Hyundai Equus research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide
The Equus offered full-size luxury, a V8 and a long list of standard features for far less than a Lexus LS or Mercedes S-Class. 2012-2016 cars have a 429-hp 5.0L V8 and 8-speed automatic; the 2014 refresh added a new look, more driver-assist tech and, on the Ultimate, a digital cluster, head-up display and surround-view camera. Steep depreciation makes it a used bargain, but air suspension and luxury-feature repairs can be costly.
Model years covered: 2011–2016. The Equus was sold in the U.S. for 2011-2016 only; for 2017 it was replaced by the Genesis G90 under the separate Genesis brand.
Last updated 2026-10-15.
Strengths
- Very quiet comfortable ride
- Strong V8
- Spacious rear seat
- Extensive standard equipment
- Low used price for the luxury
- Standard air suspension
- Advanced safety tech from 2014
Things to know before you buy
- Recall status should be checked by VIN
- Air suspension wear with age
- Luxury repair costs
- Low fuel economy
- Steep depreciation
- 2014 is the refresh year
- Replaced by the genesis g90 after 2016
Generations
Generation 2 (2011–2016)
The second-generation Equus arrived in the U.S. for 2011 with a 385-hp 4.6L V8 and 6-speed automatic, moved to a 429-hp direct-injected 5.0L V8 and 8-speed for 2012, and was refreshed for 2014 with new styling, retuned air suspension and more standard safety tech. Signature (five seats) and Ultimate (four seats with rear-seat luxury) trims ran throughout.
Buyer takeaway: A 2014-2016 offers the best tech and updated look; a 2012-2013 has the same V8 for less. Inspect the air suspension and test every feature before buying.
Hyundai Equus by model year
2016 Hyundai Equus
The 2016 Equus is the final U.S. model year; the Ultimate gains a hands-free power trunk. It keeps the 429-hp 5.0L V8 and 8-speed automatic (about 15 city / 23 highway mpg). For 2017 the flagship moved to Hyundai's new Genesis luxury brand as the G90, so a 2016 Equus is the newest and most refined version of this car.
- Engines: 5.0 liter V8 direct injection 429 hp 376 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Hands free smart trunk on ultimate
- Final US model year
- Replaced by the genesis g90 for 2017
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim signature or ultimate; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Oil level and oil change records; Cold start engine noise; Automatic transmission shift quality; Air suspension ride height and leaks; Brakes and rotors; Tires and alignment; Power seats massage and ventilation functions; Navigation audio and rear entertainment; Warning lights and stored codes; Maintenance history.
2015 Hyundai Equus
The 2015 Equus carries over the refreshed 2014 car: a 429-hp 5.0L V8, 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, about 15 city / 23 highway mpg, with Signature and Ultimate trims and extensive standard safety tech. It is a lot of luxury for the money used. Certain 2014-2015 cars are in the ABS-fuse recall, so check the VIN.
- Engines: 5.0 liter V8 direct injection 429 hp 376 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Carryover after the 2014 refresh
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim signature or ultimate; Abs module fuse recall completion; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Oil level and oil change records; Cold start engine noise; Automatic transmission shift quality; Air suspension ride height and leaks; Brakes and rotors; Tires and alignment; Power seats massage and ventilation functions; Navigation audio and rear entertainment; Warning lights and stored codes; Maintenance history.
2014 Hyundai Equus
The 2014 Equus was refreshed with new front styling, an updated cabin, retuned air suspension with a snow mode, and standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and stop-and-go adaptive cruise. The Ultimate adds a 12.3-inch digital cluster, head-up display and surround-view camera. The 429-hp V8 carries over (about 15/23 mpg). Check the VIN for the ABS-fuse recall.
- Engines: 5.0 liter V8 direct injection 429 hp 376 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Mid cycle refresh with new front styling and cabin
- Blind spot and rear cross traffic alert standard
- Stop and go adaptive cruise
- Retuned air suspension with snow mode
- Ultimate adds 12 3 inch digital cluster head up display and 360 camera
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim signature or ultimate; Abs module fuse recall completion; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Oil level and oil change records; Cold start engine noise; Automatic transmission shift quality; Air suspension ride height and leaks; Brakes and rotors; Tires and alignment; Power seats massage and ventilation functions; Navigation audio and rear entertainment; Warning lights and stored codes; Maintenance history.
2013 Hyundai Equus
The 2013 Equus carries over the 429-hp 5.0L V8 and 8-speed automatic, rated about 15 city / 23 highway mpg, in Signature and Ultimate trims. It offers big-sedan luxury and space for far less than a German rival when new, and depreciates steeply, which helps used buyers. Confirm the wiper-motor recall on certain cars and test the air suspension.
- Engines: 5.0 liter V8 direct injection 429 hp 376 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Carryover from 2012
- Last year before the 2014 refresh
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim signature or ultimate; Wiper motor recall completion; Oil level and oil change records; Cold start engine noise; Automatic transmission shift quality; Air suspension ride height and leaks; Brakes and rotors; Tires and alignment; Power seats massage and ventilation functions; Navigation audio and rear entertainment; Warning lights and stored codes; Maintenance history.
