Owners have filed 16 complaints
about the 2013 Hyundai Equus with NHTSA between 2013 and 2024.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 35
Against the median year of the Hyundai Equus. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 65
12.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
82% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2013 Hyundai Equus
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Stability & Traction Control
212.5%
Median failure at 13,650 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
212.5%
Median failure at 12,000 miles
Suspension
212.5%
Median failure at 50,009 miles
Brakes
212.5%
Transmission & Drivetrain
212.5%
Median failure at 7,659 miles
Equipment & Accessories
16.3%
Median failure at 12,000 miles
Wheels
16.3%
Median failure at 10,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
16.3%
Median failure at 15,300 miles
Steering
16.3%
Airbags
16.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 99,000 mi
Electrical System
16.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
218.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
763.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
19.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
19.1%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2013 Hyundai Equus 4 DR RWD
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2013peak 3May 2024
Recalls on the 2013 Hyundai Equus
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2023125404,543 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: Hyundai is conducting a special service campaign that provides anti-corrosion treatment to certain underbody components. Over time, components under the vehicle, including brake lines could corrode. If this happens, a brake line could fail and leak. A brake fluid leak can result in reduced braking. Safety Risk: Reduced braking can cause an extended stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Hyundai will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the underbody, including the brake lines. The dealer will apply an anti-corrosion treatment to certain parts, and replace the brake lines if necessary.
Recall 20161121,223 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the cover seal of the windshield wiper motor could degrade over time. This could result in moisture ingress, which could lead to corrosion on the wiper motor’s circuit board. If the corrosion were to progress, the windshield wipers could function intermittently or become inoperative, which could limit the driver’s visibility under certain operating conditions and increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor with a revised wiper motor.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 99,000 milesCharlotte, NCCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 HYUNDAI EQUUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AT A STOP, A UNKNOWN TOYOTA CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE SPLEEN AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT TOW LOT. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS.*DT*DT*JB
NHTSA complaint #11399101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Carmel, IN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11587098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carmel, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11587098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
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)
NHTSA complaint #11581385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gardena, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
When I press my brakes sometime I have to pump the pedal.
NHTSA complaint #11503913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesCharlotte, NCCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 HYUNDAI EQUUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AT A STOP, A UNKNOWN TOYOTA CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE SPLEEN AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT TOW LOT. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS.*DT*DT*JB
NHTSA complaint #11399101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesSnellville, GA
SUSPENSION
I WAS DRIVING ON I-85 S FROM NORTH CAROLINA WHEN SUDDENLY MY CAR STARTS TO FEEL LIKE IT WAS DRAGGING. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE FOR A FEW MORE EXITS TO SEE IF IT WOULD STOP. I GOT OFF AFTER FOUR EXITS, TURNED OFF THE CAR, AND CHECKED THE TIRES. NOTHING APPEARED WRONG. I WAITED SEVERAL MINUTES AND I STILL COULD NOT DETERMINE A PROBLEM SO, I RETURNED TO I-85 S. THE PROBLEM HAD STOPPED. SEVERAL DAYS LATER, THE PROBLEM RETURNED. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN SUDDENLY THE DRAGGING FEEL BEGAN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD TO RETURN WHEN/IF THE PROBLEM RE-OCCURRED. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CAR IN THE CITY BUT PERIODICALLY IT WOULD FEEL LOPSIDED AND IT WOULD DRAG. ONCE I TURNED THE CAR OFF, IT WOULD RESET ITSELF AND STOP DRAGGING AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES WHICH TURNED INTO SEVERAL HOURS. ONE DAY, IT FELT SO LOPSIDED, I GOT OUT AND LOOKED AT IT AGAIN. THIS TIME, I NOTICED THE BACK WAS ALMOST SITTING ON THE TIRE. I DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP.THE SERVICE MAN SAW THE PROBLEM BUT BY THE TIME HE PULLED INTO A STALL, THE PROBLEM HAD FIXED ITSELF. I WAS TOLD THERE ARE OFTEN PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT AIR SPRINGS BUT THEY HAD NOT SEEN THIS PROBLEM IN THE REAR OF THE CAR. SINCE THE BODY OF THE CAR WAS BASICALLY SITTING ON THE TIRE, THE TIRE COULD HAVE BECOME FLAT OR STOPPED CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11120749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brentwood, TN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR I HAVE EXPERIENCED HESITATION AT TIMES WHEN I STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR. THE CAR DOESN'T RESPOND FOR 1-2 SECONDS AND I HAVE TO HIT THE ACCELERATOR VERY HARD TO MAKE IT CATCH AND MOVE FORWARD. IT IS INTERMITTENT BUT WHEN I AM TRYING TO GET INTO TRAFFIC IT IS VERY SCARY. I HAVE COMPLAINED NUMEROUS TIMES BUT HAVE RECEIVED NO CORRECTIVE ACTION AND THE CAR CONTINUES TO HESITATE.
