Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Hyundai Genesis owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, and to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that while driving, attempting to slow down, or making turns at approximately 10 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but they were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
These cars has some serious engine issues they are literally defective I've had 5 different engines installed in my car I keep the maintenance up on my car but its still no luck with the engines I've risked my life from almost having accidents due to engine failure I have proof that these calls have been engines and I honestly feel like it's a serious issue that needs to be adjusted
I bought the car new, it has 39k miles on it. 5k miles ago while repairing the water pump under the 10 year powertrain warranty, I reported to the dealership the engine was making bad knocking/grinding sounds at startup and the oil consumption was high. The dealership dismissed this as "normal" for this car. 2 weeks ago the engine seized up without warning, no loss of power or harshness, no engine check light or low pressure warning. I had just left the I15 in rush hour traffic traveling at 70mph. The starter could barely turn the engine, I thought it was a flat battery. After some time I managed to restart the engine that now sounded like a machine gun and limp a few miles home. I tried replacing the oil, which I do on a regular basis, and it contained metal fragments. The warranty expired in Dec 21 but I still contacted the dealership. …
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound emanating from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred a week later. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic, who again diagnosed a failure with the engine and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred three additional times. …
Submitted complaint of unsafe fumes /gas smells emitting from engine and into cabin of car to site on 10/23/2023 for my vin the complaint I see is under Tires This should be under engine I said nothing about tires it's a 2012 Hyundai Genesis BH 4 door sedan battery wasn't holding charge engine idles high and low poor gas mileage and sluggish brake light always on even after repair
Car shuts off while driving for no reason. Happens last time on the beltway. No check engine light or warning that it will cut off. Doesn't happen at the mechanics. No one knows why it happens. I see this is an ongoing issue for Genesis
Engine complaints in other Genesis years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2012 Hyundai Genesis?
NHTSA has 73 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2012 Hyundai Genesis, 27% of the model year's 271 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Hyundai Genesis engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2012 Hyundai Genesis, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Hyundai Genesis engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 3 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.