Hyundai Equus Complaints

96 consumer complaints on file.

#11749721July 11, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
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 office formally initiated a high-level Tier-2 supervisor review to investigate the severe powertrain safety hazard currently present on my vehicle—specifically, a catastrophic internal rupture of the transmission fluid cooler loop that has cross-contaminated and flooded my engine block infrastructure and main radiator with high-velocity metallic shrapnel. However, today, Saturday, July 11, 2026, the servicing franchise dealership, Patrick Hyundai, issued an immediate verbal denial of all goodwill repair or safety inspection coverage. This premature weekend denial represents a blatant, bad-faith attempt by a localized franchise to circumvent an active manufacturer safety audit. By issuing a verbal denial while corporate offices are closed, the dealership is attempting to apply high pressure to force me to immediately tow this severely compromised, non-driveable vehicle off their property. This action is designed solely to force the removal and destruction of critical, un-tampered physical fluid evidence before a qualified Federal Safety Engineer or a Hyundai Field Product Engineer can mandate a teardown or structural inspection. The manufacturer's franchise is actively evading its product liability and safety screening protocols for an integrated, multi-system thermal failure. I am requesting that federal safety auditors expedite an intervention, freeze any attempt to eject the vehicle from the facility, and order a formal manufacturer field safety audit. Case number 11749120
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749120July 8, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
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 Hyundai dealership replaced the transmission under a factory warranty event. Rather than replacing the transmission oil cooler assembly—which was contaminated with heavy metal shrapnel from the original mechanical breakdown—the servicing dealer chose to only flush the lines, creating a latent fluid restriction. After approximately 18,000 miles of operation, this restriction completely choked the transmission fluid pressure loop. The extreme thermal stress and back-pressure caused the internal walls of the transmission cooler to suffer a catastrophic structural rupture. This caused the transmission to suddenly overheat and fail while driving, creating an immediate highway safety risk and a total loss of vehicle control. Furthermore, the internal rupture of the cooler walls has caused direct fluid cross-contamination ('SMOD'), forcing transmission fluid and metallic shrapnel directly into the engine's main radiator and cooling passages. This metal shrapnel is currently circulating through the engine's cooling network, creating a severe secondary hazard of catastrophic engine seizure and thermal runaway while traveling at highway speeds. The manufacturer has been notified but has formally refused in writing to dispatch a field engineer or authorize a safety inspection of this cross-contaminated powertrain network.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748611July 6, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 and transmission fluid unknown to me because of a clogged transmission cooler line improperly flushed instead of replaced by the Patrick Hyundai dealership there could’ve been and electrical fire or a crash due to these things.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741912June 3, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
For the last year or so when driving my Equus the signal lights left or right side has been working intermittently. I can go months without any issues but lately it seems to be worsening. I transport my Mom that has dementia around and its scary because it seems never know when the lights may not work at all. People drive so crazy and if its dark or light they dont see my arm out the window. Please tell me that you can assist with this issue. I inherited this car from her brother that died of cancer, this car was his dream. I'm doing all I can to keep it in top condition. I can't replace the car, but I always try to keep it in top condition. Help please.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740882May 29, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Equus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights and both turn signals became inoperable and failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The contact further stated that the failure persisted after the vehicle was returned from the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693505October 15, 2025
SUSPENSION
Airbag suspension bags keep unable
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680967August 15, 2025
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Equus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the driver's side head restraint suddenly deployed from the seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the head restraint needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred with the passenger's side headrest, and the headrest was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,156.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664557June 3, 2025
STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Office of Defects Investigation From: [XXX] Date: 2 June 2025Vehicle: 2014 Hyundai Equus Location: Columbus, GA (Other driven locations: Buford, GA; Alpharetta, GA; Duluth GA)1. Summary of Vehicle Cyber Incident:My 2014 Hyundai Equus has been compromised through what I believe to be a remote cyberattack targeting the vehicle’s infotainment and navigation systems. This began shortly after I reported widespread digital and identity theft to law enforcement in Columbus, GA.2. Symptoms Observed: Navigation system lockout: The navigation system is entirely disabled. A satellite symbol with a circle and diagonal slash appeared on the interface and has not gone away, indicating a potential denial of satellite/GPS signal or remote access control. Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) Override: The RSE system appears to be remotely controlled, with the interface appearing on my front console screen without input. I attempted to check the RSE control box in the settings menu, but it was consistently unchecked upon restart—as if overridden remotely. Video evidence interference: I recorded multiple videos of the system anomalies, including screen mirroring and control takeover. Some were blocked from sending or sharing; others went through under inconsistent conditions. Unauthorized device influence: I believe connected devices (iPhones, etc.) are being used as access vectors into my vehicle system.3. Timeline of Events: [XXX] (Sunday evening): After visiting the Columbus Public Safety Center and speaking with Deputies McBride and I. Sanchez about ongoing cyber intrusions (mobile, home, and vehicle), the car infotainment system began behaving abnormally that night. May 20, 2025 (Tuesday): I returned to Columbus Police Department to formally report the vehicle hacking. A CPD officer expressed genuine concern and said he would relay my case to Detective Gross. May 23, 2025: I visited AutoNation Hyundai in Columbus INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664572June 3, 2025
SEATS
