Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. -the headlights went out.. 15 feb 2014, 5 June 2015, 30 aug 2019. -lost of head lights for 15-20 seconds or longer -unknown cause 1st timer replaced computer chip in a computer chip. Second time replaced multi function switch, n/c repair request. The contact stated that when attempting to turn right (traveling approximately 5 MPH ) the lights went out, then 20 seconds after they came back. Also stated that the vehicle was repaired in February 2014 by the dealer davis Hyundai, 1655 n olden ave, trenton, nj 08638 for the same failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000.
What is likely a faulty turn signal stalk causes the vehicle's headlights to either flicker, shut off or flash the high beams regardless if it is stationary or in motion. It manifests itself in various ways; the most recent being on a 5 hour interstate trip. When signaling to change lanes, the high beams would flash which would in turn disturb drivers in front of me. Other times, the lights have flickered and/or turned off entirely for a brief period of time hindering night time visibility. For further reference, I will provide a link to an owner's online forum which discusses other individual's problems like this: http://genesisowners.com/Hyundai-Genesis-forum/showthread.php?t=12504&page=4
Since I bought this car when I use the turn signals at night, my headlights would turn off a second or two. Also I've noticed a slightest movement or pressure on the turn signal stalk can caused the headlights to flicker. This events occurred randomly, around few times a week, but still causing a hazardous driving condition at night when the headlights are completely off for few seconds. This even occurred randomly when the turn signal stalk is used whether the car is moving or parking. I believed there is a problem with the light on/off & turn signal stalk design that causing the headlights to go off and/or flickering randomly when using the turn signal.
The headlights randomly turn off when the headlight switch is in the "on" position. This problem has occurred when the car is in motion at various speeds from residential street to freeway, while turning or going straight as well as when it is stationary. After the problem has occurred, touching or moving the turn signal stalk will usually cause the headlights to come back on. The problem has never occurred when the switch is in the "auto" position. The problem has occurred many times but is hard to replicate on demand. It is happening with more frequency now. The Hyundai dealer will not fix the problem because they can not duplicate it on demand.
When the headlight switch is in the on position, as opposed to auto, the headlights May occasionally flicker. This problem is exacerbated by using the turn signals. Sometimes the headlights turn off completely when the turn signal is activated and I have to move the turn signal stalk until the lights come back on. Again, this doesn't happen when the headlights are in auto. It's mostly noticeable in the rain when the headlights don't come on automatically and I have to turn them on manually. I first noticed the issue in 2015 when the vehicle was about 3 years old.
With low beam headlights on while driving, activating the turn signal will turn on high beam headlights or cause the low beams to turn off intermittently (about half of turn signal operations). Lightly touching or tapping the light stalk will have the same effect. On occasion, the headlights will cease functioning on low beam with no driver activity. This problem has been occurring for the past 3 months. Other Genesis owners have reported the same problem on the Hyundai Genesis owners website. I have stopped driving the car at night.
I purchased the car in January 2017 after 2 months of having the car the windows would not go up. I would have to wait hours for it to start back working. The suspension was low for a few weeks then it would slowly come back up. Basically my whole car has electrical problems back up camera goes black, the odometer has dead pixels, car extremely sluggish, the car shakes and kills alot. Also when I turn the heated seats on it turns off within 2 minutes. It is so much the car is doing to say this car has a clean carfax.
Headlights turn off when turn signal is used at night. When making right turn last week at night used right turn signal approximately 100 ft prior to turning. Front lights went out and car turning in front of me almost hit me because they couldn't see me because my lights were off. Other Hyundai Genesis owners report the same problem. Dealer unable to diagnose problem. Headlights flicker when turn signal is used
When turning right, headlights in 'on' position and turn indicators functioning headlights flickered then went out for a period of 2-3 seconds once turn signals returned to neutral position. Have experienced same failure several times since initial. Dealer could not duplicate problem and refused to repair. Other Genesis drivers reporting same failure - some have had turn signal stalk replaced under warranty.
The tail lights get filled with water/condensation. I had one replaced under warranty but at 60,000 miles it's no longer covered and both lights are having the same problem again. It's a very common problem with Genesis coupes of all years. The owner forums are filled with people having the same problem.
Headlight complaints in other Genesis years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2012 Hyundai Genesis?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the lights of the 2012 Hyundai Genesis, 9% of the model year's 271 complaints. The component named most often is turn signal (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Hyundai Genesis headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 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.