2012 Hyundai Genesis Problems

Notable Issues

Shopping for a used 2012 Hyundai Genesis? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 268 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.

20118 years2013

Before you buy

This 2012 Hyundai Genesis has 268 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Engine Problems.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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268
Complaints
8
Crashes
1
Fires
5
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
2
Recalls

2012 Hyundai Genesis Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2012 Hyundai Genesis trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

17
MPG City
16–21 range
26
MPG Hwy
25–30 range
20
MPG Combined
19–24 range
444
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $4,500 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.

2012 Hyundai Genesis Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β€” showing 2012 Hyundai Genesis 4 DR RWD

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

9.5% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

5/5

9.5% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Hyundai Genesis has 268 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.

2012 Hyundai Genesis β€” key reliability facts
Make
Hyundai
Model
Genesis
Model year
2012
NHTSA owner complaints
268
Crash-related complaints
8
Safety recall campaigns
2
Top reported component
Engine Problems
Reliability signal
Notable Issues
EPA MPG combined
20
EPA MPG city / highway
17 / 26
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA rollover rating
5/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2012 Hyundai Genesis problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
72
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:1
Fires:1
Injuries:2
#2
64
complaints

Brake System

Crash-related:2
#3
49
complaints

Electrical Faults

Injuries:1

Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Brake System, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2012 Hyundai Genesis?

The 2012 Hyundai Genesis shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.

Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2012 Hyundai Genesis

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect the engine for any signs of problems, such as unusual noises or warning lights.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for brake system and electrical repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain before purchase.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect the engine for any signs of problems, such as unusual noises or warning lights.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for brake system and electrical repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and drivetrain before purchase.

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2012 Hyundai Genesis, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Based on 268 NHTSA complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Genesis, issues are concentrated in the engine, brake system, and electrical components. Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 8, but the overall confidence in this data is low due to limited model-year coverage.

Key Findings
  • Engine Problems account for the highest number of complaints at 72.
  • Brake System issues are the second most reported component with 64 complaints.
  • Electrical Faults total 49 complaints, indicating a recurring theme.
  • Transmission/Drivetrain complaints number 39, suggesting potential driveline concerns.
Top Concerns
  • Engine Problems
  • Brake System
  • Electrical Faults
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The dataset covers only one model year (2012), limiting generalizability. Confidence level is Low, meaning patterns may not be statistically robust.

Full breakdown

All 2012 Hyundai Genesis complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Hyundai Genesis. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems7211β€”
Brake System642β€”β€”
Electrical Faults49β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain39β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues341β€”β€”
Hydraulic331β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures25β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects15β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration141β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System10β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper9β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions84β€”β€”
Suspension Failures8β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues61β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues41β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues4β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)3β€”β€”β€”
Visibility2β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems21β€”β€”
Tire Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB1β€”β€”β€”
Parking-Brake Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System1β€”β€”β€”
Other1β€”β€”β€”
Equipment1β€”β€”β€”
Back Over Prevention1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Hyundai Genesis. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 268 most recent complaints

Brake SystemFeb 6, 2026

I am submitting this letter as a formal safety defect complaint regarding my 2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 sedan, which is experiencing braking system behavior that directly mirrors the defect described in Hyundai Recall Campaign 114 (NHTSA Campaign 13V489000), despite my vehicle not …

Brake SystemJan 31, 2026

Brake line on driver rear rusted and leaking above brake hose. Cannot drive vehicle safely with this leak. Would leak brake fluid each time I step on brake pedal. Problem magnified when car is on and brake booster is working. Vehicle not at dealer or mechanic yet, but link to vi…

Airbag Malfunctions CrashMay 6, 2025

The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, she collided with another vehicle on the front driver's side. No air bags deployed. BM Automotive towed the vehicle, then the vehicle was towed to her local dealership. The contac…

VisibilityFeb 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact had engaged the windshield wipers during a light rainstorm and noticed that the intermittent wiper function was not working as designed. The contact stated that gradually the wiper speeds were no longer functional, and only the…

Engine Problems FireNov 8, 2024

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 t…

Engine ProblemsNov 8, 2024

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 …

Transmission / DrivetrainJul 28, 2024

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…

Uncategorized IssuesJun 1, 2024

Sep 22, 2023 Manufacturer Recall Number251 NHTSA Recall Number23V651000 Recall Status: Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available June, 2024 It has been 10 months since an alert from Hyundai to park this vehicle outside due to chance of fire. I need this car repaired or repurch…

Electrical FaultsMay 2, 2024

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 w…

Electrical FaultsApr 9, 2024

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 diag…

Engine ProblemsApr 4, 2024

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 wa…

Brake SystemMar 19, 2024

Re: [XXX] It has been 6 months since a recall notice was sent indicating: FIRE RISK WHEN PARKED As of 3/9/2024, the recall is still marked: REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE This is unacceptable. What are my options to get this resolved immediately? [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED …

Electrical FaultsMar 10, 2024

recall from 2014 under Hyundai genesis BH over brake corrosion and leading to HECU /electrical / wheel stability/electrical wire problems /fire Also immobilizer and safety I now have no dash or steering wheel controls Believe car was broken into shows signs of elapsed time/…

Brake SystemJan 26, 2024

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 …

Electrical FaultsJan 14, 2024

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 …

Tire IssuesNov 17, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, an abnormal fuel odor was coming from the vehicle with heavy smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the tire pressure and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle…

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 15, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with transmission fail…

Engine ProblemsNov 13, 2023

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

Transmission / DrivetrainSep 21, 2023

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. …

Electrical FaultsAug 29, 2023

Driver's side passenger door lock does not electronically function--either by key fob or by driver's control. Passenger door must be manually locked and unlocked. This defect was present from time car was purchased new but was only discovered after car was out-of-warranty since p…

Page 1 of 14

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Hyundai Genesis.

Safety recalls

2012 Hyundai Genesis recalls

2 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Hyundai Genesis. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

#16V117000VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR29/02/2016
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

#13V489000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID29/10/2013

Across model years

Compare Hyundai Genesis model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2012 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2012 Hyundai Genesis buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2012 Hyundai Genesis reliable?β–Ύ

Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 268 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 Hyundai Genesis shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Genesis?β–Ύ

#1: Engine Problems (72 complaints). #2: Brake System (64 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (49 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Hyundai Genesis?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2012 Hyundai Genesis?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Hyundai Genesis, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 268 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2012 Hyundai Genesis have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Hyundai Genesis. A major recall area is VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2012 Hyundai Genesis?β–Ύ

The 2012 Hyundai Genesis shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Hyundai Genesis reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2012 Hyundai Genesis based on your ownership experience.

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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.