NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 270 owner complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Genesis. Most complaints involve engine (71) and electrical system (49). The EPA rates it 19–24 mpg combined.
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. The windshield wiper motor cover seal on the affected vehicles may degrade allowing corrosion on the wiper motor's circuit board. The corrosion can cause intermittent or total loss of wiper function.
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).
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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”
“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.”
“During normal driving conditions, the 8 speed automatic transmission will randomly hesitate to upshift from 2nd to 3rd and from 4th to 5th, causing an unpredictable loss of power. Symptoms will show up intermittently, and do not seem to be caused by certain events. This is unsafe because the unpredictability of the problem could cause power loss during moments where acceleration is needed to avoid an accident (moments which would otherwise be completely safe, i.e. merging onto a freeway, turning across incoming traffic, right turns into the direction of traffic, etc.) This problem already has a TSB issued by Hyundai. Problem has been reproduce by a technician. Component has been checked by a technician. There are no warning lights or other symptoms before failure.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genesis Coupe Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | $3,200 | 370 |
| Genesis Coupe Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | $3,350 | 386 |
| Genesis Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 22 | $2,850 | 404 |
| Genesis Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,850 | 444 |
| Genesis Coupe Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| Genesis Coupe Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| Genesis Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 19 | $4,050 | 468 |
| Genesis R-Spec Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 19 | $4,050 | 468 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 270 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (71), electrical system (49), power train (39). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2012 Hyundai Genesis at 19–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).