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Hyundai GenesisModel year report

2010 Hyundai Genesis Problems

Compared with other Hyundai Genesis years

Fewer complaints than typical for this model

29/100 0.6× a typical year · 50 = typical

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
88filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
50,000miles, 77 complaints with mileage
Recalls
3campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
21 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl RWD · 18 city / 27 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 Hyundai Genesis (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2010 Genesis most often describe brake problems, particularly a pedal that sinks toward the floor and reduces stopping power; many of these complaints reference the brake fluid and hydraulic control unit recalls and note the issue recurring even after recall work. Electrical and lighting complaints are the next most frequent, including brake lights that stop working and headlamps that flicker or cut out when the turn signal is used. Reports cluster between roughly 30,000 and 80,000 miles, with some failures noted below 20,000 miles.

  1. Brakes

    Brake pedal sinks to the floor, reduced braking

    • 29 complaints (33%)
    • median 52,000 mi at 6.1 yrs old (25 state mileage)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $3,500 (median of 5 quotes)
    • filed 2012–2025

    Owners describe pressing the brake pedal and having it travel to the floorboard with little or no braking effect, sometimes requiring repeated pumping to stop. Several say the problem appeared or returned after the brake fluid recall or hydraulic control unit work had been performed, and dealers variously diagnosed the hydraulic electronic control unit, ABS module, master cylinder or brake force distribution module. Some owners report being charged for the repair when the vehicle was outside warranty. Most often reported between about 30,000 and 100,000 miles, at ordinary driving speeds and without warning.

    Recall 13V4890004 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the brake fluid and hydraulic control unit recalls were completed and whether the control unit was ever replaced. During a test drive, hold firm pressure on the pedal at a stop and check that it does not slowly sink.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Several months ago when I attempted to brake, the pedal went down to the floor. However, upon stopping the car and restarting the engine, the car appeared to be normal. I called the dealer and reported the problem and was told by the service writer that if it was not doing it further and there were no warning lights there was no point in bringing the car in. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10525812, filed 2013-07, 30,000 miles

    “I was driving on spring cypress rd (spring, tx) approaching state highway 249 at 30 MPH, I stepped on the brakes at the intersection and the pedal went all the way down to the floor. If I didn't start pumping the brakes, I would have rear ended car on front of me. If this incident had happened while I was on the sh249 freeway, I wouldn't be here filing this report. I was able to drive slowly to the Hyundai dealer using side roads.”

    NHTSA complaint #10783774, filed 2015-10, 29,630 miles
  2. Engine

    Stalling, limp mode and no-start

    • 8 complaints (9%)
    • median 70,000 mi at 4.6 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2013–2018

    Owners report the engine quitting without warning at speed or dropping into limp mode with limited power, and in some cases the car failing to restart. Dealers have replaced batteries, key fobs, the smart key module and the ignition lock module, or pointed to a throttle position sensor, without always resolving the problem. Reported from about 62,000 to 85,000 miles, usually during normal driving.

    3 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask for service records showing whether the ECM software update and any throttle or cranking-no-start repairs were performed, and check for a stored check engine light.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I was driving my vehicle turning on to a main street from a highway. Without warning the car entered limp mode. I did not have any engine response and the car would not do more than about 10 miles an hour. I pulled off the road and restarted the car. I was able to get the car to the dealership. Dealership says car has codes for faulty throttle position sensor and it need to be replaced. I have seen other people with a similar issue.”

    NHTSA complaint #10906383, filed 2016-09, 84,500 miles

    “Engine cranks normally attempting to start. When failed to start, the 'start' button is pushed to stop the attempt. Tried again. Took 3 attempts to finally start. Once started the engine revs at high RPM's. When put in 'd' the car lurches and accelerates without pushing gas pedal. If the car is turned off after starting and restarted, fast acceleration is eliminated. Car has ultimately started, but the fear is it will get worse and ultimately fail to start stranding the driver. Car runs perfectly in normal driving on the highway. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11091332, filed 2018-05, 70,000 miles
  3. Electrical system

    Electrical and infotainment failures

    • 7 complaints (8%)
    • median 39,117 mi at 5.7 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2010–2023

    Owners describe the navigation, radio and display shutting down for hours or a full day, and Bluetooth connecting to phones with the vehicle off. Others report multiple electronic components failing over time and intermittent faults with the power mirrors or power steering assist after an alternator failure. Scattered from very low mileage up to about 190,000 miles.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Test the radio, navigation screen, Bluetooth pairing and mirror tilt-in-reverse functions, and ask whether the battery has been replaced recently.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Hello NHTSA administrator, I bought a new Hyundai Genesis in march 2010. Around august 2010, I had a small fender bender in the parking lot. To keep warranty intact on the car, Hyundai insisted that the wiring harness on the car be replaced, which I did for approximately $5000. Since then, I have had multiple electronic items go bad in the car. I replaced some of these at my own expense. But the problem has gotten worse with some expensive electronic components going bad over the last 2 years. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11160581, filed 2018-12, 50,000 miles

    “While driving my Genesis 2010 sedan, the battery light illuminated, then the power steering did not respond. I was about 1/2 miles from my house and I had to wrestle with my steering wheel until I got home. The scary part was that I unexpectedly lost power steering during a turn at the traffic light. Luckily, no on coming traffic was near as I completed the turn on the opposite slide of the street. I fortunately arrive home, parked the vehicle and had it towed to the mechanics. I learned that the alternator went out and so did the battery. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11280927, filed 2019-11, 188,000 miles
  4. Exterior lighting

    Headlamps flicker or shut off

    • 7 complaints (8%)
    • median 67,590 mi at 6.4 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2014–2019

    Owners describe headlamps that flicker or go dark for several seconds while driving, sometimes triggered by using the turn signal or switching from auto to on. Some note an electrical pop sound when changing switch positions. Complaints describe the dealer being unable to duplicate or resolve the problem. Mostly reported between about 27,000 and 98,000 miles, often on unlit roads at night.

