2011 Hyundai Equus Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 Hyundai Equus, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Suspension1134.4%
- Brakes721.9%
- Electrical412.5%
- Other / unspecified39.4%
- Engine26.3%
- Visibility13.1%
- Driver assistance13.1%
- Exterior lighting13.1%
- Steering13.1%
- Airbags13.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Airbag suspension bags keep unable
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Equus. The contact stated that the front shocks were previously replaced under an unknown recall. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced rear suspension failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the rear springs were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, where the rear springs were replaced a second time; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving on an uneven road surface, the vehicle was bouncing, and felt like the wheels were rubbing the front and rear wheel wells. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALMOST TO THE FLOOR WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. I DO NOT HAVE MUCH BRAKING AND I HAVE CHANGED THE BRAKE PADS (FRONT/REAR) AND BLED THE BRAKES AND IT DID NOT HELP. I HAVE READ THAT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU) AND THE PART IS COVERED UNDER RECALL FOR THE 2011 HYUNDAI GENESIS (RECALL 13V489000). SINCE IT IS THE SAME PART THAT IS USED ON THE 2011 GENESIS, DOES THE RECALL COVER THE EQUUS WHICH IS THE SAME CAR.
CAR BRAKES FAILED TO SLOW CAR IN EMERGENCY TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAY, BRAKES WERE WORKING FINE THEN THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOD AND ALMOST HIT THE CAR AHEAD. REAR BRAKES WERE NEW, REPLACED FRONT PADS, BUT BRAKE PEDAL STILL GOES TO THE FLOOR. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR GENESIS HCU , WHICH HAS THE SAME PART AS THIS CAR, THE COST OF REPAIR IS $3000. THE CAR HAS 39000 MILES , I BELIEVE THE CAR HAS A DEFECTIVE HCU, SIMILAR TO THE SISTER CAR THE GENISIS WHICH WAS RECALLED. IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, THE REPAIR COST IS ENORMOUS AND FORCES PEOPLE TO KEEP DRIVING WITH DEFECTIVE BRAKES. DRIVING WITHOUT NEEDING TO STOP SUDDENLY THE CAR WORKS FINE. ONLY WHEN TRAFFIC STOPS SUDDENLY DO YOU NOTICE THE NEED TO PUT THE FOOT TO THE FLOOR , AND IT TAKES 100 EXTRA FEET TO STOP. THIS IS AFTER REPLACING ALL PADS AND HAVING THE SYSTEM CHECKED. AT THE BRAKE SHOP. I DRIVE LESS THAN 500 MILES A MONTH AND HAVE HAD 2 NEAR ACCIDENTS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
MALFUNCTION OF SUSPENSION AND NO DEALERSHIP CAN RESET. WE BEEN TO MERIDIAN AND HATTIESBURG DEALERSHIP AND EITHER THE EQUIPMENT WAS NOT WORKING OR HAVE THE PROPER TOOLS TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. ALWAYS TRIED TO SELL US ANOTHER VEHICLE. YOU
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDIA EQUUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. WHEN THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED BROWNISH SOOT WITHIN THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AREA AND SEAT WERE BURNT. IN ADDITION, A SMALL PORTION OF THE CONSOLE MELTED. THERE WERE NO FLAMES VISIBLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE WHO STATED THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE AN INDEPENDENT INSPECTOR PERFORMED FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
AFTER SEVERAL FAILED ATTEMPTS TO FIND A SERVICE CENTER OR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO ADJUST MY ALIGNMENT, I FELT IT WAS NECESSARY TO FILE A COMPLAINT REGARDING MY CONCERNS ABOUT MY VEHICLE'S FRONT TIRE ALIGNMENT. MY MOST RECENT EXPERIENCE OCCURRED ON DECEMBER 14, 2016 AFTER GETTING A NEW SET OF TIRES FOR MY CAR. INCLUDED IN THE TIRE FITTING SERVICE WAS A WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK AND ADJUSTMENT. HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME I HAVE ENCOUNTERED ISSUES WITH A SERVICE CENTER SAYING THEY ARE UNABLE TO ADJUST MY FRONT CAMBER AND CASTOR ADJUSTMENTS BECAUSE THE "MANUFACTURER DOES NOT SPECIFY" WHAT THESE ALIGNMENTS SHOULD BE. PERHAPS THE STRANGEST PART ABOUT THIS IS THE FACT THAT THERE ARE SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE REAR WHEELS. I HAVE EVEN CONTACTED SEVERAL HYUNDAI AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIPS HERE IN INDIANAPOLIS AND THEY TOO INDICATE THEY ARE UNABLE TO MAKE THE PROPER ADJUSTMENTS. MY LAST RESORT WAS TO CONTACT HYUNDAI USA TECHNICAL SERVICE TO SEE IF THEY COULD OFFER ADVICE AND THEY'RE ONLY FEEDBACK WAS THAT I NEEDED TO VISIT A LOCAL AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR SUPPORT ..... FORTUNATELY, I HAVE NOT BEEN IN A LIFE-THREATENING SAFETY SITUATION DUE TO THIS DEFECT BUT WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO PROPERLY ADJUST THE ALIGNMENT MY TIRES WILL NEVER WEAR PROPORTIONATELY. THIS IS INCREDIBLY CONCERNING BECAUSE THE TREAD LIFE ON ANY TIRES I HAVE INSTALLED ON MY CAR CONTINUES I LESSEN. I FELT INCLINED TO REPORT THIS ISSUE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION BECAUSE I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT'S IMPACTING ALL HYUNDAI EQUUS OWNERS. IT IS ALSO CONCERNING THAT NO ONE SEEMS TO HAVE THE RIGHT ANSWER ON HOW TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ATTACHED YOU WILL FIND PAPERWORK FROM MY MOST RECENT ATTEMPT TO GET THE WHEELS ALIGNED . I AM HOPEFUL YOU CAN HELP BRING LIGHT TO THIS ISSUE AND HELP CORRECT AND FUTURE PROBLEMS FOR ALL EQUUS OWNERS.
WHILE WE WERE DRIVING THE CAR, THE CAR'S FRONT SUSPENSION SUDDENLY FAILED, THE FRONT COLLAPSED AND THE BODY OF THE CAR NEARLY TOUCHED THE GROUND ON FLAT GROUNDS AND DRAGGED AGAINST THE GROUND ON INCLINES AND DECLINES. THE WHEELS RUBBED AGAINST THE BODY OF THE CAR ON TURNS AND THE CAR BECAME VERY UNSTABLE AND STARTED TO SHAKE. THIS EPISODE HAS OCCURRED THRICE DESPITE MANUFACTURER'S REPAIRS. THIS SECOND EPISODE RESULTED IN MILD WHIPLASH. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Equus. The contact stated there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the rod bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Equus. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled however, the driver was able to pull to the side of the road where the vehicle lost motive and was unable to be restarted. The contact stated that he was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who advised that they would attempt to restart the electronic computer module (ECM). The repair was successful however, the contact stated that the independent mechanic advised him that the failure could recur and that the vehicle should be taken to the dealer. The contact stated that the failure recurred without warning. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer. The failure was diagnosed that the ECM had malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The ECM was replaced by a module from another vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle had been at the dealer since July of 2021 as the replacement part was on back order. The contact stated that the dealer informed him that other issues were found with the vehicle and the contact was awaiting a call from the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
SINCE I BOUGHT MY CAR, IT RANDOMLY OPENS THE TRUNK BY ITSELF WITHOUT PUSHING ANY BUTTON ON THE DASHBOARD OR ON THE REMOTE CONTROL. ONE TIME, I ALMOST DROVE BACK INTO A CAR PASSING BY, BECAUSE MY REAR VIEW WAS BLOCKED BY OPENED TRUNK. I AM AFRAID THAT MY TRUNK MAY OPEN WHILE I AM DRIVING BY ITSELF OR RUN INTO ANOTHER CAR BECAUSE MY VIEW WAS BLOCKED BY THIS TRUNK. I HAVE FOUR VIDEOS OF MY TRUNK BEING OPENED BY ITSELF, BUT HYUNDAI'S DISTRIC PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER IS REFUSING TO FIX MY PROBLEM. HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=WQUDGHGOZUG HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=KZCBOX7OINU HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=-ZE2ASPWH_0 HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=EW3DF_VS954. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE WE WERE DRIVING THE CAR, THE CAR'S FRONT SUSPENSION SUDDENLY FAILED, THE FRONT COLLAPSED AND THE BODY OF THE CAR NEARLY TOUCHED THE GROUND ON FLAT GROUNDS AND DRAGGED AGAINST THE GROUND ON INCLINES AND DECLINES. THE WHEELS RUBBED AGAINST THE BODY OF THE CAR ON TURNS AND THE CAR BECAME VERY UNSTABLE AND STARTED TO SHAKE. THIS EPISODE HAS OCCURRED THRICE DESPITE MANUFACTURER'S REPAIRS. THIS SECOND EPISODE RESULTED IN MILD WHIPLASH. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN APPLYING CAR BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES LIGHTS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE. IF I TURN ON CAR HEAD LIGHTS THE BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE. BUT IF THE HEAD LIGHTS ARE OFF THEY DON'T WORK.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE 2011 HYUNDAI EQUSS THAT STARTED HAVING VSM ISSUE THAT WOULD KEEP SMART CRUISE FROM WORKING>IT WAS RESOLVED TO BE A BRAKE SWITCH!>DURING THE TRIPS TO (2) DIFFERENT HYUNDAI EQUSS DEALERSHIPS FIRST IN LEXINGTON@ GLENN'S HYUNDAI & FINALLY AFTER ISSUE WAS NOT RESOLVED FRIENDSHIP HYUNDAI, IT WAS DETERMINED TO HAVE CASTER AND CAMBER ISSUE ON RIGHT FRONT WHEEL>I HAS THE FRIENDSHIP DEALERSHIP DO A (4) WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND ALL TOE IN CAME GOOD AND STEER AHEAD.THE REMAINING ISSUE WAS RIGHT FRONT STILL WAS QUITE A BIT OUT IN UPPER RED ON BOTH CASTER AND CAMBER.I WAS TOLD TO TAKE TO FRAME SHOP AND I DID,THEY COULD FIND NO WRONG MEASUREMENTS AND THEY ARE REGIONAL MULTI LINE CAR REPAIR FACILITY THAT DOES ALL MAJOR INSURANCE COMPANY BODY & FRAME ISSUES,THE ENGINE AND BOTH FRONT STRUTS WERE REPLACED DURING IT'S 100600 MILE LIFE BUT AFTER CONTACTING THE HYUNDAI EQUUS CUSTOMER CARE THEY REFERRED M BACK TO DEALER AND HE TOLD ME HELP DESK GIVES NO ANSWERS???HOW DO I RESOLVE AND WHY HAVE THEY NOT MADE A KIT LIKE GENESIS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE??>VERY DISAPPOINTED AND UPSET!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Clock spring malfunction.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .