2012 Hyundai Genesis
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe RWD 2.0t/2.0t Premium/2.0t, 2dr Coupe RWD 3.8/3.8 GT, 4dr Sedan RWD 3.8/3.8 Premium/3.8 Tec, 4dr Sedan RWD 4.6
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.8L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 182.3–196.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,303–4,154 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Hyundai Genesis is a subcompact car offered with 4 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.8L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-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 3,303 lb (2dr Coupe RWD 2.0t/2.0t Premium/2.0t).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 30 highway), 11% better than the 2012 subcompact car average of 21.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 229 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2012
- Engine added: 5.0L 8-cyl
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Genesis →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe RWD 2.0t/2.0t Premium/2.0t | 182.3 in | 73.2 in | 54.3 in | 111 in | 64.2 / 63.8 in | 3,303 lb | 55/45 |
| 2dr Coupe RWD 3.8/3.8 GT | 182.3 in | 73.2 in | 54.3 in | 111 in | 64.2 / 63.8 in | 3,411 lb | 55/45 |
| 4dr Sedan RWD 3.8/3.8 Premium/3.8 Tec | 196.1 in | 74.4 in | 58.3 in | 115.7 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,898 lb | 52/48 |
| 4dr Sedan RWD 4.6 | 196.1 in | 74.4 in | 58.3 in | 115.7 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 4,154 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genesis Coupe | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | +11% | $3,400 | 370 |
| Genesis Coupe | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | +6% | $3,550 | 386 |
| Genesis | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 22 | +16% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Genesis Coupe | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 27 / 20 | -8% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Genesis Coupe | 3.8L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -8% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Genesis | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | +6% | $4,100 | 444 |
| Genesis | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | +1% | $4,350 | 468 |
| Genesis R-Spec | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | +1% | $4,350 | 468 |
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 Genesis.
Similar 2012 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Hyundai Genesis (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Ford Mustang | 23 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Honda Accord | 27 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Camaro | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (5)
Electrical System › Ignition › Interlock/Lockout · Jul 25, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V562000 · 12,612 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Genesis Coupe vehicles. A return spring in the ignition lock switch may fracture, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the vehicle is started in gear, without the parking brake applied.
- Risk
- Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the ignition lock switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 266.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 22, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 1,649,478 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Oct 7, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V722000 · 84,500 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2010-2016 Genesis Coupe vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, to June 11, 2016. The electrical harness connector for the front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) may dislodge when the seat is moved.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, the disconnected OCS would, by default, cause the first stage, and only the first stage, of the air bag to deploy, whether there is a child seat in the front seat and the bag should not deploy or if the crash is severe and both stages should deploy. Either scenario increases the risk of injury to the front seat occupant.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will secure the OCS connector to prevent it from disconnecting, free of charge. Parts are not currently available and a second letter will be sent to owners when parts are available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 151.
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.
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.
Not every 2012 Hyundai Genesis is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Hyundai Genesis buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 66 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 40 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 30 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 64,500 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 Genesis. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Genesis years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Genesis | 22 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 104 |
| 2015 Genesis | 22 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 306 |
| 2014 Genesis | 22 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 44 |
| 2013 Genesis | 24 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 162 |
| 2011 Genesis | 24 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 6 | 116 |
| 2010 Genesis | 24 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 5 | 85 |
| 2009 Genesis | 21 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 98 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →