This page covers 6 recalls, 268 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 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 7 tested variants for this model year.
For the 2012 Hyundai Genesis, engine and brake complaints make up the bulk of what owners report. On the engine side, owners frequently describe sudden loss of power while driving, difficulty or failure to restart, and abnormal noises from the engine compartment preceding complete failure, sometimes with no warning lights beforehand. A subset of owners report repeated engine replacements, suggesting the failures recur rather than resolve cleanly. Brake complaints center heavily on corroded rear brake lines that crack or leak, causing brake fluid loss during normal pedal use; owners describe the problem as progressive and note it worsens under pressure from the brake booster. Powertrain complaints overlap with the engine category, generally involving loss of drive. A smaller number of owners mention airbags not deploying in collisions and intermittent wiper function failing over time, though those appear at lower volume than the engine and brake patterns.
268
Total Complaints
8
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Hyundai Genesis has 6 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk tied to the anti-lock brake control module, which can ignite in the engine compartment while the vehicle is parked or in motion.
A separate brake concern involves corrosion inside the hydraulic brake control unit caused by inadequate brake fluid, which can reduce braking effectiveness. On the electrical side, a return spring in the ignition switch can fracture and allow the vehicle to move when started in gear without the parking brake applied. There is also a passenger airbag concern: the wiring connector for the front passenger seat sensor can pull loose when the seat is adjusted, causing the airbag to deploy at reduced force in a crash rather than the level appropriate for the occupant. Two related recalls cover the windshield wiper motor, where the cover seal can degrade over time and let moisture corrode the motor's circuit board, leaving the wipers inoperative in rain or snow.
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.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the ignition lock switch at no cost to you.
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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 →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Anti-Lock Brake System module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, potentially starting a fire in the engine compartment.
What the fix does
The ABS fuse will be replaced at no cost to restore normal brake system function.
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
The windshield wiper motor's cover seal can degrade over time, allowing moisture inside. This causes corrosion on the circuit board, which may make the wipers work intermittently or stop working.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the windshield wiper motor with a new, revised version.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The windshield wiper motor cover seal can degrade, allowing corrosion on the wiper motor's circuit board. This corrosion may cause the wipers to work intermittently or stop working entirely.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the wiper motor cover and seal at no cost to restore proper wiper function.
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.
