CarBrief

NHTSA has 271 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Hyundai Genesis[1], more than any other Genesis model year except 2015[2]. Engine and brake complaints lead the list, and the car has five recalls on file[3][4][2].

271owner complaints[1]
5recalls[2]
19–24MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 271 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Eight mention a crash, one a fire and six an injury. No deaths were reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component group, so the groups below add up to more than 271[1].

Component group Complaints Median mileage at failure
Engine[3] 73 60,200
Brakes[4] 65 68,712
Electrical system[6] 49 55,500
Power train[7] 39 52,500
Unknown or other[8] 34 65,348
Exterior lighting[9] 25 37,500
Steering[10] 15 65,000
Speed control[11] 14 35,728

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold. We also read a small sample of the complaint texts in the four largest groups. What follows describes that sample only.

Engine. In the sample of 12 engine complaints we read, 10 describe the engine stalling or the car losing power while driving[3]. In several of those complaints, the car restarted normally afterward[3]. Three say the dealer could not reproduce the problem[3]. The engine group includes 1 crash, 1 fire and 3 injuries[3].

Brakes. In the sample of 12 brake complaints we read, 11 describe a soft pedal, a pedal that sinks to the floor, or poor stopping[4]. Five of the 12 refer to a brake recall, and some owners were unsure whether their car was covered[4]. The brake group includes 2 crashes[4].

Electrical system. In the sample of 12 electrical complaints we read, four describe the headlights going out for a moment when the turn signal is used[6]. Four describe screen, camera or display trouble[6]. Four describe stalling or a shutdown[6].

Power train. In the sample of 12 power train complaints we read, six describe a sudden stall or loss of power[7]. Two describe a delay in power or shifting when speeding up or slowing down[7].

Recalls

NHTSA lists five recalls for the 2012 Genesis[2]. Some name only the Genesis Coupe or certain build dates, so confirm with a dealer whether a recall applies to your car.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on engine and body style. Annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG Fuel EPA annual fuel cost
Genesis, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd[17] 18 / 28 / 22 Regular $3,050
Genesis, 5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd[18] 17 / 25 / 20 Premium $4,100
Genesis, 4.6L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd[19] 16 / 25 / 19 Premium $4,350
Genesis R-Spec, 5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd[20] 16 / 25 / 19 Premium $4,350
Genesis Coupe, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd[5] 21 / 30 / 24 Premium $3,400
Genesis Coupe, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 5-spd[21] 20 / 29 / 23 Premium $3,550
Genesis Coupe, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd[22] 17 / 27 / 20 Regular $3,350
Genesis Coupe, 3.8L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd[23] 17 / 26 / 20 Regular $3,350

The 2.0L Coupe with the manual gearbox has the best combined rating at 24 MPG[5]. The 4.6L and R-Spec 5.0L versions have the lowest at 19 MPG and the highest estimated yearly fuel cost[19][20].

Safety ratings

Our data has NHTSA rollover ratings only. The 4-door rear-wheel-drive version earns 5 stars, with a rollover risk of 9.5%[24]. The 2-door rear-wheel-drive version also earns 5 stars, with a rollover risk of 8.2%[25].

Engine and size

EPA lists these horsepower ratings for the 2012 Genesis: 210 hp from the 2.0L 4-cylinder[26], 306 to 333 hp from the 3.8L 6-cylinder depending on version[27], 385 hp from the 4.6L 8-cylinder[28] and 429 hp from the 5.0L 8-cylinder[29].

Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
2-door coupe, 2.0T[30] 182 in 73 in 54 in 111 in 3,303 lb
2-door coupe, 3.8[31] 182 in 73 in 54 in 111 in 3,411 lb
4-door sedan, 3.8[32] 196 in 74 in 58 in 116 in 3,898 lb
4-door sedan, 4.6[33] 196 in 74 in 58 in 116 in 4,154 lb

How 2012 compares with other years

2009: 235 complaints, 3 recalls20092010: 156 complaints, 5 recalls20102011: 146 complaints, 6 recalls20112012: 271 complaints, 5 recalls27120122013: 200 complaints, 4 recalls20132014: 44 complaints, 3 recalls20142015: 306 complaints, 10 recalls20152016: 104 complaints, 6 recalls2016
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Genesis model year. The 2012 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20092353
20101565
20111466
20122715
20132004
2014443
201530610
20161046

Among the eight Genesis model years in NHTSA's records, 2012 has the second most complaints at 271[2]. Only 2015 is higher at 306[2]. The other years are 2009 with 235, 2013 with 200, 2010 with 156, 2011 with 146, 2016 with 104 and 2014 with 44[2].

