2012 Hyundai Genesis Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2012 Hyundai Genesis has 260 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 78, ranking 3rd-worst among 10 model years. It carries an Avoid verdict, driven mainly by Engine complaints (78, 30% share) plus Electrical System and Brakes issues, along with 2 recalls.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 78/100
- #3 of 10 Genesis years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 260
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 8
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 6
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19.5
- 16.5 city / 25 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
Top 2012 Hyundai Genesis problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine78 (30%)
- Electrical System65 (25%)
- Brakes63 (24%)
- Transmission & Powertrain39 (15%)
- Other32 (12%)
- Steering15 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires13 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers11 (4%)
- Fuel System10 (4%)
- Airbags8 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brakes reportedly fail to stop the vehicle promptly at low speeds, leading to rear-end collisions in slow traffic.
- Owners describe soft or unresponsive brake pedal feel when trying to stop behind a car ahead at moderate speed.
- The engine has reportedly failed or shut down unexpectedly while driving in reverse at low speed, causing a crash.
- One owner reported needing five different engine replacements due to recurring engine failure.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in multiple crashes despite significant impact, in some cases resulting in driver injury.
- Rear center and left seat belt anchors are reportedly reversed, forcing seat belts to cross and misalign with anchor points.
2012 Hyundai Genesis recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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.
- NHTSA 13V489000Oct 29, 2013Brakes43,500 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:fluid
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).
Risk: If the module corrodes, reduced brake effectiveness may result, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Hyundai will replace the factory brake fluid in those vehicles that have not previously had the factory brake fluid replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151 or by email at [email protected]. Hyundai's recall number is 114.
2012 Hyundai Genesis fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16.5 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 19.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,100
- 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 Genesis years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Hyundai Genesis reliable?
- NHTSA data shows 260 complaints for the 2012 Genesis with a complaint index of 78, the 3rd-worst among 10 model years, resulting in an Avoid verdict relative to other Genesis years.
- What are the biggest problems with the 2012 Hyundai Genesis?
- The top problem area is Engine, with 78 complaints (30% share) and a median failure mileage of 59,000. Electrical System (65 complaints) and Brakes (63 complaints, median mileage 67,724) follow closely.
- Does the 2012 Hyundai Genesis have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Genesis: one for a windshield wiper motor cover/seal issue and one for brake fluid that may not protect against corrosion in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit.
- How does the 2012 Genesis compare to other model years?
- The 2012 model's complaint index of 78 is worse than 2010 (33, Good), 2011 (56, Caution), and 2014 (22, Best), but better than 2009 (100) and 2015 (89), both also rated Avoid.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Hyundai Genesis?
- The 2012 Genesis gets an EPA-rated 19.5 mpg combined (16.5 city/25 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,100.