← Back to Search

2012 Hyundai Equus Ultimate

The 2012 Hyundai Equus Ultimate is a 429-hp V8 with an 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $66,000 MSRP and is rated at 18 mpg combined.

It makes 429 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 376 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 15 mpg city and 23 mpg highway (18 mpg combined).

The Equus measures 203.1 inches long on a 119.9-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 4,524 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$66,000 ($93,423 *)
MSRP with Destination$66,900 ($94,697 *)
Destination Charge$900
Engine
Engine TypeTau G8BE 5.0L DOHC 32-valve V8, Dual-CVVT, GDI, TIS, naturally aspirated
Horsepower429 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque376 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (premium) / 365 lb-ft (regular) rpm
ValvetrainDOHC, 32-valve with Dual-CVVT
Bore and Stroke96.0 x 87.0
Compression Ratio11.5:1
Injection TypeGasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRear-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission8-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC
Fuel Economy
City15 MPG
Highway23 MPG
Combined18 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium unleaded
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front19 in
Wheels Rear19 in
Tires FrontP245/45R19
Tires RearP275/40R19
Dimensions & Weight
Length203.1 in
Width74.4 in
Height58.7 in
Wheelbase119.9 in
Front Track63.8 in
Rear Track64.1 in
Ground Clearance5.1 in
Cargo Volume16.7 ft³
Curb Weight4,524 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front38.7 in
Headroom Rear37.7 in
Legroom Front45.1 in
Legroom Rear38.9 in
Shoulder Room Front59.1 in
Shoulder Room Rear58 in
Hip Room Front55.5 in
Hip Room Rear55.1 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Tested, but no star ratings were published (2012 Hyundai Equus 4 DR RWD).

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Hyundai EQUUS. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Feb 29, 2016 · VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 16V117000

8 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2012 Hyundai EQUUS

Owner Complaints

8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Hyundai EQUUS (1 mention a crash, 1 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Power Train4
Engine3
Suspension2
Air Bags1
Electrical System1
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jul 11, 2026 · Power Train, Engine
“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…”
Jul 8, 2026 · Power Train, Engine
“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…”
Jul 6, 2026 · Power Train, Electrical System, Engine
“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…”
May 31, 2020 · Air Bags Crash 1 injury
“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…”
Mar 20, 2020 · 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…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2012 HYUNDAI EQUUS. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

← Back to Search