NHTSA complaint #10823417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesBoynton Beach, FL
WHEELS
.WE HAVE HAD 3 BLOWOUTS ,ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS.THE TIRES ARE CONTINENTAL ,275/40/19.THE FIRST ONE WAS IN,NEW JERSEY,DRIVING AT APPROX 35-40MPH,APPROX WITH10K WEAR ONTHE TIRE.TIRE WAS REPLACED AT BRAD BENSON RTE 1,NJ.THE SECOND BLOWOUT WAS IN MAY 2015 WITH ABOUT 20K ONTHE TIRE IN MIAMI,FL,SPEED 35MPH..TIRE WAS RELACED AT DEL RAY HYUNDAI RTE 1FL.THE THIRD BLOWOUT WAS IN MARYLAND ON I95 ,SEPT 18,2015,WITH 23K WEAR ON THE TIRE.APPROX SPEED 70-75MPH.TIRE WAS REPLACED,AT BEL AIR HYUNDAI MD.THE MGR MALCOLM DUNCAN,TEL.NO.410-838-0222 AT BEL AIR HAS TAKEN PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGE TO THE TIRE.HE WOULD WELCOME AN INQUIRYAS TO WHY THIS TIRE FAILED.IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE TIRE THEY HAD TO CUT THE TIRE BY HAND OFF THE WHEEL.ON EACH OCCASION WE DID NOT HIT ANY DEBRIS.I HAVE CONTACTED HYUNDAI,EQUUS,ON EACH OCCASION, ABOUT THESE INCIDENTS ,SO THAT THEY MIGHT RECONSIDER USING THESE TIRES ON THEIR CARS.I I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED CONTINENTAL TIRE ,INFORMING THEM OF THE INCIDENTS.I WAS MET BY TOTAL COMPLACENCY,ABOUT THE INCIDENTS.ON EACH OCCASION THEY OFFERED ME MILEAGE ADJUSTMENT TOWARDS A NEW TIRE.I AM HAVING THE FOURTH TIRE REPLACED ON SEPT30,AS I NO LONGER TRUST THESE TIRES.I THINK THAT THEIR SHOULD BE SOME INVESTIGATION AS TO WHY THESE TIRES FAILED,AT VARIOUS TIMES AND SPEEDS.THESE TIRES WERE ALL ORIGINAL TIRES FROM HYUNDAI.
NHTSA complaint #10777816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesWeddington, NC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WOULD LIKE THIS EMAIL FORWARDED TO THE CEO OF HYUNDAI USA OR WHO EVER CAN HELP A CUSTOMER WHO HAS PURCHASED AN EQUUS. I REFUSE TO SPEAK WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE AS THEY ARE TOTALLY USELESS AND DON'T UNDERSTAND MY CONCERNS. MY CAR HAS BEEN AT THE KEIFFER HYUNDAI SHOP FOR NOW GOING ON 5 MONTHS. TO THIS DAY YOU HAVE SPENT OVER $30,000.00 ON PARTS AND LABOR ON MY CAR AND YET TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS GOING ON. MY QUESTIONS IS - ARE YOU USING MY CAR AS A TEST BED IF SO THEN WHY AM I PAYING $575.00 PER MONTH LOAN ON MY CAR WHEN YOU SHOULD BE DOING THAT. THE SERVICE DEPT. MANAGER IS ALSO VERY FRUSTRATED IN HOW YOU ARE HANDLING THIS. IF I GOT AN EQUUS TO DRIVE WHILE YOU ARE FIXING MINE THEN I WOULD NOT BE COMPLAINING - BUT I HAVE HAD EVERYTHING EXCEPT THAT - ELANTRA AND SANTA FE. I HAVE ASKED YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE TO HELP BUY BACK MY CAR AND THEY REFUSE. I HAVE ASKED TO EXCHANGED MY CAR AND THEY ALSO REFUSED. WHAT IS NEXT??? WHEN WILL I GET MY CAR BACK??? HOW LONG IS TOO LONG WHEN IT COMES TO CUSTOMER NOT HAVING THEIR CAR. IF I HAD A CHANCE I REPORT THIS ALL OVER. I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN LIMA, OH THEREFORE IT WAS CHECKED OUT ... WHY DID A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP SELL ME A LEMON???
