lists three recalls for this year, including a stop lamp switch fix and a brake fluid corrosion issue affecting the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit. Owners reported soft or failed braking leading to low-speed collisions and airbags that failed to deploy in a crash.

2009 brakes problems →2009 electrical system problems →2009 engine problems →

2015 Hyundai Genesis Index 89 · 290 complaints · 6 recalls

The 2015 Genesis has a complaint index of 89, with electrical system problems dominating at 49% of its 290 complaints, median mileage 38,000. Engine issues followed at 18%, median 22,500 miles. NHTSA lists six recalls, including a park-outside recall for water intrusion into the starter solenoid and a park-outside recall for an ABS module short circuit. Owners reported spontaneous airbag deployment, sensor failures affecting adaptive cruise control and object detection, and vehicles that stalled with warning lights and an abnormal odor before failing to restart.

2015 electrical system problems →2015 engine problems →2015 steering problems →

2012 Hyundai Genesis Index 78 · 260 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2012 Genesis carries a complaint index of 78, with engine problems the top category at 30% of its 260 complaints, median mileage 59,000. Electrical system (25%) and brakes (24%) followed close behind. NHTSA lists two recalls, covering a wiper motor cover/seal issue and the same brake fluid corrosion problem found in the 2009. Owners reported unexpected loss of braking at low speed, sudden unintended movement while in reverse, and airbags that failed to protect occupants in side impacts.

2012 engine problems →2012 electrical system problems →2012 brakes problems →

Most common Hyundai Genesis problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Electrical System364 (29%)
Brakes317 (26%)
Engine293 (24%)
Other162 (13%)
Transmission & Powertrain114 (9%)
Steering96 (8%)
Structure & Body66 (5%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires64 (5%)
Airbags51 (4%)
Fuel System46 (4%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

What year Hyundai Genesis should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2009, 2012, and 2015 Genesis. The 2009 has the highest complaint index (100), followed by 2015 (89) and 2012 (78).
What is the best year for the Hyundai Genesis?: The 2014 Genesis is rated Best, with a complaint index of just 22 and only 22 total complaints and zero recalls. The 2010 is rated Good with a complaint index of 33.
Does the Hyundai Genesis have any recalls?: Yes, across the 2008-2018 model years NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns total. The 2015 alone has six recall campaigns, including two park-outside recalls for electrical and brake system risks.
What are the most common Hyundai Genesis problems?: Across all years, electrical system issues account for 29% of the 1,243 total complaints, followed by brakes at 26% and engine problems at 24%.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Genesis reliable?: The 2016 Genesis has a complaint index of only 44, but its verdict is capped to Caution because it carries a Do Not Drive or Park Outside recall despite the relatively low complaint index.