Equus (1st)
Engine Reliability Ratings
DOHC GDI TAU
5.0LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
DOHC TAU
4.6LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Hyundai Equus regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (3)
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
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.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Hyundai Genesis vehicles manufactured April 30, 2008, to November 21, 2010, and 2011 Hyundai Equus vehicles manufactured July 31, 2010, to November 21, 2010. Due to a circuit failure, the stop lamps in the affected vehicles may not illuminate.
Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2011-2016 Hyundai Equus problems?
The 2011-2016 Hyundai Equus has accumulated 92 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Suspension, Electrical System, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Hyundai Equus engine is most reliable?
The 2011-2016 Hyundai Equus was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 5.0L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2011-2016 Hyundai Equus a good used car?
The 2011-2016 Hyundai Equus can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 92 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011-2016 Hyundai Equus have?
The 2011-2016 Hyundai Equus has 92 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2011-2016 Hyundai Equus?
There are 3 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2011-2016 Hyundai Equus vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Hyundai Equus?
Before buying a used Hyundai Equus, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Suspension, Electrical System, Brakes, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the Equus have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2011-2016 Hyundai Equus. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 92 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-04-07.