What year Hyundai Genesis should I avoid?

Avoid the 2012 and 2015 model years. The 2012 has a complaint index of 86 with 260 complaints, and the 2015 has a complaint index of 100 with 290 complaints, the highest of any Genesis year.

What is the best year for the Hyundai Genesis?

The 2014 Genesis is the best year, with only 22 complaints and a complaint index of 14, the lowest across the 2010-2018 range.

Does the 2015 Hyundai Genesis have recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists six recall campaigns for the 2015 Genesis, including a park-outside recall for a starter solenoid electrical short and an ABS module short-circuit issue.

Is the 2012 Hyundai Genesis reliable?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 Genesis ranks second-worst of the model years covered, with a complaint index of 86 and engine problems reported most often at a median of 59,000 miles.

How many complaints does the Hyundai Genesis have overall?

Across the 2010-2018 model years covered, NHTSA lists 1,007 total complaints and 10 recall campaigns for the Genesis.

Hyundai Genesis Best and Worst Years (2010–2018)

Avoid the 2012 and 2015 Hyundai Genesis, which have the highest complaint index scores (86 and 100) and the most complaints (260 and 290). The 2014 is the best year, with only 22 complaints and a complaint index of 14.

Avoid 2012 Avoid 2015 Best 2014

Model years: 8; 2010–2018
NHTSA complaints: 1,007
Recall campaigns: 10
Crashes reported: 55
Fires reported: 14
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
2010	Good	29	88	4	0	3	Brakes	20	—
2011	Caution	57	122	12	3	3	Brakes	20.5	—
2012	Avoid	86	260	8	1	2	Engine	19.5	—
2013	Caution	71	126	14	2	0	Engine	20.5	—
2014	Best	14	22	4	0	0	Engine	19.5	—
2015	Avoid	100	290	10	3	6	Electrical System	19	5★
2016	Good	43	96	3	4	3	Electrical System	19	5★
2018	No verdict	0	3	0	1	0	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	—	—

Genesis years to avoid: what went wrong

2015 Hyundai Genesis Index 100 · 290 complaints · 6 recalls

The 2015 Genesis is the worst year on record, with 290 complaints and a complaint index of 100. Nearly half of all complaints (49%) involved the electrical system, with a median failure mileage of 38,000 miles. NHTSA lists six recalls for this year, including a park-outside recall for water intrusion into the starter solenoid and an ABS module short-circuit risk. Owners reported airbags deploying without warning at low speeds, sensors failing to detect nearby objects, and vehicles stalling with warning lights illuminated alongside unusual odors.

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

2012 Hyundai Genesis Index 86 · 260 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2012 Genesis logged 260 complaints and a complaint index of 86, the second-highest of any year. Engine problems led the way at 30% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 59,000 miles, followed closely by electrical issues (25%, 47,120 miles) and brake problems (24%, 67,724 miles). NHTSA lists two recalls, including a wiper motor issue and a brake fluid corrosion concern affecting the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit. Owners reported sudden loss of braking power at low speeds and unexpected vehicle movement while reversing, some resulting in crashes.

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

Most common Hyundai Genesis problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Electrical System316 (31%)
Engine263 (26%)
Brakes189 (19%)
Other139 (14%)
Transmission & Powertrain104 (10%)
Steering75 (7%)
Structure & Body58 (6%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires58 (6%)
Airbags46 (5%)
Fuel System41 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Hyundai Genesis should I avoid?: Avoid the 2012 and 2015 model years. The 2012 has a complaint index of 86 with 260 complaints, and the 2015 has a complaint index of 100 with 290 complaints, the highest of any Genesis year.
What is the best year for the Hyundai Genesis?: The 2014 Genesis is the best year, with only 22 complaints and a complaint index of 14, the lowest across the 2010-2018 range.
Does the 2015 Hyundai Genesis have recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists six recall campaigns for the 2015 Genesis, including a park-outside recall for a starter solenoid electrical short and an ABS module short-circuit issue.
Is the 2012 Hyundai Genesis reliable?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 Genesis ranks second-worst of the model years covered, with a complaint index of 86 and engine problems reported most often at a median of 59,000 miles.
How many complaints does the Hyundai Genesis have overall?: Across the 2010-2018 model years covered, NHTSA lists 1,007 total complaints and 10 recall campaigns for the Genesis.