Considering a '12-'13 3.8 sedan, please tell me about common problems

[MG-70]

Hello. I'm thinking of buying a used car again this year, and thought to research the Genesis this time around. I've always liked the looks of the 1st Gens and have heard good things about the brand from my brother who drives a 6cyl Sonata for a few years now. My requisites aren't many, but the car has to be somewhat reliable, and I must be able to do most of the maintenance in a garage, with just floor jack and stands. For the record, I feel comfortable doing things like flushes, plugs, brakes, accessory belts, transmission filter/oil pan gasket, and even timing chain, etc., IF I have access to them using just jack and stands. I've ruled out the 3 series BMW due to the high probability of issues (including oil pan and gasket replacement which requires dropping the k-member, which I wouldn't be able to do), have yet to research the Mercedes E350 (2010+), and am also considering a Lexus E350 (2009+), as well as a 6cyl Camry, Accord, and even the 4cyl Mazda6 (which I have yet to research, reliability-wise). My budget is about $15K, give or take.

I'm hoping the Genesis leans more toward the Toyota and Honda, in terms of reliability, but honestly, don't know, which is the reason I am here. I believe I've read the 3.8L engine is solid and used on some of the SUVs, but I don't know about the reliability of the transmission.

What kind of problems occur with the 3.8L cars when they get in the 65K-80K+ mile range?

Do they have a timing chain or belt, and is it interference or not, and when is the recommended replacement interval (usually, if belt)?

When problems occur, does the engine ever have to be lifted from the car in order to fix it, or is there ample work room underneath it?

Other than peeling chrome on the inside door latches, and peeling finish on the wood, or fake wood, gear shift knob, what other little problems are likely to happen over the years?

Thanks for any and all helpful info., and if there are stickies with all this, please direct me to them; I couldn't find any.

Cheers

 

[Mark_888]

Hyundai modified the 3.8L engine starting in model year 2012 to be GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection). GDI provides more HP and better MPG, but may have some potential issues with carbon build up on valves (like most all GDI engines). Since 2012 was the very first year of the GDI engine, it is possible that Hyundai made some minor improvements to this new engine in 2013, but overall the 2012 3.8L has been fairly reliable.

For model year 2012 Hyundai switched to brand new Hyundai designed 8-speed transmission. There were an above average number of problems with the early versions of the 2012 transmissions. Probably the 2013 is a little more reliable, but it may depend on the exact build date of the 2012 model.

I believe it uses a timing chain, and I have not heard of any problems with it. Not sure if it is interference or not.

I would recommend using a good quality 5W-30 full synthetic motor oil.

Changing the transmission fluid is tricky, since there is no drain plug at the bottom, and it requires a special (expensive) synthetic fluid. But recommended change interval is 100K or more (check the owners manual). It resembles some of the German transmissions in that regard.

There have been some problems reported the audio and infotainment system, that are typically very expensive to repair. Also, some of the high end electronics like adaptive cruise control are expensive to repair, so I would consider getting an extended warranty. Original owners get a 10-year / 100K warranty on the powertrain, but that is not available on used cars unless it is sold by a dealer as a Hyundai CPO.

 

[MG-70]

Thank you very much, this is exactly the type of info. I was looking for.

Though I'm not interested in a high mileage car, do you think the '08-'11s had engines that were less likely to cause problems or accumulate carbon?

Are all 1st generation cars susceptible to infotaiment system and advanced electronics problems, or just certain years? Do any of these problems shut down the car, or are they still driveable when these problems occur?

I'm a little disappointed to hear of these issues; had already begun my search for one locally.

Thanks again!

 

[Mark_888]

The first year of the Genesis in the USA was 2009. The 2009-2011 Genesis V6 had very reliable drivetrains. Avoid the 2009 V8.

The 2009-2011 V6 used an Aisin 6-speed transmission, and the V8 used a 6-speed ZF transmission, both of which were pretty reliable.

However, the 2009-2011 Genesis sedan has a much firmer suspension than 2012+, so test drive one over a rough road to make sure you are OK with it.