I am reporting a recurring safety-related defect in the headrest mechanisms of my 2014 Hyundai Equus. The first incident occurred in the front passenger seat. While driving, I lightly leaned my arm on the passenger headrest when it suddenly popped up with a loud, startling noise and occurring an road incident . The internal components crumbled instantly, requiring a complete replacement. This was a costly repair, which I first inquired about with the service department at AutoNation Hyundai in Columbus, GA. It was eventually repaired and completed at Columbus Body Collision, Columbus, GA On [XXX], the driver’s headrest failed in the same way. It popped out of position unexpectedly, and the internal structure again appears to have broken and crumbled, while I was parked at QuikTrip fuel station. Alpharetta, GA. This incident has made me concerned about occupant safety, especially regarding whiplash protection and the risk of the headrest becoming a projectile or collapsing under impact. Since both front seat headrests have failed in the same way, I believe this may indicate a design or manufacturing defect. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue and consider a recall so that affected Hyundai Equus owners are not left with expensive and unsafe repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658557May 2, 2025
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Equus. The contact stated that the front shocks were previously replaced under an unknown recall. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced rear suspension failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the rear springs were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, where the rear springs were replaced a second time; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving on an uneven road surface, the vehicle was bouncing, and felt like the wheels were rubbing the front and rear wheel wells. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654706April 15, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Equus. The contact stated there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the rod bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627331November 25, 2024
SEATS
On August, 2nd around noon, I was driving alone, west on a rural road called 1869 in Liberty Hill, TX. I believe the speed limit on this winding rural road is 55mph, and I was about 1 mile west of 183. While my car was in motion, my active headrest activated (exploded) into the back of my head, throwing me forward into the steering wheel. This happened randomly and unprompted. There were no other cars on the road with me, I didn’t collide with anything, and the road was smooth. I quickly regained control of the car and continued to my destination. The Hyundai dealership confirms the misfired active headrest, and Hyundai does not want to repair it, as the vehicle is out of warranty. There were no warnings prior to the event. I was resting my head on the headrest when it happened.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11622368October 28, 2024
SUSPENSION
Suspension air Block and airbags failing, even after being replaced by dealership 2 months ago. Most recently happened on the interstate at 70 mph. Fixed by dealership only to happen again!! Known problem by Hyundai dealership yet keep replacing with same defective part number. Twice have had new parts fail during test drive. Very expensive to repair $10,000 so far and just had the rear airbag go burst. Not safe to drive vehicle!! Never know when it will go out again. Last one just lasted two months!! Will never get money back from selling the car! Just want a safe vehicle and Hyundai needs to provide parts that work and are not a safety hazard!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11615717September 21, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Within last two years I've been dealing with random and intermittent headlight flickering/turning off when the light stalk switch is in AUTO mode. Also, the cabin lights flicker and turn off at the same time when headlights do. It is very dangerous when it happens during night driving. Luckily problem can be overridden by switching the stalk to ON modes and the interior cluster lights and headlights come back on again. Problem seems to be happening only when in AUTO mode. I talked to dealer, they tried to replicate the problem without success. Problem happens to me at least once a month. I spent lot of time reading about this problem in forums, and found one same comment on the Equus vehicle and many on Genesis which was sold in much higher volumes. It seems to be the same problem, and Hyundai has issued the extended warranty program (but for Genesis 15-16 cars) 20-BE-009H. I firmly believe it's the same problem, its just not many Equus vehicles was sold as Genesis. Please help - we are hardly driving the car at night anymore and we really like it. And dealer didn't want to replace the stalk without being able to properly diagnose/replicate the problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11607024August 7, 2024
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Equus. The contact stated that while his wife was outside on a hot day, upon opening the door, the front headrest air bag deployed without impact. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was possibly caused due to the heat. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there no previous reports of the failure. The contact was informed to scheduling an appointment to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 79,850.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11602830July 16, 2024
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The problem is with the Accelerator pedal. It malfunctions, and is also known as a 'Dead pedal' at different times without warning and could cause an accident if it happens at the wrong time, like making a turn and the car will not accelerate, or move, just getting the car to move . I checked with a dealer if they have had any of these type reports and there answer was no they had not. It is very UN-nerving when it happens.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11588709May 14, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Equus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the ABS warning light had illuminated and the vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and replaced the front brake pads. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the ABS warning light illuminated again and the vehicle was driven to another dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11587098May 6, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
Tilt/telescopic functions just stopped working. Replaced switch, and module and still not working. Dealer now wants $10k for a new dash wiring harnesses. Found TSB for similar issue on sister vehicle (Genesis). Not sure if that needs to be expanded to this vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11586503May 2, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Equus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11581385April 5, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS light is on and diagnosed needs replaced shortly after purchased the car November 2022, and is ongoing and currently an issue 4/5/24. The original ABS began to go out, would have to pump the brakes to stop and would not always catch. I have concerns this would be closely related to your current recall and believe the 2013 Equus be considered for inclusion in this risk. [XXX] recalls?nhtsaId=23V651000 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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