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.
What the fix does
This page covers 4 recalls, 200 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 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 5 tested variants for this model year.
For the 2013 Hyundai Genesis, engine and brake complaints make up the bulk of what owners report. On the engine side, the most commonly described issue is internal engine failure, owners frequently report rod knock and connecting rod bearing failure, often leading to significant engine damage. Brake complaints center on inconsistent pedal behavior: owners describe situations where the pedal responds normally on some stops but requires an unusually long press before the brakes engage on others. This intermittency is a recurring theme across multiple reports. A smaller number of owners report warning lights for ABS and electronic stability control activating without stored diagnostic codes, making the root cause difficult to pin down. There are also isolated reports of engine compartment fires in parked, non-running vehicles, though these represent a small fraction of the complaint set compared to the engine mechanical and brake pedal issues.
200
Total Complaints
15
Crash-Related
7
Fire-Related
7
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Hyundai Genesis has 4 recalls, the most serious including a fire risk traced to the ABS control module, which can ignite in the engine compartment while the car is parked or being driven.
On the drivetrain side, manual transmission models may have a rear differential that was not properly aligned during assembly, causing its mounting bolts to loosen over time. If the differential shifts out of position, the driveshaft can disconnect and the car loses power to the rear wheels. There is also an ignition interlock concern: a return spring inside the ignition lock switch can fracture, removing the safeguard that prevents the engine from starting while the transmission is in gear, which can cause the car to lurch forward or backward unexpectedly. The fourth recall involves the passenger seat sensor that tells the airbag system whether an adult is seated. The connector for that sensor can pull loose when the seat is adjusted, and if it disconnects, the airbag defaults to a reduced deployment in a crash rather than the full two-stage inflation an adult occupant would need.
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
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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 →
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 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
During assembly, the differential and rear suspension crossmember may not align properly, causing the bolts that secure the differential to loosen.
What the fix does
Dealers will verify that the differential is properly assembled at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.