DecodedCars2012 Hyundai Equus
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4 Dr Sedan Signature/Ultimate
- Engines
- 5.0L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 15 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 203.1 in
- Curb weight
- 4,555 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints7 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 160 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Hyundai Equus is a large car offered with a 5.0L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 203 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 120-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,555 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (15 city / 23 highway), 5% worse than the 2012 large car average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2012
- Engine added: 5.0L 8-cyl
- Engine dropped: 4.6L 8-cyl
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Equus →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr Sedan Signature/Ultimate | 203.1 in | 74.4 in | 58.7 in | 120.1 in | 63.8 / 64.2 in | 4,555 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equus | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -5% | $4,550 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Hyundai Equus.
Similar 2012 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Hyundai Equus (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Dodge Charger | 23 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2012 Dodge Challenger | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Chrysler 300 | 23 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2012 Ford Taurus | 22 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Toyota Avalon | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (1)
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor · Feb 29, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V117000 · 18,700 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2012 Genesis vehicles manufactured August 1, 2011, to April 30, 2012, and 2011-2013 Equus vehicles manufactured July 10, 2011, to June 12, 2012. 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.
- Risk
- Inoperative wipers during inclement weather can decrease driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 140.
Not every 2012 Hyundai Equus is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Hyundai Equus buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 4 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Suspension — 2 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 75,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Equus. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Equus years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Equus | 18 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 9 |
| 2015 Equus | 18 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2014 Equus | 18 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 34 |
| 2013 Equus | 18 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 8 |
| 2011 Equus | 18 | 203.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 17 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →