2012 Hyundai Genesis: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Hyundai Genesis: 2 recalls, 260 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #13V489000 · 2013 · 43,500 vehicles
What's wrong: The vehicles May contain brake fluid which does not protect against corrosion of the hydraulic electronic control unit (hecu).
Why it matters: If the module corrodes, reduced brake effectiveness May result, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners and instruct them to bring their vehicle to a dealer for service. Hyundai will inspect the hecu module for proper operation, and will replace the modules as necessary. Hyundai will replace the factory brake fluid in those vehicles that have not previously had the factory…
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #16V117000 · 2016 · 18,700 vehicles
What's wrong: The windshield wiper motor cover seal on the affected vehicles May degrade allowing corrosion on the wiper motor's circuit board. The corrosion can cause intermittent or total loss of wiper function.
Why it matters: Inoperative wipers during inclement weather can decrease driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor cover and seal, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2016.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (68): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (47), warning light on (21).
- Electrical (49): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (22), warning light on (11).
- Transmission & drivetrain (39): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (19), stalls / loses power (12), warning light on (11).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (33): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (20), rust / corrosion (6), warning light on (5).
The 2012 Hyundai Genesis has 260 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 10 Genesis model years for complaints (2.1× the average Genesis year). Complaints peaked in 2017 (44 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 55,822 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (122 complaints, 3 recalls), 2013 (126 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 22 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Hyundai Genesis.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2012 Hyundai Genesis have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Genesis. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Hyundai Genesis problems?
Owners have filed 260 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (68), electrical (49), transmission & drivetrain (39).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Hyundai Genesis get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 8-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Hyundai Genesis repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.