Hyundai Genesis years to avoid (and the best years)
1,002 NHTSA owner complaints and 10 recalls across 7 model years, 2010 to 2016. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 1,002complaints
- 10recalls
- 55reported crashes
- 13reported fires
- 48reported injuries
Which Hyundai Genesis years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the Hyundai Genesis years to avoid are 2015 and 2012. The typical Hyundai Genesis year has 122 complaints on file.
- 2015: 290 complaints, 2.4 times the typical year. Most complaints name the electrical system (38% of complaints) and the engine (15% of complaints).
- 2012: 259 complaints, 2.1 times the typical year. Most complaints name the engine (27% of complaints) and the brakes (24% of complaints).
What are the best Hyundai Genesis years?
The Hyundai Genesis years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2014 (22), 2010 (88) and 2016 (95). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 95 | 0.8× | 3 | 3 | 5 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2015 | 290 | 2.4× | 6 | 10 | 8 | Approach with caution | Electrical system |
| 2014 | 22 | 0.2× | 0 | 4 | 3 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2013 | 126 | 1.0× | 0 | 14 | 16 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2012 | 259 | 2.1× | 2 | 8 | 5 | Approach with caution | Engine |
| 2011 | 122 | 1.0× | 3 | 12 | 6 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2010 | 88 | 0.7× | 3 | 4 | 5 | Few red flags | Brakes |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 212 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Brakes82 (39%)
- Electrical & infotainment46 (22%)
- Engine & powertrain35 (17%)
- Steering, suspension & tires20 (9%)
- Other systems15 (7%)
Recalls (10)
Electrical system · 24V107000 · Feb 2024 · model years 2015, 2016
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Brakes · 21V160000 · Mar 2021 · model years 2015, 2016
An electrical short circuit inside the ABS module could cause an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Safety · 17V359000 · Jun 2017 · model years 2015, 2016
If the parking brake indicator is not illuminated when the parking brake is applied, the driver may operate the vehicle with the parking brake partially engaged, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 16V575000 · Aug 2016 · model year 2015
If the instrument cluster displays the vehicle speed or illuminates the warning lights incorrectly there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Body & glass · 16V117000 · Feb 2016 · model year 2012
Inoperative wipers during inclement weather can decrease driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tires · 15V864000 · Dec 2015 · model year 2015
Tire sidewall cracks could cause a rupture during use, resulting in a rapid air loss and loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical system · 15V097000 · Feb 2015 · model year 2015
If the incorrect gear is being displayed, the vehicle may move in an unintended direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 14V713000 · Nov 2014 · model years 2010, 2011
A following vehicle may not recognize that the vehicle is slowing or coming to a stop if the stop lamps on the vehicle do not illuminate as expected. There is an increased risk of a rear-end crash as a result.
Brakes · 13V489000 · Oct 2013 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012
If the module corrodes, reduced brake effectiveness may result, increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior lighting · 13V113000 · Apr 2013 · model years 2010, 2011
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.