NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
A spring inside the ignition lock switch can break, potentially allowing the vehicle to move unexpectedly when started in gear without the parking brake engaged.
This page covers 4 recalls, 156 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Hyundai Genesis.
19–24 mpg combined
9.8–12.4 L/100km
Subcompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 6 tested variants for this model year.
Brake complaints dominate the 2010 Hyundai Genesis owner reports, with a significant number of drivers describing sudden, complete loss of braking while driving. The most common pattern is a brake pedal that drops to the floor with little or no stopping force, and multiple owners point to the brake booster as the diagnosed component. Powertrain complaints are the second-most reported area, covering engine stalls, loss of power under normal driving conditions, and in some cases outright engine failure, including at least one cluster of reports describing the 2.0T engine seizing or failing during regular operation. Exterior lighting rounds out the top three reported systems, with owners describing failures in tail lamps and other exterior lights, including water intrusion in the lens housings. The brake booster failure pattern is the most consistently described issue across this model year.
156
Total Complaints
14
Crash-Related
9
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Hyundai Genesis has 4 recalls, the most serious involving a fractured return spring in the ignition lock switch that can allow the vehicle to start while in gear, causing unintended movement and raising the risk of a crash.
On the braking side, two separate concerns affect this vehicle. Brake fluid in certain vehicles may not adequately protect the hydraulic electronic control unit from corrosion, which can cause that module to degrade and reduce overall brake effectiveness. There is also a brake light switch that can fail, leaving the brake lights dark when the driver presses the pedal and preventing cruise control from disengaging when it should — both of which can reduce the warning other drivers have that the vehicle is slowing. The fourth recall involves the passenger seat sensor that determines how forcefully the front airbag deploys. A connector in that sensor's wiring harness can come loose when the seat is slid forward or back, and if the connector is disconnected at the time of a crash, the airbag will default to a reduced first-stage deployment, which may not provide adequate protection for a full-size adult occupant.
At a glance
What can fail
A spring inside the ignition lock switch can break, potentially allowing the vehicle to move unexpectedly when started in gear without the parking brake engaged.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the ignition lock switch at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical connector for the front passenger seat's occupant detection system may come loose when the seat is moved, potentially disconnecting.
What the fix does
Dealers will secure the connector to prevent it from disconnecting. Parts are currently unavailable; a follow-up letter will notify owners when they arrive.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid in these vehicles may not adequately protect the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit from corrosion, potentially causing it to malfunction.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the HECU module, replace it if needed, and replace the factory brake fluid if not previously replaced. Service is free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The stop lamp switch may malfunction, causing brake lights to not illuminate when braking, preventing cruise control deactivation, causing intermittent push-button start operation, affecting brake transmission shift interlock, or triggering the Electronic Stability Control warning light.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.