← Back to Search

2012 Hyundai Genesis 4.6

The 2012 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 is a 385-hp V8 with an 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $44,500 MSRP and is rated at 19 mpg combined.

It makes 385 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 333 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (19 mpg combined).

The Genesis measures 196.3 inches long on a 115.6-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 4,024 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$44,500 ($62,990 *)
MSRP with Destination$45,375 ($64,229 *)
Destination Charge$875
Engine
Engine TypeTau G8BA 4.6L DOHC V8, Dual-CVVT, naturally aspirated
Horsepower385 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque333 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC 32-valve with Dual-CVVT
Bore and Stroke92.0 x 87.0
Compression Ratio10.4:1
Injection TypeMulti-point fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRear-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission8-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC
Fuel Economy
City16 MPG
Highway25 MPG
Combined19 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium unleaded
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front18 in
Wheels Rear18 in
Tires FrontP235/50R18
Tires RearP235/50R18
Dimensions & Weight
Length196.3 in
Width74.4 in
Height58.1 in
Wheelbase115.6 in
Cargo Volume16 ft³
Curb Weight4,024 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front40.4 in
Headroom Rear37.7 in
Legroom Front44.3 in
Legroom Rear38.6 in
Shoulder Room Front58.3 in
Shoulder Room Rear57.9 in
Hip Room Front54.9 in
Hip Room Rear54.3 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Side crash Not rated
Rollover ★★★★★ (9.5 % risk)
Tested variant: 2012 Hyundai Genesis 4 DR RWD
Other tested variants (1)
  • 2012 Hyundai Genesis 2 DR RWD: overall not rated

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Hyundai GENESIS. 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

Oct 29, 2013 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

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).

Consequence: If the module corrodes, reduced brake effectiveness may result, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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 consumeraffairs@hmausa.com. Hyundai's recall number is 114.

NHTSA campaign 13V489000

270 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2012 Hyundai GENESIS

Owner Complaints

270 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Hyundai GENESIS (8 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 6 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine71
Service Brakes65
Electrical System49
Power Train39
Unknown Or Other34
Hydraulic33
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Sep 18, 2026 · Engine And Engine Cooling 1 injury
“See attached document for complaint.”
Jul 8, 2026 · Service Brakes
“Brake pedal has been intermittently low/spongy and has progressively gotten worse. During these events, the brake pedal goes nearly to the floorboard, and braking power is weak but will typically…”
Feb 6, 2026 · Service Brakes
“I am submitting this letter as a formal safety defect complaint regarding my 2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 sedan, which is experiencing braking system behavior that directly mirrors the defect described in…”
Jan 31, 2026 · Service Brakes
“Brake line on driver rear rusted and leaking above brake hose. Cannot drive vehicle safely with this leak. Would leak brake fluid each time I step on brake pedal. Problem magnified when car is on and…”
May 6, 2025 · Air Bags Crash 1 injury
“The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, she collided with another vehicle on the front driver's side. No air bags deployed. BM Automotive…”

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 GENESIS. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

← Back to Search