2012 Hyundai Genesis Owner Complaints

Brake pedal has been intermittently low/spongy and has progressively gotten worse. During these events, the brake pedal goes nearly to the floorboard, and braking power is weak but will typically function after pumping the pedal repeatedly. Stopping or slowing in an emergency situation may not be possible. There is no manual emergency brake. No trouble codes found, and no warning lamps illuminated related to the braking system. Dealer diagnosed faulty antilock braking system (ABS) hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU). This exact defect is addressed in Warranty Extension TXXP: Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) [XXX] Hyundai rejected this under the warranty coverage because the vehicle build date is approximately 2 weeks beyond the date range in the TSB. Subsequent web searches revealed replacement parts were available for production in late XXX. The TSB's affected date range ends on XXX. This vehicle was produced on XXX and was not included in the recall notifications. It is not known if a complete stock purge was performed on the production line or if parts were continued to be installed until old stock was depleted. Other vehicles outside of the TSB stated production date range may also have this latent critical safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11749208

Incident

May 1, 2026

I am submitting this letter as a formal safety defect complaint regarding my 2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 sedan, which is experiencing braking system behavior that directly mirrors the defect described in Hyundai Recall Campaign 114 (NHTSA Campaign 13V489000), despite my vehicle not being included by VIN. Although excluded by VIN, the functional failure mode matches recalled vehicles, indicating the defect population may extend beyond the original VIN range. The vehicle exhibits the following symptoms: 1.Excessive and inconsistent brake pedal travel 2. Soft and spongy brake pedal feel 3. Highly variable brake biting point 4. Requirement to pump the brake pedal to obtain normal braking 5. Unpredictable brake engagement during normal driving These symptoms are intermittent and occur without warning, significantly increasing stopping distance and reducing driver confidence. The behavior is consistent with internal hydraulic or HECU malfunction, which the original recall attributes to corrosion caused by improper brake fluid formulation. I am particularly concerned because I am a disabled driver, and any reduction in braking reliability presents an elevated safety risk. Unpredictable brake response materially affects my ability to operate the vehicle safely and to respond to emergency conditions. While Hyundai has limited the recall to certain VIN ranges, Model Years Affected: 2009–2012 Hyundai Genesis sedans built April 30, 2008 – March 28, 2012. The braking behavior is functionally identical to recalled vehicles. This suggests the defect may not be limited to the originally identified production range and warrants further investigation. I respectfully request that NHTSA: 1. Review this complaint in the context of the existing recall 2. Evaluate whether the defect population should be expanded 3. Initiate further inquiry into VIN-excluded vehicles exhibiting identical symptoms 4. This issue represents a clear safety concern with potential for serious injury

NHTSA ID

11716198

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

Brake line on driver rear rusted and leaking above brake hose. Cannot drive vehicle safely with this leak. Would leak brake fluid each time I step on brake pedal. Problem magnified when car is on and brake booster is working. Vehicle not at dealer or mechanic yet, but link to video of driver rear brake line leaking on 1-31-2026: [XXX] Service Campaign 991 [XXX] ) was completed less than two years ago on Feb 19, 2024 (today is 1/31/2026). See note about "dealer will apply an anti-corrosion treatment to certain parts, and *replace the brake lines if necessary*" Not told about any rust, nor any parts replaced. Link to service campaign quote: [XXX] No warning lamps, messages, or symptoms of the problem. Assumed wheel liner covered brake line from salt. Vehicle is located in [XXX] and I suspect other brake lines are also rusted out. Would like manufacturer to replace all brake lines under warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11714723

Incident

Jan 31, 2026

The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, she collided with another vehicle on the front driver's side. No air bags deployed. BM Automotive towed the vehicle, then the vehicle was towed to her local dealership. The contact stated that she sustained head and back injuries. The contact mentioned they informed her that she sustained whiplash as well. Medical attention was required. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The contact mentioned that the seat belt did retract during the impact. The contact stated that the failure was not diagnosed by a dealer or independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11659300

Incident

May 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact had engaged the windshield wipers during a light rainstorm and noticed that the intermittent wiper function was not working as designed. The contact stated that gradually the wiper speeds were no longer functional, and only the high-speed option was operable. The contact had taken the vehicle to the local dealer who diagnosed that the gasket around the wiper motor had failed, and that water had entered the wiper motor and determined that the wiper motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred; however, the contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer and was advised that the vehicle was no longer under warranty and had to be repaired out-of-pocket. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the gasket around the wiper motor had deteriorated, and water was leaking into the wiper motor's electrical circuits. The contact was advised by the mechanic that there was a recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V117000 (Visibility); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11640947