I wouldn't necessarily shy away from a 2013-2014 Genesis V6 if you can find one. If you can find the Base Trim model (without sunroof) then you don't need to worry about advanced electronics problems. Even the Technology Package is not necessarily bad, especially if you can afford to buy an extended warranty at time of purchase.

 

[MG-70]

Thanks again for the excellent tips! So, the sunroof is always included with the package that could potentially be problematic? Sunroof wasn't a stand alone option? If that's the case, then I can definitely forego a sunroof. Even though I haven't searched very hard, there doesn't seem to be that may around here. I'm only considering the sixes and I definitely plan on test driving them.

Cheers

 

[Mark_888]

Thanks again for the excellent tips! So, the sunroof is always included with the package that could potentially be problematic? Sunroof wasn't a stand alone option? If that's the case, then I can definitely forego a sunroof. Even though I haven't searched very hard, there doesn't seem to be that may around here. I'm only considering the sixes and I definitely plan on test driving them.

Cheers

The only Genesis sedan without a sunroof was the Base Trim model, which also lacked the fancy electronics systems. The sunroof was not a separate option. However, some rental car agencies special-ordered a fleet of Genesis Base Trim Model cars with a sunroof, and some of those may be available.

 

[MG-70]

The only Genesis sedan without a sunroof was the Base Trim model, which also lacked the fancy electronics systems. The sunroof was not a separate option. However, some rental car agencies special-ordered a fleet of Genesis Base Trim Model cars with a sunroof, and some of those may be available.

That would be interesting to see. What's the easiest tell-tale sign that the car does not have the "fancy electronics system," Even if it has the sunroof?

Thanks

 

[jlindh]

Touch screen GPS and lack of a jog dial would indicate the lack of a technology package.

 

[GS963]

The first year of the Genesis in the USA was 2009. The 2009-2011 Genesis V6 had very reliable drivetrains. Avoid the 2009 V8.

The 2009-2011 V6 used an Aisin 6-speed transmission, and the V8 used a 6-speed ZF transmission, both of which were pretty reliable.

However, the 2009-2011 Genesis sedan has a much firmer suspension than 2012+, so test drive one over a rough road to make sure you are OK with it.

I wouldn't necessarily shy away from a 2013-2014 Genesis V6 if you can find one. If you can find the Base Trim model (without sunroof) then you don't need to worry about advanced electronics problems. Even the Technology Package is not necessarily bad, especially if you can afford to buy an extended warranty at time of purchase.

I have to ask since IM new here why you told this guy to shy away from the V-8. I have an 09 V-8 and it has been Flawless for 95k.

 

[Mark_888]

I have to ask since IM new here why you told this guy to shy away from the V-8. I have an 09 V-8 and it has been Flawless for 95k.

You have a 2009 now? If so, you don't have 2G Genesis sedan (2009 was first model year in the USA and 2009-2014 was 1st generation of the Genesis design).

The 2009 V8 (at least for the early ones) had a problem described by many posts in this forum. If the engine was cold and was started and shut off quickly (such as moving the car a few feet for some reason) that left some of the valves (or whatever) in the wrong position, and the next time the car started it shook violently and often caused at least some damage, and sometimes complete failure. Sometimes internal parts got bent, and did not fail until later. Apparently, the Tau V8 relies on gravity for some of the internal parts to be in the correct position for the next engine start.

This problem did not occur if the engine was warm, and was exacerbated by cold weather and by parking the car on a steep incline. For people who never started a cold engine and shut it off within a few seconds (or if that was done on warm day), then it is certainly possible that no damage ever occurred.

I noticed that you joined this forum just this month. Did you purchase the 2009 new? If not, is it possible that the engine was replaced or rebuilt?

At some point in the production run, Hyundai fixed the problem (at least made it much less common), and the improvements could have been late in the 2009 production run, or in 2010.