NHTSA complaint #10700759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesWeddington, NC
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
I WOULD LIKE THIS EMAIL FORWARDED TO THE CEO OF HYUNDAI USA OR WHO EVER CAN HELP A CUSTOMER WHO HAS PURCHASED AN EQUUS. I REFUSE TO SPEAK WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE AS THEY ARE TOTALLY USELESS AND DON'T UNDERSTAND MY CONCERNS. MY CAR HAS BEEN AT THE KEIFFER HYUNDAI SHOP FOR NOW GOING ON 5 MONTHS. TO THIS DAY YOU HAVE SPENT OVER $30,000.00 ON PARTS AND LABOR ON MY CAR AND YET TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS GOING ON. MY QUESTIONS IS - ARE YOU USING MY CAR AS A TEST BED IF SO THEN WHY AM I PAYING $575.00 PER MONTH LOAN ON MY CAR WHEN YOU SHOULD BE DOING THAT. THE SERVICE DEPT. MANAGER IS ALSO VERY FRUSTRATED IN HOW YOU ARE HANDLING THIS. IF I GOT AN EQUUS TO DRIVE WHILE YOU ARE FIXING MINE THEN I WOULD NOT BE COMPLAINING - BUT I HAVE HAD EVERYTHING EXCEPT THAT - ELANTRA AND SANTA FE. I HAVE ASKED YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE TO HELP BUY BACK MY CAR AND THEY REFUSE. I HAVE ASKED TO EXCHANGED MY CAR AND THEY ALSO REFUSED. WHAT IS NEXT??? WHEN WILL I GET MY CAR BACK??? HOW LONG IS TOO LONG WHEN IT COMES TO CUSTOMER NOT HAVING THEIR CAR. IF I HAD A CHANCE I REPORT THIS ALL OVER. I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN LIMA, OH THEREFORE IT WAS CHECKED OUT ... WHY DID A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP SELL ME A LEMON???
NHTSA complaint #10700759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesWeddington, NC
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I WOULD LIKE THIS EMAIL FORWARDED TO THE CEO OF HYUNDAI USA OR WHO EVER CAN HELP A CUSTOMER WHO HAS PURCHASED AN EQUUS. I REFUSE TO SPEAK WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE AS THEY ARE TOTALLY USELESS AND DON'T UNDERSTAND MY CONCERNS. MY CAR HAS BEEN AT THE KEIFFER HYUNDAI SHOP FOR NOW GOING ON 5 MONTHS. TO THIS DAY YOU HAVE SPENT OVER $30,000.00 ON PARTS AND LABOR ON MY CAR AND YET TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS GOING ON. MY QUESTIONS IS - ARE YOU USING MY CAR AS A TEST BED IF SO THEN WHY AM I PAYING $575.00 PER MONTH LOAN ON MY CAR WHEN YOU SHOULD BE DOING THAT. THE SERVICE DEPT. MANAGER IS ALSO VERY FRUSTRATED IN HOW YOU ARE HANDLING THIS. IF I GOT AN EQUUS TO DRIVE WHILE YOU ARE FIXING MINE THEN I WOULD NOT BE COMPLAINING - BUT I HAVE HAD EVERYTHING EXCEPT THAT - ELANTRA AND SANTA FE. I HAVE ASKED YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE TO HELP BUY BACK MY CAR AND THEY REFUSE. I HAVE ASKED TO EXCHANGED MY CAR AND THEY ALSO REFUSED. WHAT IS NEXT??? WHEN WILL I GET MY CAR BACK??? HOW LONG IS TOO LONG WHEN IT COMES TO CUSTOMER NOT HAVING THEIR CAR. IF I HAD A CHANCE I REPORT THIS ALL OVER. I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN LIMA, OH THEREFORE IT WAS CHECKED OUT ... WHY DID A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP SELL ME A LEMON???
