Most common 2012 Hyundai Genesis problems
Share of the 271 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Hyundai Genesis complaints by model year
Best Genesis years: 2014, 2016. Years to avoid: 2015, 2012, 2009. Compare all years →
2012 Hyundai Genesis recalls (5)
Electrical system › Ignition › Interlock/lockout
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Genesis Coupe vehicles. A return spring in the ignition lock switch may fracture, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the vehicle is started in gear, without the parking brake applied.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition lock switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
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.
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2010-2016 Genesis Coupe vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, to June 11, 2016. The electrical harness connector for the front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) may dislodge when the seat is moved.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will secure the OCS connector to prevent it from disconnecting, free of charge. Parts are not currently available and a second letter will be sent to owners when parts are…
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.
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).
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2012 Hyundai Genesis:
Brake hydraulic control module failure
On October 28, 2013, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect in the braking system of approximately 43,500 model year (MY) 2009 through 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedans (NHTSA Recall No.
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando.
What 2012 Hyundai Genesis owners say
Engine & cooling all 73 →
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to start and made a continuous clicking sound before starting. Additionally, while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the ABS, and traction control warning lights were illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a drained battery. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a faulty tensioner. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with an unknown failure. The mechanic stated that there was no available fix for the vehicle and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact shifted into park(P) and pressed the Push to Start button, and the vehicle restarted. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that an OBD scanner was unable to retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes for the failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The contact is requesting to be contacted via telephone in reference to this inquiry.
Brakes all 65 →
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that vehicle was taken to the dealer to be serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V489000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, days later the contact stated that while driving the brake pedal was depressed and felt spongy while the vehicle was coming to a stop. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the brake rotors were replaced on the vehicle. The contact stated that failure reoccurred approximately 25,000 miles later; however, the vehicle was not taken back to dealer for diagnosis to be repaired. The contact stated that at 35,666 miles, the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where he was informed that the front brakes needed to be replaced. Additionally, an abnormal noise was heard coming from the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. …
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to immediately stop. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the brake booster and brake master cylinder. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V489000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) but the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 22,000.
Electrical system all 49 →
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact shifted into park(P) and pressed the Push to Start button, and the vehicle restarted. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that an OBD scanner was unable to retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes for the failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The contact is requesting to be contacted via telephone in reference to this inquiry.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, shut off but was able to coast off the highway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electronic computer motherboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on backorder. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
2012 Hyundai Genesis engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 21 / 30 / 24 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 29 / 23 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 28 / 22 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 27 / 20 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Hyundai Genesis a good car?
Based on 271 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Genesis rates use caution: 1.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the Genesis at the same age. It is one of the Genesis years we suggest avoiding. 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 Genesis?
The engine & cooling — 73 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (65) and electrical system (49).
How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Genesis have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Genesis, the most recent from July 25, 2024 (interlock/lockout). 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 Genesis?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014 and 2016. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2015, 2012 and 2009. See the full Hyundai Genesis years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Hyundai Genesis problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 56,000 miles; 44% 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.