Makes›Hyundai›Genesis›2009

2009 Hyundai Genesis

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.

Hyundai Genesis
Pictured: 2015 Hyundai Genesis 3.8L front. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Large Cars
Body styles
2dr Coupe RWD 2.0t/3.8, 4dr Sedan RWD 3.8/4.6
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 18 city / 27 hwy
Length
182.3–196.1 in
Curb weight
3,439–3,821 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 21 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2009 large car (18.3 MPG).

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis is a large car offered with 2 engines (3.8L 6-cyl and 4.6L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.

It measures about 182 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,439 lb (2dr Coupe RWD 2.0t/3.8).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 27 highway), 15% better than the 2009 large car average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 98 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2dr Coupe RWD 2.0t/3.8182.3 in73.2 in54.3 in111 in64.2 / 63.8 in3,439 lb55/45
4dr Sedan RWD 3.8/4.6196.1 in74.4 in58.3 in115.7 in63.4 / 63.8 in3,821 lb52/48

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Genesis3.8L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21+15%$3,200423
Genesis4.6L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 19+4%$4,350468
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.3 MPG2009 Large Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Hyundai Genesis under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2009 large cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2009 Hyundai Genesis (this car)21 MPGNot rated3
2009 Ford Mustang20 MPGNot rated5
2009 Honda Accord25 MPGNot rated10
2009 Toyota Camry34 MPGNot rated9
2009 Nissan GT-R18 MPGNot rated1
2009 Chevrolet Malibu29 MPGNot rated3
2009 Nissan Altima34 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (3)

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Nov 7, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V713000 · 42,925 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Hyundai Genesis vehicles manufactured April 30, 2008, to November 21, 2010, and 2011 Hyundai Equus vehicles manufactured July 31, 2010, to November 21, 2010. Due to a circuit failure, the stop lamps in the affected vehicles may not illuminate.
Risk
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.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the stop lamp switch circuit, free of charge. Hyundai issued an interim notification to owners on January 6, 2015. The recall began on March 23, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 125.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Fluid · Oct 29, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V489000 · 43,500 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Genesis vehicles manufactured April 30, 2008, through March 28, 2012. The vehicles may contain brake fluid which does not protect against corrosion of the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU).
Risk
If the module corrodes, reduced brake effectiveness may result, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 brake fluid replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151 or by email at [email protected]. Hyundai's recall number is 114.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Apr 1, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V113000 · 1,712,336 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Risk
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.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2009 Hyundai Genesis is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

98Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
4Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
70,060 miTypical mileage at failure
Service Brakes26
Unknown Or Other22
Electrical System16
Steering12
Engine12
Exterior Lighting7
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
Power Train4
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
19/06: 119/08: 119/09: 119/10: 119/11: 119/12: 120/01: 120/09: 120/10: 121/06: 121/08: 121/09: 121/12: 122/02: 122/11: 223/02: 223/07: 123/11: 124/03: 124/04: 124/07: 125/08: 225/10: 126/09: 119/0619/1020/0121/0621/1223/0224/0325/08max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2009 Hyundai Genesis buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Service Brakes — 26 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  3. Electrical System — 16 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Steering — 12 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,060 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Hyundai Genesis. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Genesis years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2016 Genesis22182.3 in★★★★★6104
2015 Genesis22182.3 in★★★★★10306
2014 Genesis22182.3 inNot rated344
2013 Genesis24182.3 inNot rated4162
2012 Genesis24182.3 inNot rated5229
2011 Genesis24182.3 inNot rated6116
2010 Genesis24182.3 inNot rated585

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →