2012 Hyundai Equus

Recalls

1 recall names the 2012 Hyundai Equus. Newest first.

• Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor

  Feb 29, 2016NHTSA 16V11700018,700 vehicles

  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…

  Risk and remedy

  Risk

  Inoperative wipers during inclement weather can decrease driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy

  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.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Power train4
2. Engine3
3. Suspension2
4. Air bags1
5. Electrical system1
6. Electronic stability control (esc)1

Latest complaints

• Jul 11, 2026IN
  Engine · Power train
  I am writing to log an immediate emergency update to my vehicle safety report regarding my 2012 Hyundai Equus Signature 5.0L. On Friday afternoon, July 10, 2026, Hyundai Motor America’s corporate office formally initiated a high-level Tier-2 supervisor review to investigate the severe powertrain…

  I am writing to log an immediate emergency update to my vehicle safety report regarding my 2012 Hyundai Equus Signature 5.0L. On Friday afternoon, July 10, 2026, Hyundai Motor America’s corporate office formally initiated a high-level Tier-2 supervisor review to investigate the severe powertrain safety hazard currently present on my vehicle—specifically, a catastrophic internal rupture of the transmission fluid cooler loop that has cross-contaminated and flooded my engine block infrastructure and main radiator with high-velocity metallic shrapnel. However, today, Saturday, July 11, 2026, the servicing franchise dealership, Patrick Hyundai, issued an immediate verbal denial of all goodwill repair or safety inspection coverage. This premature weekend denial represents a blatant, bad-faith attempt by a localized franchise to circumvent an active manufacturer safety audit. By issuing a verbal denial while corporate offices are closed, the dealership is attempting to apply high pressure to force me to immediately tow this severely compromised, non-driveable vehicle off their property. This action is designed solely to force the removal and destruction of critical, un-tampered physical fluid evidence before a qualified Federal Safety Engineer or a Hyundai Field Product Engineer can mandate a teardown or structural inspection. The manufacturer's franchise is actively evading its product liability and safety screening protocols for an integrated, multi-system thermal failure. I am requesting that federal safety auditors expedite an intervention, freeze any attempt to eject the vehicle from the facility, and order a formal manufacturer field safety audit. Case number 11749120

• Jul 8, 2026IN
  Engine · Power train
  I am reporting a severe vehicle safety hazard involving a sudden loss of motive power and extreme thermal failure on my 2012 Hyundai Equus Signature 5.0L. In July 2022, at 88,845 miles, an authorized Hyundai dealership replaced the transmission under a factory warranty event. Rather than replacing…

  I am reporting a severe vehicle safety hazard involving a sudden loss of motive power and extreme thermal failure on my 2012 Hyundai Equus Signature 5.0L. In July 2022, at 88,845 miles, an authorized Hyundai dealership replaced the transmission under a factory warranty event. Rather than replacing the transmission oil cooler assembly—which was contaminated with heavy metal shrapnel from the original mechanical breakdown—the servicing dealer chose to only flush the lines, creating a latent fluid restriction. After approximately 18,000 miles of operation, this restriction completely choked the transmission fluid pressure loop. The extreme thermal stress and back-pressure caused the internal walls of the transmission cooler to suffer a catastrophic structural rupture. This caused the transmission to suddenly overheat and fail while driving, creating an immediate highway safety risk and a total loss of vehicle control. Furthermore, the internal rupture of the cooler walls has caused direct fluid cross-contamination ('SMOD'), forcing transmission fluid and metallic shrapnel directly into the engine's main radiator and cooling passages. This metal shrapnel is currently circulating through the engine's cooling network, creating a severe secondary hazard of catastrophic engine seizure and thermal runaway while traveling at highway speeds. The manufacturer has been notified but has formally refused in writing to dispatch a field engineer or authorize a safety inspection of this cross-contaminated powertrain network.

• Jul 6, 2026IN
  Electrical system · Engine · Power train
  I was driving on the highway and my transmission due to a failed transmission service done to my vehicle caused my vehicle’s transmission to overheat a blowout my transmission cooler and mix coolant and transmission fluid unknown to me because of a clogged transmission cooler line improperly…

  I was driving on the highway and my transmission due to a failed transmission service done to my vehicle caused my vehicle’s transmission to overheat a blowout my transmission cooler and mix coolant and transmission fluid unknown to me because of a clogged transmission cooler line improperly flushed instead of replaced by the Patrick Hyundai dealership there could’ve been and electrical fire or a crash due to these things.

• May 31, 2020CA75,000 miCrash1 injury
  Air bags

  Following a slip on the road I am the victim of an accident on the edge of a hyundai santa fe. The car struck the mountain, but the airbags failed to activate in the accident resulting in a frontal impact, which caused me serious injury. why the airbags are not triggered ?? the car made several rotations and suffered irreversible damage and despite everything the airbags were not triggered.

• Mar 20, 2020TX108,516 mi
  Suspension
  From the desk of lmi's executive director: [xxx] I purchased 2012 equus on march 7, 2012 with 108,216 miles. the cars suspension started going bad as of last week. I brought the car back on march 20, 2020 to have a mirror replaced and to discuss the suspension problem. it?s been over a week…

  From the desk of lmi's executive director: [xxx] I purchased 2012 equus on march 7, 2012 with 108,216 miles. the cars suspension started going bad as of last week. I brought the car back on march 20, 2020 to have a mirror replaced and to discuss the suspension problem. it?s been over a week and today them after a 45 minute drive I was told they had the wrong mirror...even though I spoke with the service person ([xxx]) and he assured me everything was in order and he even scheduled an appointment for them to replace the mirror. while I was there I showed [xxx] the suspension and I was referred to the sales manager. talk to the sales manager and he showed no concern...the sales manager gave me a look like, so what do you want me to do about it. I stated my concern and that I've only driven this vehicle 590 miles (to work and home) since I purchased it and the suspension should not be acting up already. I could see if I had the vehicle for some months but I had it roughly for about two weeks. again, he showed no concern and restated the "as IS" policy. I understand the "as IS" part and I admit I did sign the document but the vehicle seemed fine at the time of purchase. my concern IS the dealerships attitude after the sale. no one should treat customers that way. I understand why they have good reviews...it IS because most of them come from people who purchased new cars or cars under warranty (my fault for not doing so) however a business should be able to work with or attempt to try help out a customer (it's called maintaining repeat business and developing customer loyalty). information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr

• Mar 9, 2015CO41,000 mi
  Power train

  TL* the contact owns a 2012 hyundai equus. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle jolted continuously and shifted independently into another gear. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000.

• Jan 20, 2015LA31,000 mi
  Suspension
  My vehicle sways like a boat side to side no matter my speed, but on the highway it almost feels like I'm losing control. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership and after having it for 4 weeks they returned my vehicle back to me not repaired and no answers to why the issue started. I was told…

  My vehicle sways like a boat side to side no matter my speed, but on the highway it almost feels like I'm losing control. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership and after having it for 4 weeks they returned my vehicle back to me not repaired and no answers to why the issue started. I was told they were requesting an hyundai field engineer to come out to inspect the vehicle but I have not heard from them in almost 2 months. *tr

• Aug 1, 2014MD8,000 mi
  Electronic stability control (esc)
  After a few months of purchasing car the ecs light started illuminating which in return gave car a spongy, bouncy ride etc., height function would not work. After repairs were done 1ST time around june-august of 2013 seem like every few months problem would occur again and again, latest being july…

  After a few months of purchasing car the ecs light started illuminating which in return gave car a spongy, bouncy ride etc., height function would not work. After repairs were done 1ST time around june-august of 2013 seem like every few months problem would occur again and again, latest being july 2014,car was placed in shop july 7TH and car was just returned july 31ST it has been an ongoing problem that I think will continue from my experience since purchasing car, I am no tech or engineer but for a fairly new car that's not that old this problem should not be happening, it IS mind boggling. *tr

