2011 Genesis 4.6 Ten Year Review

[Slider]

Hi y'all!
Apologize if this isn't the place for this, and also for having been AWOL for some time, but I have now had my 2011 Genesis 4.6 for ten years and wanted to offer an update and some input on my thoughts at this juncture.

To quote Doug Demuro, there are definitely some "quirks and features" of the old girl that may be useful for other owners:

* I've got 112k miles on the car. Driving was broken down with a lot of highway miles but also probably three years of daily longer rush hour commuting in Houston. I used park and ride extensively for a few years, but also had a lousy daily commute of 42 miles each way (which sucked!). Several road trips around TX and longer hauls as well. Averages out to a surprising 11k miles per year roughly.

* Reliability: No major mechanical issues whatsoever. None. Never anything. The Genesis has had, in aviation parlance, 100% dispatch reliability. It's the most dependable car I've ever owned in my entire life.

* Maintenance: religious oil changes. Replaced battery once. Shocks just recently. Tire pressure sensors work great (usual winter low pressure warnings from time to time). Sunroof works perfectly. No outliers from a mx standpoint.

* Recalls: I think I had one factory recall for a brake relay switch a year into ownership. Nothing else.

* Electronics: I get some funky moments where the center dial won't work, but it rebounds momentarily or on the next startup. Left main window switch starting to fail intermittently. I originally bought the extended electronics warranty package because I was skeptical of Hyundai and the quality over the longer run but surprisingly it's been super reliable.

* Drivability: my absolute biggest accolade I can give the Genesis is that she still wants to go. Fast. All. The. Time. The Tau motor is a thing of beauty. It just just pounds like no engine I've ever had and she's not happy unless we're cruising at a sedate 90 mph on the open road. I get 24 mpg at 88 mph religiously. The car is stable at highway speed and remains just such a beast. I love this damn car in this way so much.

* Fit and Finish: probably my biggest gripe, only because there's little to complain about otherwise. My dash surface has cracked in about 9 places (Houston heat, hello) and the fit between the dash and the passenger side where it mates up has a slight gap and separation. Seats have held up remarkably well all things considered. I'd characterize it as normal wear and tear, frankly, so nothing to gripe about there. Steering wheel surfaces have held up also, although part of the surface is deteriorating in a few places. Also, and this too is probably related to being in Houston with extreme heat, is the rubber joint sections between panels and windows is a bit long in the tooth--no seal integrity issues, just clearly degradation. Related to that, the black plastic housing that encapsulates the windshield wiper sensors became detached, but I just re-adhered it to the glass and it was fine.

* Other: my only real gripe is not having streaming audio Bluetooth and I thought the dealership oversold the totality of the "technology" in the car. For 2011, it was good, but not great. It's a major pet peeve now as I write this in 2021, but it's not a super big deal. Vented seats could still be stronger.

OVERALL: After 10 freaking years, and this having been my first new new car purchase ever, I adore it. I lust for a newer one, and still have a fun weekend convertible, but this has been my go to car, daily driver, and companion for a decade. Hyundai made me a loyalist and I'm grateful for the reliability, durability, and enduring drivability.

 

[Andyj]

Great review. Thanks.

 

[AgentSmith007]

I have now had my 2011 Genesis 4.6 for ten years and wanted to offer an update and some input on my thoughts at this juncture.

I bought mine on November 15, 2012, so it will be 9 years of ownership soon. It had 6,000 miles on it when I bought it, was “manager’s demo” car, sold as used according to paperwork, but it was never titled, so I was original owner with full OEM warranty.

* I've got 112k miles on the car.

I’ve got almost 93K miles now.

* Reliability: No major mechanical issues whatsoever. None. Never anything. The Genesis has had, in aviation parlance, 100% dispatch reliability. It's the most dependable car I've ever owned in my entire life.

100% agree. I feel the same.

* Maintenance: religious oil changes. Replaced battery once. Shocks just recently. Tire pressure sensors work great (usual winter low pressure warnings from time to time). Sunroof works perfectly. No outliers from a mx standpoint.

I replaced battery once by myself. Dealership replaced AC compressor in spring of 2013 under warranty, rotors and pads about 3 years ago, and alternator last year out of warranty.

* Recalls: I think I had one factory recall for a brake relay switch a year into ownership. Nothing else.

Yes, that was the one, and I think there was another recall about break fluid, but I may be wrong.

* Electronics: I get some funky moments where the center dial won't work, but it rebounds momentarily or on the next startup.

Dealership replaced audio amplifier about 4 year ago under warranty because it was loosing audio occasionally.