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[MG-70]

I've located a base model (no sunroof, and no jog dial), with low miles, but as luck would have it, it's a 2012. It's not my preferred black, or grey, or silver, but it's a nice combination of blue with a tan interior. On a previous reply, you stated the early 2012 were more susceptible to problems.

So, from what month on would you say they were more reliable or less problematic?

Also, in reference to the carbon build-up in GDI engines; is it something that can be cleaned with an additive of sorts, or is cleaning more involved?

Thanks in advance

 

[Mark_888]

I've located a base model (no sunroof, and no jog dial), with low miles, but as luck would have it, it's a 2012. It's not my preferred black, or grey, or silver, but it's a nice combination of blue with a tan interior. On a previous reply, you stated the early 2012 were more susceptible to problems.

So, from what month on would you say they were more reliable or less problematic?

Also, in reference to the carbon build-up in GDI engines; is it something that can be cleaned with an additive of sorts, or is cleaning more involved?

Thanks in advance

The only issue with the 3.8 in 2012 was the transmission. At some point in 2012 they fixed the transmissions, but not sure when that happened in the production run. Not everyone with a 2012 has had transmission problems, so not sure what to say, other then there is a tendency for more problems with the early 2012.

I would not worry too much about the GDI, except that if you find a 2011 that might be a slight advantage IMO over a 2012 purely in terms of reliability. The GDI engine gets better MPG and more HP with the GDI.

All of my comments are based on reading the posts in this forum by members who have complained about various issues, and have had things replaced under warranty *(such as transmissions), so I have don't have any inside information on the details of any problems and exactly when they were fixed.

 

[MG-70]

The only issue with the 3.8 in 2012 was the transmission. At some point in 2012 they fixed the transmissions, but not sure when that happened in the production run. Not everyone with a 2012 has had transmission problems, so not sure what to say, other then there is a tendency for more problems with the early 2012.

I would not worry too much about the GDI, except that if you find a 2011 that might be a slight advantage IMO over a 2012 purely in terms of reliability. The GDI engine gets better MPG and more HP with the GDI.

All of my comments are based on reading the posts in this forum by members who have complained about various issues, and have had things replaced under warranty *(such as transmissions), so I have don't have any inside information on the details of any problems and exactly when they were fixed.

Thanks for the clarification. Based on your registration date and post count, I'd say you're very well qualified to answer the questions.

I hope you have a good week!

 

[OuelleT]

Hello. I'm thinking of buying a used car again this year, and thought to research the Genesis this time around. I've always liked the looks of the 1st Gens and have heard good things about the brand from my brother who drives a 6cyl Sonata for a few years now. My requisites aren't many, but the car has to be somewhat reliable, and I must be able to do most of the maintenance in a garage, with just floor jack and stands. For the record, I feel comfortable doing things like flushes, plugs, brakes, accessory belts, transmission filter/oil pan gasket, and even timing chain, etc., IF I have access to them using just jack and stands. I've ruled out the 3 series BMW due to the high probability of issues (including oil pan and gasket replacement which requires dropping the k-member, which I wouldn't be able to do), have yet to research the Mercedes E350 (2010+), and am also considering a Lexus E350 (2009+), as well as a 6cyl Camry, Accord, and even the 4cyl Mazda6 (which I have yet to research, reliability-wise). My budget is about $15K, give or take.

I'm hoping the Genesis leans more toward the Toyota and Honda, in terms of reliability, but honestly, don't know, which is the reason I am here. I believe I've read the 3.8L engine is solid and used on some of the SUVs, but I don't know about the reliability of the transmission.

What kind of problems occur with the 3.8L cars when they get in the 65K-80K+ mile range?

Do they have a timing chain or belt, and is it interference or not, and when is the recommended replacement interval (usually, if belt)?

When problems occur, does the engine ever have to be lifted from the car in order to fix it, or is there ample work room underneath it?

Other than peeling chrome on the inside door latches, and peeling finish on the wood, or fake wood, gear shift knob, what other little problems are likely to happen over the years?

Thanks for any and all helpful info., and if there are stickies with all this, please direct me to them; I couldn't find any.