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 10253275This TSB provides a procedure to diagnose and replace, if necessary, an automatic transmission with Incorrect Ratio DTC (transmission clutch slip in gear above limit) listed on Page 2.
• 10251285This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming partially separated on the inner side of the wiper blade, which could lead to poor wiping performance and/or possible scratching of the windshield glass. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to properly remove the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all new wiper blades.
• 10247189This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
• 10235566Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can become clouded under the PPF. These spots are the result of moisture trapped between the PPF and the paint.
• 10235526In certain areas, a vehicles underbody may exhibit corrosion due to road-salt usage. As a preventative measure, a cavity wax coating is applied to the internal surfaces of underbody components and an undercoating spray is applied to exterior surfaces of specified underbody components. The service campaign describes the procedure to perform this preventative service on certain 2009-2014MY Genesis Sedan (BH), 2011-2016MY Equus (VI), and 2010-2016MY Genesis Coupe (BK) vehicles.
• 10235525In some areas, a vehicles underbody may exhibit corrosion due to road salt usage. As a preventative measure, cavity wax coating is applied to the internal surfaces of underbody components, and an undercoating spray is applied to the bottom exterior surfaces of specified underbody components. This bulletin describes the procedure to perform this preventative service on certain Genesis Sedan (BH), Equus (VI), and Genesis Coupe (BK) vehicles.
• 10230904This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation.
• 10217258Effective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire placards when vehicle weight has been increased before retail sale. This limit is the lesser of 1.5% of GVWR or 100 pounds. If the total added weight exceeds the lesser of the limit, a label must be added to the driver-side B-pillar within 25mm (1 inch) of the original tire placard.
• 10217251Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.
• 10213727The warranty coverage for the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) for certain 2009-12 Genesis (BH) and 2011-12 Equus (VI) vehicles for repairs and replacement has been extended to 15 years with unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use and is valid for original and subsequent owners.
• 10213723The warranty coverage for the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) for certain Genesis (BH) and Equus (VI) vehicles for repairs and replacement has been extended to 15 years with unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, and is valid for original and subsequent owners.
• 10210203The warranty coverage for the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) for certain Genesis (BH) and Equus (VI) vehicles for repairs and replacement has been extended to 15 years with unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, and is valid for original and subsequent owners.
• 10208866The brake fluid specifications labeled on the master cylinder reservoir cap and in the vehicle owners manual require revision to indicate DOT 4 brake fluid only. This bulletin describes the procedure to replace the master cylinder reservoir cap and apply a sticker to the owners manual with the revised brake fluid specification.
• 10204249This bulletin describes the procedure to replace the 35R and 4&OD solenoids for a shift flare and/or harsh shift during the 2~3, 3~4 or 4~5 upshift.
• 10196577The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first. This warranty coverage applies to both the original and subsequent owners. Refer to the warranty and service parts information outlined in this bulletin whenever clock spring replacement is required.
• 10190044This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance Test inspection requirements to determine next required steps.
• 10190038This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
• 10189989This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
• 10183963This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
• 10183960This bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the Tire Balance Data Sheet must be fully completed including imbalance and Road Force Variation (RFV) data. The Data Sheet can be found at the end of this bulletin.
• 10178175This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to moisture accumulation in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. The TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes, or during normal driving operation.
• 10176182This bulletin provides information on tire maintenance best practices and procedures for dealers and customers to maximize tire life and performance.
• 10176178This bulletin describes the general guidelines to help disinfect and protect vehicle exterior/interior surfaces using recommended safe chemical products.
