Hyundai Equus: Years to Avoid and Best Years to Buy
Hyundai Equus: 6 model years scored from 88 NHTSA owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns. Worst year 2014, best year 2014.
Hyundai Equus: which years to avoid
Across 5 scored model years the Hyundai Equus ranges from 51/100 in 2014 to 92/100 in 2012 — a 41-point spread, so which year you buy matters more than whether you buy an Equus at all. The weakest year’s complaints concentrate in Suspension (7 of them).
Safest years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 — scored 70 or better.
Check carefully: 2014.
Scored from NHTSA complaints per year of exposure and recall campaigns. How the score works · every car’s years to avoid.
Year-by-year data table
| Year | Score | Verdict | Running cost / yr | NHTSA complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | — | DATA PENDING | $5,990 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 89 | BUY | $6,145 | 9 | 1 |
| 2014 | 51 | CAUTION | $6,678 | 37 | 1 |
| 2013 | 91 | BUY | $6,674 | 10 | 1 |
| 2012 | 92 | BUY | $6,660 | 8 | 1 |
| 2011 | 77 | BUY | $6,970 | 24 | 2 |
Running cost is fuel or energy plus the maintenance band midpoint for that car at its age today, re-priced to your country. Purchase price, insurance and depreciation are not included.
Photographs and every generation of the Equus, through the years →
What goes wrong on the Hyundai Equus
Across every Equus model year in our index, owners report these component groups most often. The cost beside each one is the representative repair for that group at a US independent shop, re-priced to your country.
- Suspension22 complaints across all Equus years · typical job: Struts, springs and control-arm bushings, one axle$780–$1,580
- Service Brakes15 complaints across all Equus years · typical job: Pads, rotors and caliper service, both axles$580–$1,140
- Electrical System13 complaints across all Equus years · typical job: Alternator, battery-drain or body-module diagnosis and replacement$540–$1,310
- Seats9 complaints across all Equus years · typical job: Seat frame, track or occupancy-sensor repair$500–$1,200
- Unknown Or Other6 complaints across all Equus years · typical job: Diagnosis and mixed repair$360–$940
- Power Train6 complaints across all Equus years · typical job: Transmission service or clutch-pack repair$1,290–$4,040
Flat-rate labour hours x local shop rate plus a parts band. An estimate of what this class of failure costs, not a quote. Formula.
FAQ
What are the best Hyundai Equus years to buy?
2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 all score 70 or better. The strongest is the 2012 at 92/100, on 8 complaints and 1 recall campaigns.
What is the most common Hyundai Equus problem?
22 of the complaints filed against the Equus across all its model years sit in the Suspension group — more than any other component.
Compare with
Sources: NHTSA, EPA · Methodology · Updated 2026-10-04