Incident

Dec 20, 2024

Mileage

150,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound emanating from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred a week later. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic, who again diagnosed a failure with the engine and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred three additional times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11624199

Incident

Nov 8, 2024

These cars has some serious engine issues they are literally defective I've had 5 different engines installed in my car I keep the maintenance up on my car but its still no luck with the engines I've risked my life from almost having accidents due to engine failure I have proof that these calls have been engines and I honestly feel like it's a serious issue that needs to be adjusted

NHTSA ID

11624127

Incident

Jul 12, 2024

During normal driving conditions, the 8 speed automatic transmission will randomly hesitate to upshift from 2nd to 3rd and from 4th to 5th, causing an unpredictable loss of power. Symptoms will show up intermittently, and do not seem to be caused by certain events. This is unsafe because the unpredictability of the problem could cause power loss during moments where acceleration is needed to avoid an accident (moments which would otherwise be completely safe, i.e. merging onto a freeway, turning across incoming traffic, right turns into the direction of traffic, etc.) This problem already has a TSB issued by Hyundai. Problem has been reproduce by a technician. Component has been checked by a technician. There are no warning lights or other symptoms before failure.

NHTSA ID

11605009

Incident

Jul 28, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact shifted into park(P) and pressed the Push to Start button, and the vehicle restarted. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that an OBD scanner was unable to retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes for the failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The contact is requesting to be contacted via telephone in reference to this inquiry.

NHTSA ID

11586620

Incident

May 2, 2024

Mileage

85,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, shut off but was able to coast off the highway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electronic computer motherboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on backorder. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

NHTSA ID

11581934

Incident

Feb 1, 2024

Mileage

62,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to start and made a continuous clicking sound before starting. Additionally, while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the ABS, and traction control warning lights were illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a drained battery. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a faulty tensioner. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with an unknown failure. The mechanic stated that there was no available fix for the vehicle and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 210,034. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11581228

Incident

Mar 30, 2024

Mileage

210,034 mi

recall from 2014 under Hyundai genesis BH over brake corrosion and leading to HECU /electrical / wheel stability/electrical wire problems /fire Also immobilizer and safety I now have no dash or steering wheel controls Believe car was broken into shows signs of elapsed time/fob and controls inside no longer work Two fuses inside driver side panel spark even when car is not on Took to Springfield Hyundai They not only lied and stated my car isn’t under any recall but they stated online they did a safety inspection which is not true I just replaced rear brakes and after barely driving 1,000 miles the brakes are making a wearing metal noise and sound like they are bad again I even stated I had information for the immobilizer since Hyundai didn’t install on any of their vehicles until 2022 Now I enter my vin and it comes up under the 2 door coupe not the sedan (BH) Also found archived article from car and driver about the FBI suing Hyundai in 2014 over the exact model and make 2012 Hyundai Genesis BH over brake corrosion accidents and HECU issues causing accidents and other electrical issues Now I am scared worried and I am being ignored an neglected Driving a car that clearly is not safe and putting my life in danger if I have a tampered VIN from theft of no immobilizer this is Hyundai negligence and now my VIN isn’t showing correctly for my make and model I NEED help I have videos of fuses sparking and printed recall Info for my make and model under NHTSA safety investigations I have NEVER received one recall notice from Hyundai in the mail since I am the owner since 2019 I also show DMV records of many registration transactions for years I owned vehicle I only get one registration per year Some shows 2 & 3 prior owner of vehicle worked for a car dealership in Woodbury Even Vehicle History reports aren’t correct

NHTSA ID

11576484

Incident

Feb 6, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to immediately stop. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the brake booster and brake master cylinder. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V489000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) but the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 22,000.

NHTSA ID

11567975

Incident

Dec 27, 2023

Mileage

22,000 mi

Submitted complaint of unsafe fumes /gas smells emitting from engine and into cabin of car to site on 10/23/2023 for my vin the complaint I see is under Tires This should be under engine I said nothing about tires it's a 2012 Hyundai Genesis BH 4 door sedan battery wasn't holding charge engine idles high and low poor gas mileage and sluggish brake light always on even after repair

NHTSA ID

11565430

Incident

Oct 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, an abnormal fuel odor was coming from the vehicle with heavy smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the tire pressure and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not serviced or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ID

11555690

Incident

Oct 23, 2023

Mileage

170,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact stated that the check engine light was later illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to a second independent mechanic. The mechanic retrieved a code for a defective pressure sensor. Upon investigation, the contact discovered Manufacturer Communication Number: 16-8at-011) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the Manufacturer Communication Number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 155,620.

