Hyundai Equus
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History
6 model years analyzed (2011–2016). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database — the same data used by federal regulators.
Checking a specific Hyundai Equus? Run a VIN check for its exact history.
⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
AI Interpretation
Medium ConfidenceAverageNHTSA complaint data for the 2011–2016 Hyundai Equus shows 92 total complaints, with suspension, service brakes, and electrical system being the most frequently reported components. The 2014 model year accounts for the highest number of complaints, while 2012 has the fewest. Crash-related complaints are low at 4, and there have been 6 recalls.
- Suspension is the top complaint component with 24 complaints.
- Service brakes account for 16 complaints.
- The 2014 model year has the most complaints (36), while 2012 has the fewest (5).
- Suspension issues are the most common complaint.
- Service brake problems are the second most reported.
- Electrical system concerns are also notable.
The 2014 model year has the highest complaint count (36), driven largely by suspension and brake issues.
The 2012 model year has the fewest complaints (5), suggesting potentially better reliability, though data is limited.
- Inspect suspension components for wear or noise.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
6 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Safety Recall
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2011–2016. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 92 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
92 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Tilt/telescopic functions just stopped working. Replaced switch, and module and still not working. Dealer now wants $10k for a new dash wiring harnesses. Found TSB for similar issue on sister vehicle (Genesis). Not sure if that needs to be expanded to this vehicle.
ABS light is on and diagnosed needs replaced shortly after purchased the car November 2022, and is ongoing and currently an issue 4/5/24. The original ABS began to go out, would have to pump the brakes to stop and would not always catch. I have concerns this would be closely related to your current recall and believe the 2013 Equus be considered for inclusion in this risk. [XXX] recalls?nhtsaId=23V651000 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When I press my brakes sometime I have to pump the pedal.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 HYUNDAI EQUUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AT A STOP, A UNKNOWN TOYOTA CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE SPLEEN AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT TOW LOT. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS.*DT*DT*JB*JB
I WAS DRIVING ON I-85 S FROM NORTH CAROLINA WHEN SUDDENLY MY CAR STARTS TO FEEL LIKE IT WAS DRAGGING. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE FOR A FEW MORE EXITS TO SEE IF IT WOULD STOP. I GOT OFF AFTER FOUR EXITS, TURNED OFF THE CAR, AND CHECKED THE TIRES. NOTHING APPEARED WRONG. I WAITED SEVERAL MINUTES AND I STILL COULD NOT DETERMINE A PROBLEM SO, I RETURNED TO I-85 S. THE PROBLEM HAD STOPPED. SEVERAL DAYS LATER, THE PROBLEM RETURNED. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN SUDDENLY THE DRAGGING FEEL BEGAN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD TO RETURN WHEN/IF THE PROBLEM RE-OCCURRED. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CAR IN THE CITY BUT PERIODICALLY IT WOULD FEEL LOPSIDED AND IT WOULD DRAG. ONCE I TURNED THE CAR OFF, IT WOULD RESET ITSELF AND STOP DRAGGING AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES WHICH TURNED INTO SEVERAL HOURS. ONE DAY, IT FELT SO LOPSIDED, I GOT OUT AND LOOKED AT IT AGAIN. THIS TIME, I NOTICED THE BACK WAS ALMOST SITTING ON THE TIRE. I DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP.THE SERVICE MAN SAW THE PROBLEM BUT BY THE TIME HE PULLED INTO A STALL, THE PROBLEM HAD FIXED ITSELF. I WAS TOLD THERE ARE OFTEN PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT AIR SPRINGS BUT THEY HAD NOT SEEN THIS PROBLEM IN THE REAR OF THE CAR. SINCE THE BODY OF THE CAR WAS BASICALLY SITTING ON THE TIRE, THE TIRE COULD HAVE BECOME FLAT OR STOPPED CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.
SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR I HAVE EXPERIENCED HESITATION AT TIMES WHEN I STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR. THE CAR DOESN'T RESPOND FOR 1-2 SECONDS AND I HAVE TO HIT THE ACCELERATOR VERY HARD TO MAKE IT CATCH AND MOVE FORWARD. IT IS INTERMITTENT BUT WHEN I AM TRYING TO GET INTO TRAFFIC IT IS VERY SCARY. I HAVE COMPLAINED NUMEROUS TIMES BUT HAVE RECEIVED NO CORRECTIVE ACTION AND THE CAR CONTINUES TO HESITATE.
