Most common 2012 Hyundai Equus problems
Share of the 8 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Hyundai Equus complaints by model year
Best Equus years: 2012. Years to avoid: 2014, 2011. Compare all years →
2012 Hyundai Equus recalls (1)
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.
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.
What 2012 Hyundai Equus owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
I am reporting a severe vehicle safety hazard involving a sudden loss of motive power and extreme thermal failure on my 2012 Hyundai Equus Signature 5.0L. In July 2022, at 88,845 miles, an authorized Hyundai dealership replaced the transmission under a factory warranty event. Rather than replacing the transmission oil cooler assembly-which was contaminated with heavy metal shrapnel from the original mechanical breakdown-the servicing dealer chose to only flush the lines, creating a latent fluid restriction. After approximately 18,000 miles of operation, this restriction completely choked the transmission fluid pressure loop. The extreme thermal stress and back-pressure caused the internal walls of the transmission cooler to suffer a catastrophic structural rupture. …
I was driving on the highway and my transmission due to a failed transmission service done to my vehicle caused my vehicle's transmission to overheat a blowout my transmission cooler and mix coolant and transmission fluid unknown to me because of a clogged transmission cooler line improperly flushed instead of replaced by the Patrick Hyundai dealership there could've been and electrical fire or a crash due to these things.
Engine & cooling
I am reporting a severe vehicle safety hazard involving a sudden loss of motive power and extreme thermal failure on my 2012 Hyundai Equus Signature 5.0L. In July 2022, at 88,845 miles, an authorized Hyundai dealership replaced the transmission under a factory warranty event. Rather than replacing the transmission oil cooler assembly-which was contaminated with heavy metal shrapnel from the original mechanical breakdown-the servicing dealer chose to only flush the lines, creating a latent fluid restriction. After approximately 18,000 miles of operation, this restriction completely choked the transmission fluid pressure loop. The extreme thermal stress and back-pressure caused the internal walls of the transmission cooler to suffer a catastrophic structural rupture. …
I was driving on the highway and my transmission due to a failed transmission service done to my vehicle caused my vehicle's transmission to overheat a blowout my transmission cooler and mix coolant and transmission fluid unknown to me because of a clogged transmission cooler line improperly flushed instead of replaced by the Patrick Hyundai dealership there could've been and electrical fire or a crash due to these things.
2012 Hyundai Equus engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Hyundai Equus a good car?
Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Equus rates average: 30% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Equus at the same age. It is one of the best Equus years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Hyundai Equus?
The transmission & drivetrain — 4 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (3) and suspension (2).
How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Equus have?
There is 1 recall for the 2012 Hyundai Equus, the most recent from February 29, 2016 (motor). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Hyundai Equus?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2014 and 2011. See the full Hyundai Equus years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Hyundai Equus problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 41,000 miles; 60% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.