2012 Hyundai Equus
For 2012 the Equus gained a 429-hp direct-injected 5.0L V8 and an 8-speed automatic in place of the 4.6L and 6-speed, giving it notably stronger acceleration; EPA ratings are about 15 city / 23 highway mpg. Signature and Ultimate trims carry over with lavish standard equipment. Certain 2011-2013 cars need a wiper-motor seal recall, so check the VIN.
- Engines: 5.0 liter V8 direct injection 429 hp 376 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- New 429 hp 5.0 liter direct injection V8
- Eight speed automatic replaces six speed
- Power rear sunshades on ultimate
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim signature or ultimate; Wiper motor recall completion; Oil level and oil change records; Cold start engine noise; Automatic transmission shift quality; Air suspension ride height and leaks; Brakes and rotors; Tires and alignment; Power seats massage and ventilation functions; Navigation audio and rear entertainment; Warning lights and stored codes; Maintenance history.
2011 Hyundai Equus
The 2011 Equus was Hyundai's first U.S. full-size luxury flagship, positioned above the Genesis sedan. It has a 385-hp 4.6L V8, a 6-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, rated about 16 city / 24 highway mpg, with air suspension, adaptive cruise and Lexicon audio standard. The four-seat Ultimate adds reclining, ventilated rear seats. Check the VIN for the stop-lamp and wiper-motor recalls.
- Engines: 4.6 liter V8 385 hp 333 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- First US model year for the equus
- Air suspension and adaptive cruise standard
- Five seat signature and four seat ultimate
- 17 speaker lexicon audio standard
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim signature or ultimate; Stop lamp circuit recall completion; Wiper motor recall completion; Oil level and oil change records; Cold start engine noise; Automatic transmission shift quality; Air suspension ride height and leaks; Brakes and rotors; Tires and alignment; Power seats massage and ventilation functions; Navigation audio and rear entertainment; Warning lights and stored codes; Maintenance history.
Known issues and what to check
- ABS Module Fuse Recall (Park-Outside Advisory) (2014–2015)
NHTSA recall 23V651 covers certain 2014-2015 Equus sedans. The ABS module can leak brake fluid internally and short, which can cause an engine-compartment fire while parked or driving. Owners were told to park outside until a dealer installs a replacement ABS fuse, free of charge.
What to do: Confirm by VIN that the ABS-fuse recall is complete on a 2014-2015 Equus. - Windshield Wiper Motor Seal Recall (2011-2013) (2011–2013)
Recall 16V117 covers certain Equus sedans built July 2011 to June 2012: the wiper motor cover seal can degrade, letting corrosion damage the motor's circuit board and causing intermittent or total wiper failure. Dealers replace the cover and seal free.
What to do: Test the wipers and confirm the recall by VIN. - Stop-Lamp Switch Circuit Recall (2011) (2011)
Recall 14V713 covers 2011 Equus sedans built July 31 to November 21, 2010: a circuit failure can keep the brake lights from illuminating. Dealers repair the stop-lamp switch circuit free.
What to do: Check the brake lights and confirm the recall by VIN on early 2011 cars. - Air Suspension Condition (2011–2016)
Every Equus has electronically controlled air suspension. As these cars age, air springs, lines and the compressor can leak or wear, which can be costly to repair. A car that sits low after parking, or a compressor that runs constantly, needs a closer look.
What to do: Have a mechanic familiar with air suspension inspect it before buying. - Luxury Features, Electronics and Repair Costs (2011–2016)
The Equus is packed with powered and electronic features (massaging and ventilated seats, rear entertainment, cameras, head-up display on later Ultimates). Repairs to these systems and to large luxury-car parts can cost more than on a mainstream sedan, and parts and service are through Hyundai or Genesis dealers.
What to do: Test every feature and get a pre-purchase inspection; budget for luxury-car repair costs. - V8 Engine and Transmission Maintenance (2011–2016)
The 2012-2016 5.0L V8 uses direct injection, and both the 4.6L and 5.0L V8s reward on-time oil changes. The 6-speed (2011) and 8-speed (2012-2016) automatics should shift smoothly.
What to do: Favor cars with complete dealer service records. - Equus vs. Genesis Sedan vs. Genesis G90 (2011–2016)
The Equus (2011-2016 in the U.S.) is Hyundai's flagship, larger than the Hyundai Genesis sedan. It was replaced by the Genesis G90 for 2017 under the separate Genesis brand. 2011 cars have the 385-hp 4.6L V8 and 6-speed; 2012-2016 cars have the 429-hp 5.0L and 8-speed. Signature seats five; Ultimate seats four.
What to do: Confirm the year, engine and trim before comparing prices.
Recalls
Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine, transmission, equipment, and VIN. Check the VIN for current open recalls and completed remedies.
Similar vehicles to consider
- Lexus LS
- Genesis G90
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- BMW 7 Series
- Audi A8
- Kia K900
- Hyundai Genesis
- Infiniti Q70
- Cadillac XTS
Questions this guide answers
- What engine does this Hyundai Equus have?
- What changed in the 2014 Equus refresh?
- What is the difference between the Equus Signature and Ultimate?
- Is the Equus the same as the Genesis G90?
- What fuel economy does the Equus get?
- What recalls should I check by VIN on an Equus?
- What should I inspect on a used Equus, especially the air suspension?
- Is a used Equus expensive to maintain?
- Why did Hyundai stop selling the Equus?
- What similar vehicles should I consider?