.WE HAVE HAD 3 BLOWOUTS ,ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS.THE TIRES ARE CONTINENTAL ,275/40/19.THE FIRST ONE WAS IN,NEW JERSEY,DRIVING AT APPROX 35-40MPH,APPROX WITH10K WEAR ONTHE TIRE.TIRE WAS REPLACED AT BRAD BENSON RTE 1,NJ.THE SECOND BLOWOUT WAS IN MAY 2015 WITH ABOUT 20K ONTHE TIRE IN MIAMI,FL,SPEED 35MPH..TIRE WAS RELACED AT DEL RAY HYUNDAI RTE 1FL.THE THIRD BLOWOUT WAS IN MARYLAND ON I95 ,SEPT 18,2015,WITH 23K WEAR ON THE TIRE.APPROX SPEED 70-75MPH.TIRE WAS REPLACED,AT BEL AIR HYUNDAI MD.THE MGR MALCOLM DUNCAN,TEL.NO.410-838-0222 AT BEL AIR HAS TAKEN PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE TO THE TIRE.HE WOULD WELCOME AN INQUIRYAS TO WHY THIS TIRE FAILED.IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE TIRE THEY HAD TO CUT THE TIRE BY HAND OFF THE WHEEL.ON EACH OCCASION WE DID NOT HIT ANY DEBRIS.I HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI,EQUUS,ON EACH OCCASION, ABOUT THESE INCIDENTS ,SO THAT THEY MIGHT RECONSIDER USING THESE TIRES ON THEIR CARS.I I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED CONTINENTAL TIRE ,INFORMING THEM OF THE INCIDENTS.I WAS MET BY TOTAL COMPLACENCY,ABOUT THE INCIDENTS.ON EACH OCCASION THEY OFFERED ME MILEAGE ADJUSTMENT TOWARDS A NEW TIRE.I AM HAVING THE FOURTH TIRE REPLACED ON SEPT30,AS I NO LONGER TRUST THESE TIRES.I THINK THAT THEIR SHOULD BE SOME INVESTIGATION AS TO WHY THESE TIRES FAILED,AT VARIOUS TIMES AND SPEEDS.THESE TIRES WERE ALL ORIGINAL TIRES FROM HYUNDAI.
I WOULD LIKE THIS EMAIL FORWARDED TO THE CEO OF HYUNDAI USA OR WHO EVER CAN HELP A CUSTOMER WHO HAS PURCHASED AN EQUUS. I REFUSE TO SPEAK WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE AS THEY ARE TOTALLY USELESS AND DON'T UNDERSTAND MY CONCERNS. MY CAR HAS BEEN AT THE KEIFFER HYUNDAI SHOP FOR NOW GOING ON 5 MONTHS. TO THIS DAY YOU HAVE SPENT OVER $30,000.00 ON PARTS AND LABOR ON MY CAR AND YET TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS GOING ON. MY QUESTIONS IS - ARE YOU USING MY CAR AS A TEST BED IF SO THEN WHY AM I PAYING $575.00 PER MONTH LOAN ON MY CAR WHEN YOU SHOULD BE DOING THAT. THE SERVICE DEPT. MANAGER IS ALSO VERY FRUSTRATED IN HOW YOU ARE HANDLING THIS. IF I GOT AN EQUUS TO DRIVE WHILE YOU ARE FIXING MINE THEN I WOULD NOT BE COMPLAINING - BUT I HAVE HAD EVERYTHING EXCEPT THAT - ELANTRA AND SANTA FE. I HAVE ASKED YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE TO HELP BUY BACK MY CAR AND THEY REFUSE. I HAVE ASKED TO EXCHANGED MY CAR AND THEY ALSO REFUSED. WHAT IS NEXT??? WHEN WILL I GET MY CAR BACK??? HOW LONG IS TOO LONG WHEN IT COMES TO CUSTOMER NOT HAVING THEIR CAR. IF I HAD A CHANCE I REPORT THIS ALL OVER. I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN LIMA, OH THEREFORE IT WAS CHECKED OUT ... WHY DID A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP SELL ME A LEMON??? *TR
CAR UNRESPONSIVE TO INPUTS FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. MULTIPLE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS - VSM OFF, DSC, EPB, PSB, AIRBAG, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS; VEHICLE STILL RUNNING. THE FIRST INSTANCE OCCURRED ON A FREEWAY FEEDER ROAD WHILE GOING 45MPH; CAR WAS UNRESPONSIVE TO ANY INPUTS FROM THE ACCELERATOR FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS, SIMPLY ACTING AS IF THERE WERE NO THROTTLE INPUTS. TURNING TO HEAD HOME IMMEDIATELY, THE VEHICLE RESPONDED SIMILARLY WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET; IT BEGAN COASTING AND ANY THROTTLE APPLICATION RESULTED IN NO ACCELERATION. CAR LIMPED HOME AND PARKED FOR DEALERSHIP TOW TRUCK. *TR
TEST DRIVE BEFORE PURCHASING WAS STOPPED AFTER A 1/4 OF MILE BECAUSE OF HEAVY FRONT END SHAKING. DEALERSHIP CHANGED TIRES SAYING THAT WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. SINCE THEN IT HAS ALSO FIXED FRONT END ALIGNMENT TWICE, CHANGED THE DRIVESHAFT AND TWO REAR AXLES. VEHICLE STILL SHAKES. VEHICLE IS PERILOUS TO DRIVE ON BUMPY SURFACES WHEN DRIVER HAS DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING FRONT END. *TR
Airbag suspension bags keep unable
