2013 Hyundai Genesis Problems
Compared with other Hyundai Genesis years
Typical for this model
40/100 0.8× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.8× that of a typical Hyundai Genesis year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 55 of its 126 complaints were filed by the end of 2015.
- Most reported problem: Engine stalls at low speed or while turning (29 complaints, median 54,500 mi).
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2010
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
- 126filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 34,000miles, 96 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns 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
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl RWD · 18 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Hyundai Genesis (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2013 Hyundai Genesis most often report the engine shutting off unexpectedly, frequently at low speed, while turning, or when pulling away from a stop, sometimes with all dashboard lights coming on. A second recurring theme is transmission behaviour on automatic cars (slipping, delayed or harsh shifts), and brakes that feel soft or require pumping. Reports span a wide mileage range, from nearly new cars to well over 100,000 miles.
- Engine
Engine stalls at low speed or while turning
- 29 complaints (23%)
- median 54,500 mi at 5.7 yrs old (26 state mileage)
- filed 2013–2024
Complaints describe the engine quitting without warning, most often while braking to a stop, pulling away from a stop, or turning into a driveway or parking lot. Several owners say all dashboard lights come on at once and the car restarts after being shifted to neutral or put in park. People who took the car to a dealer report that no fault code could be found and, in several cases, nothing was repaired. Reported from roughly 50,000 to over 150,000 miles, described often as happening at low speed in traffic or during turns.
What to check: Ask the seller whether the car has ever stalled and whether throttle body, purge valve or engine control module work was done. A slow test drive with several stops and turns gives a chance to see it happen.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Car stalled immediately after starting several times in my garage. Let it overnight, and started it and pull out in the driveway where let the engine running while in park. Without warning lights the engine stalled after about 5 minutes. Re-started the car and the engine stalled again after about 2 min without any warning lights while in park..”
NHTSA complaint #11318050, filed 2020-03, 46,178 miles“Stalled twice on the same day - stalled when braking at low speed on a city street prior to a complete stop. Shifted to neutral and tried to start car. Car was trying to start but hesitated. Gave it a hard acceleration, it then ran normal. Second incident on the same trip. - stalled on city street when braking at low speed. Shifted to neutral and started car. Gave it a hard acceleration, it then ran normal. …”
NHTSA complaint #11221917, filed 2019-06, 99,500 miles - Brakes
Soft or low brake pedal needing pumping
- 22 complaints (17%)
- median 40,000 mi at 5.0 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2025
Complaints describe the brake pedal sinking toward the floor without stopping the car, sometimes with the vehicle pulling to one side, so the driver has to pump the pedal to regain braking. In some reports the dealer diagnosed the hydraulic unit or ABS module as needing replacement; in others the problem could not be duplicated. One owner also describes the wheels appearing to lock after the parking brake was engaged. Reported from about 30,000 to 146,000 miles, often appearing as an intermittent condition rather than a steady decline.
What to check: Ask whether the brake hydraulic unit, ABS module or brake lines have been serviced, and check the pedal for a firm feel with the engine running. Any sinking pedal or fluid weeping near a caliper is worth a second opinion before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The vehicle sets brakes when I accelerate and brings my car to a stop. It will not release the brakes. When the vehicle comes to a stop the vehicle won't move. Yesterday it occurred twice and the second time a female contact her husband and he told her to have me pump the brakes to see if they release. The brakes released. The traction control on the dash figure came on and would not clear. I believe it has be something wrong with that feature on the vehicle. A very dangerous fault.”
NHTSA complaint #10564167, filed 2014-02, 1,500 miles“On multiple occasions the brake pedal will go nearly to the floor without stopping the car causing a panic and aggressive braking before nearly getting into an accident. We have to pump the pedal to make them work. This happened at any speed at random times. The brake pads have been inspected and still have plenty of pad left. Car has 125k mostly highway miles. Multiple mechanic advice and on line issues points to a faulty $1600 ABS module. I have two other much older vehicles with way more miles with no such issue”
NHTSA complaint #11283072, filed 2019-12, 123,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slipping, delayed or harsh shifts
- 13 complaints (10%)
- median 13,800 mi at 2.5 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- filed 2012–2020
Owners describe the transmission slipping, engine revs rising without acceleration, then a hard jerk or bang when a gear engages, most often around the 3-4 and 4-5 shifts in city driving. Some report hesitation when accelerating hard from a rolling start. Several say the dealer replaced the transmission under warranty, and some had it replaced more than once. Mostly reported between about 15,000 and 100,000 miles, with several cited in the 30,000-60,000 mile range.