    3 related service bulletins

    What to check: Test the headlamp stalk in auto and on positions, including with the turn signal active, and look for moisture or condensation inside the lamp housings.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Headlights flash when switching from auto to on position. Occasionally the headlights in the on positon will blackout for 2-5 seconds until headlight stalk is giggled. There is an electrical noise (like a short circuit sound...a pop ) when switching from auto to on. The turn signals also seem to trigger the short circuit . All of these conditions can occur moving or standing still.on any type of roadway.”

    NHTSA complaint #11150862, filed 2018-11, 98,000 miles

    “I was traveling on highway roads and made lane change. Upon activating the turn signal, the headlights turn off and remained off until the turn signal was deactivated. This has occurred intermittently since. This seems to be very dangerous for night driving on poorly lit roads.”

    NHTSA complaint #10621679, filed 2014-08, 46,700 miles

Buying note. On a 2010 Genesis, the brake system deserves the most attention: confirm the brake fluid and hydraulic control unit recalls were completed and check pedal feel carefully on a test drive. Also verify the brake lights and headlamps work reliably and ask for service records on electrical and engine-stall repairs.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 88 consumer complaints for the 2010 Hyundai Genesis. 77 of the complaints include a mileage, and 48% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 50,000 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 66 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 6 Hyundai Genesis model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 29 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Fuel system (3), Seats (3), Steering (3), Electronic stability control (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Body and structure (1), Suspension (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Brakes: “Partial loss of braking - while traveling down the highway at 45 MPH the vehicles in front of me abruptly slowed down requiring me to quickly apply my brakes. Upon application of my brakes, I started to slow down and then the brake pedal suddenly released, providing limited braking. I continued to push the brake pedal towards the floor and the vehicle came to a stop but it required a longer stopping distance than normal. Updated 9/28/18”

NHTSA complaint #10985676, filed 2017-05, 78,880 miles

Electrical system: “This vehicle has a feature where the door mirrors angle down when the car goes into reverse, and then comes back to normal viewing position when you change to any other gear (e.g. Park, drive). Intermittently, one mirror (driver or passenger) does not come back up. The driver will not likely notice the mirror not returning to it normal viewing position until he uses the mirror again, like when he changes lanes. I have had this happened almost a dozen times to me. I have almost side swiped other drivers on three occasions. …”

NHTSA complaint #10684215, filed 2015-02, 26,460 miles

Exterior lighting: “1) almost hit from oncoming traffic at a stop light, when I was attempting to make a left hand turn. The signal turned yellow so I tried to turn left before I realized the oncoming car was going to run the light. I took my foot off the brake and hit the gas to make a quick turn to avoid the oncoming car. The car stalled for a second as I pressed the gas into the turn, then kicked into full power, screeching the tires. I thought this was a fluke but his same problem of stalling for a few seconds when depressing the brake and hitting the gas at takeoff keeps happening intermittently. …”

NHTSA complaint #10680412, filed 2015-02, 59,000 miles

Other or unknown: “Brake pedal one 2 occasions while applying the brake went all the way to the floor with very diminished stopping power the first time was on the highway a few months ago and the second time this happened was december 31 2017 I drove the car home and did not drive it till tuesday, jan 2nd, 2018 when it drove it slowly to the dealer on the way there the pedal got firmer but still spongy not normal the dealer can't find the problem and will not help me I'm afraid to drive the car”

NHTSA complaint #11058212, filed 2018-01, 70,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

48% of the 77 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 29,000 and 78,800 miles.

10%0–108%10–2530%25–5023%50–7514%75–10010%100–1504%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (77 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 50,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’10’12’14’1617’18’20’22’25
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Hyundai Genesis. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Genesis · sedan RWDnot rated5 / 5———

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2010 Hyundai Genesis version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Genesis RWD3.8L 6-cyl6-speed automatic182721$3,200
Genesis RWD4.6L 8-cyl6-speed automatic172519$4,350

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2010 Hyundai Genesis → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 66 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 66 bulletins →

Other model years of the Hyundai Genesis

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20169745,300452250 · TypicalStable
201529131,0007522100 · MoreRising
20142249,0000—21—Rising
201312634,0000—2240 · TypicalFalling
201226055,8222—2069 · MoreFalling
201112265,0003—2148 · TypicalFalling
20108850,0003—2129 · FewerFalling
200923562,9303—2174 · MoreStable

All Hyundai Genesis model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Hyundai Genesis?

Owners of the 2010 Genesis most often describe brake problems, particularly a pedal that sinks toward the floor and reduces stopping power; many of these complaints reference the brake fluid and hydraulic control unit recalls and note the issue recurring even after recall work. The issues reported most often: Brake pedal sinks to the floor, reduced braking; Stalling, limp mode and no-start; Electrical and infotainment failures.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Hyundai Genesis have?

NHTSA recorded 88 consumer complaints for the 2010 Hyundai Genesis as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2010 Hyundai Genesis is reported most often?

Brakes is named most often, in 31 complaints (35% of the total), followed by electrical system with 14.

Has the 2010 Hyundai Genesis been recalled?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2010 Hyundai Genesis get?

The EPA rates the 2010 Hyundai Genesis (Genesis, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2010 Hyundai Genesis reported?

Among the 77 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 50,000 miles and the middle half falls between 29,000 and 78,800 miles; 48% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.