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Equus. The contact stated that the front shocks were previously replaced under an unknown recall. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced rear suspension failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the rear springs were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, where the rear springs were replaced a second time; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving on an uneven road surface, the vehicle was bouncing, and felt like the wheels were rubbing the front and rear wheel wells. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Equus. The contact stated there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the rod bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Equus. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled however, the driver was able to pull to the side of the road where the vehicle lost motive and was unable to be restarted. The contact stated that he was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who advised that they would attempt to restart the electronic computer module (ECM). The repair was successful however, the contact stated that the independent mechanic advised him that the failure could recur and that the vehicle should be taken to the dealer. The contact stated that the failure recurred without warning. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer. The failure was diagnosed that the ECM had malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The ECM was replaced by a module from another vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle had been at the dealer since July of 2021 as the replacement part was on back order. The contact stated that the dealer informed him that other issues were found with the vehicle and the contact was awaiting a call from the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Equus. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, the front end of the vehicle would lower to the ground without warning. Each time the failure occurred, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where it was repaired; however, the failure would return soon after repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Clock spring malfunction.
THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALMOST TO THE FLOOR WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. I DO NOT HAVE MUCH BRAKING AND I HAVE CHANGED THE BRAKE PADS (FRONT/REAR) AND BLED THE BRAKES AND IT DID NOT HELP. I HAVE READ THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU) AND THE PART IS COVERED UNDER RECALL FOR THE 2011 HYUNDAI GENESIS (RECALL 13V489000). SINCE IT IS THE SAME PART THAT IS USED ON THE 2011 GENESIS, DOES THE RECALL COVER THE EQUUS WHICH IS THE SAME CAR.
MALFUNCTION OF SUSPENSION AND NO DEALERSHIP CAN RESET. WE BEEN TO MERIDIAN AND HATTIESBURG DEALERSHIP AND EITHER THE EQUIPMENT WAS NOT WORKING OR HAVE THE PROPER TOOLS TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. ALWAYS TRIED TO SELL US ANOTHER VEHICLE. YOU
SIMILAR COMPLAINT AS NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11058378. THE FRONT END DROPPED TO THE GROUND AND THE ESC INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. NOTED THAT THE FRONT AIR-STRUTS WERE TO BE REPLACED. REPLACED THEM IN OCTOBER 2018. HOWEVER IN MARCH 2019, THE TOTAL CAR HAS DROPPED LOWER THAN EARLIER. THIS WHILE SITTING. TRIED TO RESTART CAR TO SEE IF ALL SYSTEMS WOULD RESET, BUT TO NO AVAIL. TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AROUND.
CAR BRAKES FAILED TO SLOW CAR IN EMERGENCY TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY, BRAKES WERE WORKING FINE THEN THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOD AND ALMOST HIT THE CAR AHEAD. REAR BRAKES WERE NEW, REPLACED FRONT PADS, BUT BRAKE PEDAL STILL GOES TO THE FLOOR. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR GENESIS HCU , WHICH HAS THE SAME PART AS THIS CAR, THE COST OF REPAIR IS $3000. THE CAR HAS 39000 MILES , I BELIEVE THE CAR HAS A DEFECTIVE HCU, SIMILAR TO THE SISTER CAR THE GENISIS WHICH WAS RECALLED. IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, THE REPAIR COST IS ENORMOUS AND FORCES PEOPLE TO KEEP DRIVING WITH DEFECTIVE BRAKES. DRIVING WITHOUT NEEDING TO STOP SUDDENLY THE CAR WORKS FINE. ONLY WHEN TRAFFIC STOPS SUDDENLY DO YOU NOTICE THE NEED TO PUT THE FOOT TO THE FLOOR , AND IT TAKES 100 EXTRA FEET TO STOP. THIS IS AFTER REPLACING ALL PADS AND HAVING THE SYSTEM CHECKED. AT THE BRAKE SHOP. I DRIVE LESS THAN 500 MILES A MONTH AND HAVE HAD 2 NEAR ACCIDENTS.
Showing 20 of 92 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check a Specific Hyundai Equus
This page shows fleet averages across all 6 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.
📖 Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Hyundai Equus has 92 complaints on record across 6 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Hyundai Equus has 6 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 4 of the Hyundai Equus's 92 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the AI Rating Calculated?
The AI reliability rating (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision — always verify with a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Hyundai Equus vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Hyundai Equus vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Hyundai Equus has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.