What to check: Ask for service records showing transmission or solenoid/e-module work, and whether the fluid level was checked per the 8-speed procedure. Drive the car through several upshifts and note any flare or harsh engagement.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I've seen a lot of these cars and read about a lot of these cars with transmission problems I was sitting on a regular road in park my car slipped into reverse with no warning what so ever while the gear stick was still in drive I think these could have been built stronger or safer to avoid this and that was just one incident out of about 20 but that was by far the worst”
NHTSA complaint #11297541, filed 2020-01, 95,000 miles“I am having this same problem! Except this will be my 3rd time getting it replaced. Hyundai will replace it under warranty, but what happens when it runs out and I'm still constantly replacing it. I have replaced it at 16,000 miles, then at 34,000 miles and now at 54,000. If you notice, there is a trend. Corporate really doesn't help, they just tell me it's covered and everything is fine, in reality that's not true. I have no where else to turn to have this problem fixed for long term driving, and I know I'm not the only one. …”
NHTSA complaint #10767338, filed 2015-09, 54,000 miles - Air bags
Airbag light, clock spring and dash cover issues
- 24 complaints (19%)
- median 62,000 mi at 4.9 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2024
Several owners describe the airbag warning light coming on, in one case repeatedly after the clock spring was replaced multiple times. Others report the passenger-side airbag area of the dashboard splitting or separating from the enclosure, and some describe airbags not deploying in a collision. Complaints also mention seat belts that no longer latch. Reported from about 38,000 to 77,000 miles, with the dashboard cover complaints appearing on cars several years old.
What to check: Turn the key to the run position and confirm the airbag light goes out after the self-check. Inspect the dashboard around the passenger airbag seam for splits and test that every seat belt latches and releases.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The area in my dashboard where my airbag is is starting to split. I have contacted Hyundai and let them know as I feel that this is a safety issue. It is coming open and I am concerned that the airbag will either deploy or not operate correctly if needed. I have seen where this is a common occurance is this vehicle and I feel that it wanrrants a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11118652, filed 2018-08, 74,000 miles“While traveling at 65mph the car was cut off and the ABS did not work, the rear fishtailed and lost control, slamming into a guardrail at 65mph, the right passenger side front and back were severely impacted, and no air bags were deployed at time of crash. Seat belts did not hold and passengers were hurt. Air bag, failure and seatbelt failure are the major problems with this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10557193, filed 2013-12, 14,600 miles - Engine
Rough running, misfires and hesitation on acceleration
- 11 complaints (9%)
- median 11,250 mi at 1.9 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2013–2019
Owners report rough idle on cold start, stumbling or hesitation when accelerating into traffic, and in some cases misfire codes. Dealers reportedly suggested different fuel brands, said the car was adapting to driving habits, or could not reproduce the condition, and one owner was shown a bulletin dealing with the injector driver box. Others describe sooty exhaust and black carbon on the rear bumper. Reported from very low mileage (under 5,000 miles) up to around 40,000 miles, with several mentions of cold-start or cold-weather conditions.
What to check: Start the car from cold and listen for a rough or uneven idle, and ask whether any misfire or injector-related repairs were recorded. Check the exhaust tips and rear bumper for heavy soot.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My Genesis accelerates on its own, this has happened several times, the last time it happened I was able to get it to the dealership so they could see it, they turned the car off & could not duplicate the problem the 4th time it happened the car lunged out at a stop light & accelerated to 50 MPH before I could get it stopped”
NHTSA complaint #10746553, filed 2015-08, 20,000 miles“Rough idle on cold start. We have had this condition checked on 3 separate occassions with no successful repair. Condition was first checked at 18k miles and last at 34k. We have had to bring the vehicle to private shop to have our rough idle on cold start condition confirmed. No resolution with manufacturer at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #10910567, filed 2016-09, 18,000 miles
Buying note. Look closely at how the car behaves at low speed and in stop-and-go traffic, since stalling and transmission complaints centre on those conditions, and check the brake pedal feel and service history for hydraulic or ABS work. A pre-purchase inspection that includes a cold start and a scan for stored codes is worth the cost on this model year.
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 126 consumer complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Genesis. 96 of the complaints include a mileage, and 61% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 34,000 miles. Of all complaints, 14 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 16 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 78 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 40 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (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.