NHTSA ID

11555225

Incident

Nov 14, 2023

Mileage

155,620 mi

Car shuts off while driving for no reason. Happens last time on the beltway. No check engine light or warning that it will cut off. Doesn’t happen at the mechanics. No one knows why it happens. I see this is an ongoing issue for Genesis

NHTSA ID

11554903

Incident

Nov 12, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, and to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11545881

Incident

Jan 21, 2023

Mileage

120,000 mi

The area in the dash where the passenger airbag is contained recently got two Cracks along the edges of the airbag compartment as if the airbag tried to go off and didn't. There was no collision, the dash just cracked. The very next day the airbag light came on and had been on ever since. This seems to be a common problem. With. These cars. Hyundai needs to step it up

NHTSA ID

11541413

Incident

Aug 10, 2023

Brakes are spongy/soft - My car has been inspected by a Hyundai dealership and an ABS control module replacement has been recommended at cost of $2901. A safety recall campaign was issued in 2012 to include "certain 2009-2012MY Genesis (BH) produced from April 30, 2008 to March 28, 2012 (Recall #114). On May 9, 2022, TSB #22-BR-001H-1 was issued. My car's VIN indicates that my car was produced March 30, 2012 and the repair under the "extended warranty" has been denied because my car was produced two days later and therefore not included in the safety recall. I have reached out to Hyundai and I have a case manager assigned to me.

NHTSA ID

11541373

Incident

Jul 12, 2023

Driver's side passenger door lock does not electronically function--either by key fob or by driver's control. Passenger door must be manually locked and unlocked. This defect was present from time car was purchased new but was only discovered after car was out-of-warranty since passenger door had never been used until grandchildren began using back seat. This represents an safety hazard in the event that back-seat passenger needs to exit car quickly via electronic means. We are aware that this defect is quite common among 2012 Hyundai Genesis owners. Hyundai Motors of America knows that this was a manufacturing design defect but thus far, is unwilling to support warranty repair. Warranty repair is quite costly, averaging $700-900, and this is likely the reason why HMA has elected to publicly hide and ignore the issue.

NHTSA ID

11541351

Incident

Jan 1, 2012

Vehicle shuts off at red lights or when making very low speed turns. Indicator on dash shows 'KEY' symbol and sometimes battery symbol. I then have to shift to park or neutral to push button restart vehicle. Other times I'm parked with vehicle idling and it simply shuts off. This issue puts me at risk because it shuts off while driving on public roads with other vehicles. The repair shop can't find out why this is happening and the vehicle flashes no check engine light and there are no stored codes. This began a couple months after I had a new battery installed in the vehicle and put a new battery in the key fob. Vehicle now, no longer recognizes key fob. I have to manually insert key fob into a key fob slot inside vehicle in order to crank it. This seems to be an issue with the 2012 model Genesis, as I have read on several online forums of other owners experiencing the same problem.

NHTSA ID

11523083

Incident

May 21, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V489000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 181,000.

NHTSA ID

11514213

Incident

Mar 27, 2023

Mileage

181,000 mi

I am reporting an electrical problem w my 2012 hyundai Genesis. My back driver's side door lock just stopped working in 2021 & a few months later , my front passenger seat door locks also stopped working. I brought it in to the dealer this morning to have both locks checked. I know the back seat door lock is the actuator & im assuming that’s the issue w the front one too. I’m waiting to hear back from the dealer what the problem is, but actuators on the 2012 genesis are defective or it’s an electrical problem. No accidents happened bc of it, I was just told to report this issue.

NHTSA ID

11506782

Incident

Jun 21, 2021

2012 HYUNDAI GENESIS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 13V-489. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING NOISE. WHILE BRAKING. ALL FOUR ROTORS WERE RUSTED AND REPLACED. THE VEHICLE MADE A WHINE NOISE AT COLD STARTS. TRANSMISSION ASSMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, THE NOISE CONTINUED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONSUMER TO TRANSPORT THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED.

NHTSA ID

11485385

Incident

Sep 20, 2022