Cheers

I bought a 2013 3.8 v6 Genesis sedan in 2016 with 47k on it. Car looked phenomenal & drove every bit as good as it looked. I have put 158,000 miles. Yep you read that right. Still drives just like the day I got it & knock on wood all I’ve done is change the oil & replace fog lights as well as 1 headlight bulb. Shifts a hair harder from 4 to 5 gear. All the rest of the gears shifts smooth. Also, the 3.8 is quick as it has 333horsepower. It’s every bit as quick as the previous 4.6 V8. I believe it’s actually quicker than is the 4.6 V8 as I’ve driven both. Oh & lastly I get up to 31mpg on the highway. Mainly due to the 8speed transmission.

 

[PRINCE KEN]

I bought a 2013 3.8 v6 Genesis sedan in 2016 with 47k on it. Car looked phenomenal & drove every bit as good as it looked. I have put 158,000 miles. Yep you read that right. Still drives just like the day I got it & knock on wood all I’ve done is change the oil & replace fog lights as well as 1 headlight bulb. Shifts a hair harder from 4 to 5 gear. All the rest of the gears shifts smooth. Also, the 3.8 is quick as it has 333horsepower. It’s every bit as quick as the previous 4.6 V8. I believe it’s actually quicker than is the 4.6 V8 as I’ve driven both. Oh & lastly I get up to 31mpg on the highway. Mainly due to the 8speed transmission.

All that is somewhat true especially in regards to reliability for sure because I have a fully loaded 2013 3.8 V6 with 137K well maintained and still runs like brand new nevertheless the actual Prize Winner is the 2013 or 2014 5.0 R Spec V8 Sedan if purchased in great condition you will be overwhelmingly surprised and pleased with it. I know that because I own two 5.0 R Specs @46K miles each besides the former. The R Specs got power,stamina and almost all the modern bells and whistles plus never ever disappoint me any day anytime.

 

[13G3.8Tech]

Do you have the tech package? What’s your average mpg? I just bought a 2013 Genesis 3.8 with a technology package and have driven 300 hwy miles and only average 25 mpg with reasonable speeds 75-80

 

[PRINCE KEN]

Do you have the tech package? What’s your average mpg? I just bought a 2013 Genesis 3.8 with a technology package and have driven 300 hwy miles and only average 25 mpg with reasonable speeds 75-80

Tech Package on the 3.8 V6?? Yes of course I couldn't see myself without that. That's the best way to enjoy the best of both worlds. And on the R Spec you get all that plus more. Average MPG on the V6 yes about 25 On the R Spec about 20 but I think It could be more depending on your driving conditions and if you activate ECO mode but I suppose that's an experiment I have to do someday nevertheless I am very happy with both especially the R Spec V8 Sedans

 

[13G3.8Tech]

Tech Package on the 3.8 V6?? Yes of course I couldn't see myself without that. That's the best way to enjoy the best of both worlds. And on the R Spec you get all that plus more. Average MPG on the V6 yes about 25 On the R Spec about 20 but I think It could be more depending on your driving conditions and if you activate ECO mode but I suppose that's an experiment I have to do someday nevertheless I am very happy with both especially the R Spec V8 Sedans

Wow great answer, needless to say i bought it! Everything has been fantastic so far. Car is superb and clean for 8 years old. Getting about 24.5 on the highway but can get close to 26 on back roads cruising 60. I travel a lot for work so was hope for better gas mileage. I’ve gotten 31 and 28 on road trips driving family members 12 and 14 genesis but neither of them had the technology package. Only thing I hate is the adaptive cruise control, used to the early 2000’s systems. I’m thinking about getting the engine checking for dirty injectors, spark plugs, o2 sensor, and a few other things that could be the cause of poor mpg at the 60k maintenance service.

 

[G-322787]

Not sure if this forum is still as active as it once was but Ive been on the prowl for a 2012 4dr with the 4.6 v8. My only question would be what issues I may encounter with the v8 model??