- Engine41 33%
- Brakes25 20%
- Electrical system17 13%
- Other or unknown16 13%
- Air bags13 10%
- Steering10 7.9%
- Vehicle speed control9 7.1%
- Fuel system7 5.6%
- Body and structure4 3.2%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (3), Seat belts (3), Seats (3), Suspension (3), Tires (3), Wheels (3), Exterior lighting (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Engine cooling (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “I originally bought my 2013 Hyundai Genesis as a certified pre-owned vehicle from a dealer in georgia. From august 2014 to present (august 2015), the vehicle has stalled/cut off unexpectedly on 8 different occasions, 7 times while driving at speeds between 5 MPH and 45 MPH, and once while sitting idle in park. …”
NHTSA complaint #10749403, filed 2015-08, 35,000 milesBrakes: “I was backing out of my garage. My son had his car parked behind me. I saw that I was going to have to pull up to get around the parked car. I put my foot on the brake, I then put the car in drive. Took my foot off the gas and it took off at rocket speed. I wasn't completely out of my garage. The car was going so fast and I couldn't stop it. I was 6 ft from the brick wall. I was going so fast that I went through the brick wall and it didn't even slow down. It kept going took out a chain link fence. Then came to a stop and died. …”
NHTSA complaint #11072912, filed 2018-02, 33,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “We were at an intersection on highway 1. Cars were driving by at the speed limit of 55mph so it was important that we accelerate quickly in order to turn left onto the highway and avoid being hit by oncoming traffic. When it was time to go I stepped on the accelerator, the car began to move and then we experienced engine hesitation, where there was a momentary period where the engine did not respond to me stepping on the accelerator. I reacted by stepping on the accelerator completely to the bottom and still had no response - we were coasting. …”
NHTSA complaint #10651989, filed 2014-11, 7,500 milesElectrical system: “Bought my 2013 Genesis 3.8 with technology & premium options on march 1, 2013. I have had two problems from around the 2nd month after my purchase. They are: 1) the driver seat and the back not getting much airflow even at the switch setting at max position; 2) the seat leather cover is not snug tight - kind of loose and wavy in the middle area. Have been to the dealer seven times starting august 2013. The dealer has replaced the fan and filter, found blower motor weakened, seized. …”
NHTSA complaint #10607224, filed 2014-06, 2,172 milesMileage when problems were reported
61% of the 96 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 7,500 and 68,000 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.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 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.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genesis · sedan RWD | not rated | — | — | — | 5 · 9.5% risk |
| Genesis · coupe RWD | not rated | — | — | — | 5 · 8.2% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2013 model year: forward collision warning not available, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2013 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).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genesis RWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 18 | 28 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Genesis R-Spec RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 16 | 25 | 19 | $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
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2013 Hyundai Genesis in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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. 78 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038692Oct 22, 2026Body and structure. This 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…
- 11038456Oct 7, 2026Engine. Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles…
- 11032523Apr 10, 2026Air bags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile…
- 11032522Apr 10, 2026Air bags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo…
- 11025476Nov 6, 2025Exterior lighting. This 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…
- 10253275Apr 9, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. This 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.
- 10251285Feb 14, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This 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…
- 10251277Feb 2, 2024Fuel system. This bulletin outlines the basic components of the BG Fuel Test Kit and the procedure to test the quality of the fuel during vehicle diagnosis. Poor fuel quality may lead to cold engine startability…
- 10247189Oct 13, 2023Engine cooling. This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
- 10235566Apr 24, 2023Body and structure. Hyundai 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…
Other model years of the Hyundai Genesis
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 97 | 45,300 | 4 | 5 | 22 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 290 | 31,000 | 7 | 5 | 22 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2014 | 22 | 49,000 | 0 | — | 21 | — | Rising |
| 2013 | 126 | 34,000 | 0 | — | 22 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 260 | 55,822 | 2 | — | 20 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 122 | 65,000 | 3 | — | 21 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 88 | 50,000 | 3 | — | 21 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 235 | 62,930 | 3 | — | 21 | 74 · More | Stable |
All Hyundai Genesis model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Hyundai Genesis?
Owners of the 2013 Hyundai Genesis most often report the engine shutting off unexpectedly, frequently at low speed, while turning, or when pulling away from a stop, sometimes with all dashboard lights coming on. The issues reported most often: Engine stalls at low speed or while turning; Soft or low brake pedal needing pumping; Transmission slipping, delayed or harsh shifts.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Hyundai Genesis have?
NHTSA recorded 126 consumer complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Genesis as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 Hyundai Genesis is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 41 complaints (33% of the total), followed by brakes with 25.
Has the 2013 Hyundai Genesis been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Hyundai Genesis get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Hyundai Genesis (Genesis, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 18 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Hyundai Genesis reported?
Among the 96 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 34,000 miles and the middle half falls between 7,500 and 68,000 miles; 61% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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.