NHTSA complaint #10700759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,300 milesLeague City, TX
POWER TRAIN
CAR UNRESPONSIVE TO INPUTS FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. MULTIPLE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS - VSM OFF, DSC, EPB, PSB, AIRBAG, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS; VEHICLE STILL RUNNING. THE FIRST INSTANCE OCCURRED ON A FREEWAY FEEDER ROAD WHILE GOING 45MPH; CAR WAS UNRESPONSIVE TO ANY INPUTS FROM THE ACCELERATOR FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS, SIMPLY ACTING AS IF THERE WERE NO THROTTLE INPUTS. TURNING TO HEAD HOME IMMEDIATELY, THE VEHICLE RESPONDED SIMILARLY WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET; IT BEGAN COASTING AND ANY THROTTLE APPLICATION RESULTED IN NO ACCELERATION. CAR LIMPED HOME AND PARKED FOR DEALERSHIP TOW TRUCK.
NHTSA complaint #10630105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,300 milesLeague City, TX
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
CAR UNRESPONSIVE TO INPUTS FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. MULTIPLE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS - VSM OFF, DSC, EPB, PSB, AIRBAG, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS; VEHICLE STILL RUNNING. THE FIRST INSTANCE OCCURRED ON A FREEWAY FEEDER ROAD WHILE GOING 45MPH; CAR WAS UNRESPONSIVE TO ANY INPUTS FROM THE ACCELERATOR FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS, SIMPLY ACTING AS IF THERE WERE NO THROTTLE INPUTS. TURNING TO HEAD HOME IMMEDIATELY, THE VEHICLE RESPONDED SIMILARLY WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET; IT BEGAN COASTING AND ANY THROTTLE APPLICATION RESULTED IN NO ACCELERATION. CAR LIMPED HOME AND PARKED FOR DEALERSHIP TOW TRUCK.
NHTSA complaint #10630105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,300 milesLeague City, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CAR UNRESPONSIVE TO INPUTS FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. MULTIPLE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS - VSM OFF, DSC, EPB, PSB, AIRBAG, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS; VEHICLE STILL RUNNING. THE FIRST INSTANCE OCCURRED ON A FREEWAY FEEDER ROAD WHILE GOING 45MPH; CAR WAS UNRESPONSIVE TO ANY INPUTS FROM THE ACCELERATOR FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS, SIMPLY ACTING AS IF THERE WERE NO THROTTLE INPUTS. TURNING TO HEAD HOME IMMEDIATELY, THE VEHICLE RESPONDED SIMILARLY WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET; IT BEGAN COASTING AND ANY THROTTLE APPLICATION RESULTED IN NO ACCELERATION. CAR LIMPED HOME AND PARKED FOR DEALERSHIP TOW TRUCK.
NHTSA complaint #10630105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18 milesAnnandale, VA
POWER TRAIN
TEST DRIVE BEFORE PURCHASING WAS STOPPED AFTER A 1/4 OF MILE BECAUSE OF HEAVY FRONT END SHAKING. DEALERSHIP CHANGED TIRES SAYING THAT WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. SINCE THEN IT HAS ALSO FIXED FRONT END ALIGNMENT TWICE, CHANGED THE DRIVESHAFT AND TWO REAR AXLES. VEHICLE STILL SHAKES. VEHICLE IS PERILOUS TO DRIVE ON BUMPY SURFACES WHEN DRIVER HAS DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING FRONT END.
NHTSA complaint #10557865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18 milesAnnandale, VA
SUSPENSION
TEST DRIVE BEFORE PURCHASING WAS STOPPED AFTER A 1/4 OF MILE BECAUSE OF HEAVY FRONT END SHAKING. DEALERSHIP CHANGED TIRES SAYING THAT WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. SINCE THEN IT HAS ALSO FIXED FRONT END ALIGNMENT TWICE, CHANGED THE DRIVESHAFT AND TWO REAR AXLES. VEHICLE STILL SHAKES. VEHICLE IS PERILOUS TO DRIVE ON BUMPY SURFACES WHEN DRIVER HAS DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING FRONT END.
NHTSA complaint #10557865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.