• 10174808This bulletin provides information on identifying dealer stock vehicles with either: A Battery SOC alert - low Battery State of Charge (SOC) at or below 50%. A 30 Day alert - vehicle has not started and reported an SOC in 30 days.
• 10174807The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
• 10173546This bulletin describes the general guidelines to disinfect and protect vehicle interior surfaces using certain safe chemical products.
• 10172142This bulletin describes the requirements for all wheel alignment and/or vehicle tracking claims and best practices when diagnosing and conducting alignment-related repairs for all models and model years.
• 10170883This bulletin provides guidelines to inspect the USB, head unit, and multi-box for common connection conditions. 2. This bulletin presents guidelines to inspect for common Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection conditions. 3. This bulletin provides physical differences between the USB 2.0 port and USB 3.0 port.
• 10170511If you are servicing a vehicle with a transmission slipping concern, follow the Service Procedure shown below and perform a stall test. This TSB provides a procedure to test each clutch in the transmission. If the vehicle fails the stall test, replace the transmission. ? PASS: Stall speed is between 1700~2900 rpm (See shop manual for stall speed). ? FAIL: Engine revs to redline limit (6,000~6,500 rpm). If so, replace the transmission.
• 10169370The Blind Spot Detection (BSD) or Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) is a system that measures the speed of and distance from the following vehicles by using two magnetic wave radar sensors attached in the rear bumper. The BSD/BCW detects vehicles within the blind spot zone and gives off an alarm (visual and audible). The two magnetic radar sensors provide these functions for BSD/BCW: ? Senses other vehicles in the BSD/BCW zone and turns on the BSD/BCW warning lamp for the driver. The warning lamp starts blinking, along with an audible sound, when the driver turns on the turn signal lamp to enter the lane where another vehicle is driving.
• 10167253This bulletin provides instruction detailing the proper methodology for scanning and uploading captured GDS data files to the Techline Repository. Compliance with this bulletin ensures that the GDS data files are correctly transferred and matched with a Techline Case number.
• 10163286This bulletin provides a procedure to diagnose an 8-speed automatic transaxle with a harsh and/or delayed shift using GDS.
• 10160100When servicing a vehicle with a ?Check Engine light? and any of the DTCs listed below, follow the Service Procedure and replace the related solenoid and E-module.
• 10160098This bulletin provides the procedure to write the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) during the replacement of the Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Once the VIN has been programmed to the ECM/PCM, it cannot be removed or overwritten.
• 10160097This bulletin provides a procedure to transfer oil pressure data to the TCU using GDS Mobile. This procedure is necessary to reduce the TCU learning time and improve the shift quality.
• 10158803This bulletin provides information on the serviceable parts for the outside mirror assembly. When diagnosing and repairing the outside mirror, do not replace the entire assembly. Refer to page 2 of this TSB for replacement of individual parts.
• 10158797If you are servicing a vehicle with a ?Check Engine light? and any of the DTCs listed below, follow the Service Procedure and replace the E-module.
• 10128606The front seat belt assembly incorporates a seat belt anchor pretensioner fastened to the vehicle?s front seat frame. During vehicle assembly, the anchor pretensioner is fastened to the front seat frame prior to being connected to the seat belt linkage. If, during vehicle repair, the connector does not fully latch when the linkage was pressed onto the connector, the seat belt can detach from the anchor pretensioner. If the seat belt linkage detaches from the anchor pretensioner in a collision, the risk of injury to the occupant is increased.
• 10128604Hyundai Motor America is changing the Genesis sedan applicable model years to 2011-14 for service campaign T2R. Service Campaign T2R provides a service procedure to install warning labels on the front seat belt assemblies on 2011-2016 Equus vehicles and 2011-14 model year Genesis sedans.
• 10127006The front seat belt assembly incorporates a seat belt anchor pretensioner fastened to the vehicle's front seat frame. During vehicle assembly, the anchor pretensioner is fastened to the front seat frame prior to being connected to the seat belt linkage. If, during vehicle repair, the connector does not fully latch when the linkage was pressed onto the connector, the seat belt can detach from the anchor pretensioner. If the seat belt linkage detaches from the anchor pretensioner in a collision, the risk of injury to the occupant is increased. This bulletin describes the procedure to install warning labels on the driver's and/or passenger's seat belt assemblies to prevent potential improper reattachment of the anchor pretensioners.

Every Hyundai Equus model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.