2012 HYUNDAI GENESIS — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

362

Owner Complaints

12 Crashes 1 Fire

2

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

24

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2012 HYUNDAI GENESIS

The 2012 HYUNDAI GENESIS has received a total of 362 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID. 24 technical service bulletins have been issued by Hyundai Motor America for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (68 complaints), Electrical System (49 complaints), and Power Train (38 complaints).

Recalls for the 2012 HYUNDAI GENESIS

NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 2012 HYUNDAI GENESIS, potentially affecting up to 62,200 vehicles.

Recall 16V117000 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

| 18,700 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: Inoperative wipers during inclement weather can decrease driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor cover and seal, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 140.

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Recall 13V489000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

| 43,500 vehicles affected

Defect: 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).

Consequence: If the module corrodes, reduced brake effectiveness may result, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners and instruct them to bring their vehicle to a dealer for service. Hyundai will inspect the HECU module for proper operation, and will replace the modules as necessary. Hyundai will replace the factory brake fluid in...

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Owner Complaints for the 2012 HYUNDAI GENESIS

362 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 HYUNDAI GENESIS. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Engine
Complaints: 68 1 Crash 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 49 1 Injury
Power Train
Complaints: 38 1 Injury
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 31 1 Crash
Service Brakes
Complaints: 27 1 Crash
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 23
Steering
Complaints: 15
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 13
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistelectriccontrol Module
Complaints: 11
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 10 1 Crash
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 9
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 9
Air Bags
Complaints: 8 4 Crashes 3 Injuries
Suspension
Complaints: 8
Wheels
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Seat Belts
Complaints: 4
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 3
Seats
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 3
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 2
Visibility
Complaints: 2
Back Over Preventionwarningsexternalpedestrian Alert
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 1
Equipment
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 1
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System
Complaints: 1
Parking Brake
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicbrake Fluid Low Warning Lamp
Complaints: 1
Structure
Complaints: 1
Structurebody
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11716198 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles
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 being included by VIN. Although excluded by VIN, the functional failure mode matches recalled vehicles, indicating the defect population may extend beyond the original VIN range. The vehicle exhibits the following symptoms: 1.Excessive and inconsistent brake pedal travel 2. Soft and spongy brake pedal feel 3. Highly variable brake biting point 4. Requirement to pump the brake pedal to obtain normal braking 5. Unpredictable brake engagement during normal driving These symptoms are intermittent and occur without warning, significantly increasing stopping distance and reducing driver confidence. The behavior is consistent with internal hydraulic or HECU malfunction, which the original recall attributes to corrosion caused by improper brake fluid formulation. I am particularly concerned because I am a disabled driver, and any reduction in braking reliability presents an elevated safety risk. Unpredictable brake response materially affects my ability to operate the vehicle safely and to respond to emergency conditions. While Hyundai has limited the recall to certain VIN ranges, Model Years Affected: 2009–2012 Hyundai Genesis sedans built April 30, 2008 – March 28, 2012. The braking behavior is functionally identical to recalled vehicles. This suggests the defect may not be limited to the originally identified production range and warrants further investigation. I respectfully request that NHTSA: 1. Review this complaint in the context of the existing recall 2. Evaluate whether the defect population should be expanded 3. Initiate further inquiry into VIN-excluded vehicles exhibiting identical symptoms 4. This issue represents a clear safety concern with potential for serious injury
#11714723 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles
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 video of driver rear brake line leaking on 1-31-2026: [XXX] Service Campaign 991 [XXX] ) was completed less than two years ago on Feb 19, 2024 (today is 1/31/2026). See note about "dealer will apply an anti-corrosion treatment to certain parts, and *replace the brake lines if necessary*" Not told about any rust, nor any parts replaced. Link to service campaign quote: [XXX] No warning lamps, messages, or symptoms of the problem. Assumed wheel liner covered brake line from salt. Vehicle is located in [XXX] and I suspect other brake lines are also rusted out. Would like manufacturer to replace all brake lines under warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11659300 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles Crash 1 Injury
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 contact stated that she sustained head and back injuries. The contact mentioned they informed her that she sustained whiplash as well. Medical attention was required. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The contact mentioned that the seat belt did retract during the impact. The contact stated that the failure was not diagnosed by a dealer or independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
#11640947 | VISIBILITY | | 150,000 miles
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 high-speed option was operable. The contact had taken the vehicle to the local dealer who diagnosed that the gasket around the wiper motor had failed, and that water had entered the wiper motor and determined that the wiper motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred; however, the contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer and was advised that the vehicle was no longer under warranty and had to be repaired out-of-pocket. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the gasket around the wiper motor had deteriorated, and water was leaking into the wiper motor's electrical circuits. The contact was advised by the mechanic that there was a recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V117000 (Visibility); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
#11624127 | ENGINE | | N/A miles Fire 1 Injury
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

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Safety Rating for the 2012 HYUNDAI GENESIS

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2012 HYUNDAI GENESIS in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2012 HYUNDAI GENESIS

Hyundai Motor America has issued 24 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2012 HYUNDAI GENESIS. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

22-GI-006G — EQUIPMENT

Effective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) sets a threshold for correcting load capacity information indicated on tire placards when the vehicle weight has been increased before retail sale. This limit is the lesser of 1.5% of the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or 100 pounds....

22-01-013H — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The brake fluid specifications labeled on the master cylinder reservoir cap and in the vehicle owner’s manual require revision to indicate DOT 4 brake fluid only. This bulletin describes the procedure to replace the master cylinder reservoir cap and apply a sticker to the owner’s manual with the revised brake...

19-AT-014H — POWER TRAIN

This bulletin provides a procedure to diagnose an 8-speed automatic transaxle with a harsh and/or delayed shift using GDS.

19-AT-007H — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

This bulletin provides a procedure to transfer oil pressure data to the TCU using GDS Mobile. This procedure is necessary to reduce the TCU learning time and improve the shift quality.

16-01-016 — VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

Recall 140 – 2012 Genesis Sedan (BH) and 2011 – 2013 Equus (VI) Windshield Wiper Motor Cover Replacement

5NP-Q7C2H-09 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH A COVER SEAL THAT COULD DEGRADE OVER TIME, EVENTUALLY CAUSING CORROSION ON THE WIPER MOTOR’S PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD. IF THE CORROSION PROGRESSES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR COULD EITHER FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY OR STOP FUNCTIONING. IF...

16-01-016 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR COVER REPLACEMENT (RECALL CAMPAIGN 140) Description: The subject vehicles are equipped with a windshield wiper motor which may have been manufactured with a cover seal that could degrade over time, eventually causing corrosion on the wiper motor’s printed circuit board. If the corrosion progresses, the windshield wiper...

14-AT-006-1 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

14-BE-011 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

14-AT-001 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

Showing 10 of 24 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2012 HYUNDAI GENESIS

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the HYUNDAI GENESIS

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Other HYUNDAI Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report