Hyundai Equus Problems by Year

We compared every Hyundai Equus model year from 2011–2016 using 96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 3 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2014 and 2011, which drew far more complaints than other Equus years at the same age. The best years are 2012.

6model years
96complaints
3recalls
2014, 2011worst years
2012best years

Complaints by model year

201120122013201420152016248103699
Owner complaints per model year, Hyundai Equus. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20169typical—Wheel & TireAverage
20159typical1SteeringAverage
2014362.3×1SeatCaution
201310typical1SuspensionAverage
20128−30%1TransmissionAverage
2011242.2×2SuspensionCaution

* Complaints compared with the median Equus year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Hyundai Equus problems

  • Suspensionworst: 2011
    2425%
  • Brakesworst: 2011
    1617%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2014
    1516%
  • Lightsworst: 2014
    99%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2012
    99%
  • Seatsworst: 2014
    99%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2011
    88%
  • Other / not specified
    88%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2012
    88%
  • Steeringworst: 2014
    77%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2014
    66%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2013
    55%
  • Air bagsworst: 2011
    55%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2014
    44%
  • Body & structureworst: 2014
    33%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2011
    11%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2013
    11%

Latest Hyundai Equus recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module

NHTSA recall 23V-651 · Sep 22, 2023 · 1,649,478 vehiclesPark outside

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge.

Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor

NHTSA recall 16V-117 · Feb 29, 2016 · 18,700 vehicles

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.

Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch

NHTSA recall 14V-713 · Nov 7, 2014 · 42,925 vehicles

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Hyundai Genesis vehicles manufactured April 30, 2008, to November 21, 2010, and 2011 Hyundai Equus vehicles manufactured July 31, 2010, to November 21, 2010. Due to a circuit failure, the stop lamps in the affected vehicles may not illuminate.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the stop lamp switch circuit, free of charge. Hyundai issued an interim notification to owners on January 6, 2015. The recall began on March 23, 2015.

All 3 Hyundai Equus recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Hyundai Equus should you avoid?

2014 and 2011 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Equus years at the same age, led by seats problems in the 2014.

What is the best year for the Hyundai Equus?

2012 has the fewest complaints compared with other Equus years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Hyundai Equus problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the suspension (24), brakes (16) and electrical system (15). Suspension complaints peak in the 2011 model year.

How many recalls has the Hyundai Equus had?

3 recalls across 2011–2016. The model year with the most is 2011. See all Hyundai Equus recalls by year.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.