For recalls, 2012 has 5[2]. That is fewer than 2015 with 10, and 2011 and 2016 with 6 each[2]. It matches 2010 at 5 and is above 2013 with 4, and 2009 and 2014 with 3 each[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat these as a rough guide[2].

Should you buy a used 2012 Genesis?

The 2012 Genesis has a heavy complaint record for its model line[1][2]. Engine and brake reports lead the list, and the samples we read describe stalling and a sinking brake pedal[3][4]. Those are reports, not proof of how a given car will behave. Before buying, confirm with a dealer which recalls apply, especially the brake fluid and control unit recall that covers cars built through March 28, 2012[16]. Fuel cost varies a lot by version, from $3,050 to $4,350 a year by EPA's estimate[17][19].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Genesis?
By complaint count, the engine leads with 73 complaints, followed by brakes with 65 and the electrical system with 49[3][4][6]. In the samples we read, engine complaints describe stalling and brake complaints describe a soft or sinking pedal[3][4].
How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Genesis have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls[2]. They cover the ignition lock switch, ABS module fire risk, passenger air bag sensor, wiper motor and brake fluid with the hydraulic control unit[12][13][14][15][16]. Some apply only to the Coupe or certain build dates, so confirm with a dealer which ones apply to your car.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Hyundai Genesis get?
EPA combined ratings run from 19 MPG for the 4.6L and R-Spec 5.0L to 24 MPG for the 2.0L Coupe with the manual gearbox[19][20][5]. The 3.8L Genesis is rated 22 MPG combined[17].
Is the 2012 Genesis a good year compared with other Genesis years?
It has the second highest complaint count of the eight years listed, 271 against 306 for 2015 and 44 for 2014[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so this is only a rough comparison.
Is the 2012 Hyundai Genesis safe in a rollover?
NHTSA gives it 5 stars for rollover[24][25]. Rollover risk is 9.5% for the 4-door and 8.2% for the 2-door[24][25].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 271 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Hyundai Genesis (8 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 6 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Hyundai Genesis model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. 73 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,200). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. 65 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,712). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. EPA rating for Genesis Coupe, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 30 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 49 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 39 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 34 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,348). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 25 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 15 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 14 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,728). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 24V562, filed July 25, 2024: Electrical System › Ignition › Interlock / Lockout. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 23V651, filed September 22, 2023: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit / Module . NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 16V722, filed October 7, 2016: Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 16V117, filed February 29, 2016: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Motor. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 13V489, filed October 29, 2013: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Fluid. NHTSA recall database
  17. EPA rating for Genesis, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Genesis, 5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Genesis, 4.6L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Genesis R-Spec, 5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Genesis Coupe, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 5-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 29 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Genesis Coupe, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 27 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Genesis Coupe, 3.8L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD: rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR RWD: rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 8.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. EPA Test Car List, 2012 Hyundai Genesis with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 210 hp. www.epa.gov
  27. EPA Test Car List, 2012 Hyundai Genesis with 3.8L 6-cylinder: rated 306 to 333 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  28. EPA Test Car List, 2012 Hyundai Genesis with 4.6L 8-cylinder: rated 385 hp. www.epa.gov
  29. EPA Test Car List, 2012 Hyundai Genesis with 5.0L 8-cylinder: rated 429 hp. www.epa.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GENESIS 2DR COUPE RWD 2.0T/2.0T PREMIUM/2.0T: length 182 in, width 73 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,303 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GENESIS 2DR COUPE RWD 3.8/3.8 GT: length 182 in, width 73 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,411 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GENESIS 4DR SEDAN RWD 3.8/3.8 PREMIUM/3.8 TEC: length 196 in, width 74 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 3,898 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GENESIS 4DR SEDAN RWD 4.6: length 196 in, width 74 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 4,154 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.