* Drivability: my absolute biggest accolade I can give the Genesis is that she still wants to go. Fast. All. The. Time. The Tau motor is a thing of beauty. It just just pounds like no engine I've ever had and she's not happy unless we're cruising at a sedate 90 mph on the open road. I get 24 mpg at 88 mph religiously.

1,000% agree. And I get around 25 mpg on freeway at 80 mph.

The car is stable at highway speed and remains just such a beast. I love this damn car in this way so much.

1,000% agree. And with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires that I put on for the last two summers and currently have them on the car it feels like car is glued to the road, even at 110 mph.

OVERALL: After 10 freaking years, and this having been my first new new car purchase ever, I adore it. I lust for a newer one,

I also lust for ‘13-14 R-Spec, but my sense tells me to keep my 2011 because this TAU 4.6 engine is probably the last naturally aspirated V8 engine with EFI (not GDI) in automotive industry, and ZF transmission is just that.

 

[Slider]

So I’m in the process of moving to Utah so I’m road tripping around on the way out. Took this earlier today outside Chama, NM, adjacent to the incredible Cumbres Toltec narrow gauge railroad (which I heartily recommend!).

She cleans up pretty well!!

I’m averaging 24mpg, and that includes some mountain driving.

 

[HappyGenOwner]

I have the exact same car (with tech package) but in silver. I bought it in 2013 with 30,000 miles, and if memory serves me correctly I paid around $22,500 for it. It just turned 131,000 miles, and it’s been a great car for me as well. Super comfortable, very reliable, and I LOVE the Lexicon sound system.

For the most part I haven’t done anything to it other than standard basic maintenance--regular oil changes, brakes, and tires. I think I had to replace the battery around 75K miles. I don't even know if I've ever had the spark plugs replaced...

I have the same “funky” center audio dial! It stopped working for several months (thankfully I can still change the satellite radio presets using buttons on the steering wheel), then started working very randomly, and lately has been working most of the time. Very weird!

I keep a clean car, but I don’t take care of it in terms of cleaning / applying conditioner or protectant to the leather seats as I should. That said, my seats are in very good condition--no cracks. I LOVE the A/C driver’s seat in the Florida heat!

Similarly, just recently two cracks appeared in the dash, both within the last month. I parked in a garage for most of the time I’ve owned the car, and I use a windshield sunshade when parked outside.

Several years ago someone bumped into my car in a parking lot (they just left!) and ever since then the cruise control hasn’t worked. I took it to the dealership and they quoted $5,000+ to fix the issue...so I haven’t had cruise control since then! This sucks on long trips, but for me not worth the $5K to fix.

Last month the rear window up/down button on the driver’s door stopped working. Evidently the switch is $700 to replace, so now I can’t lower the rear windows from the driver’s seat. I never do anyway, so no biggie.

Normally I would have sold and bought a new (used) car a little before 100,000 miles, but as my car still looked and drove well, I didn’t. I still occasionally ask myself if it would be prudent to replace it, but my budget would be no more than $30,000, and I’m doubtful I could buy another car for that amount that I’d like as much as this one. It still looks and drives great, so as long as it continues to be reliable, I've very content to continue driving it.

That said, I’ve done VERY little preventative maintenance to this car, and I’m starting to worry that at some point it’s going to catch up with me.

 

[Bill K]

Likewise, I also have 2013 Tech. I bought it in 2014, as an untitled Demo with 5,000 miles on it....Unlike most other owners, I only have 30,000 miles on the car. For the last few years, I only put 3000 miles on it in a year, with a yearly oil change. Because of the low miles, I haven't had to replace anything (even the original battery)....Because it's garage kept, it's pretty pristine........I still haven't decided to buy a new G80 when my Genesis gets to be 10 years old, or to just drive it until it hits 100,000 miles in another 12 years, or so.

 

[gscmc]

Great review, I'm a few months behind. As I have posted in other locations. I would like to trade my 12 in for a later model. But this current car (Genesis 3.8 w/Tech 83K) has been a wonderful car. Best one I have owned. The loyalty is killing me. Wish I could afford to add another to my "fleet" and keep this one. The only major issue I had was the slipping 2 - 3 transmission problem. Was highly intermittent but after two visits Hyundai stepped up and replaced transmission. So now I have basically a new transmission and no real reason to trade. I did pull the front wheels last weekend for slight rubbing sound. Looks like front rotors are shot. I did a pad replacement at 43K. But looks like the North East is brutal on unprotected metals

 

[gscmc]

Update to my last post. Started noticing a faint antifreeze odor in cabin. Little worried about that. carpets dry, no fogging on windows and fluid levels remain normal. The odor is strongest under the hood near back of engine, passenger side but no evidence of leaking.

 

[Bill K]

Update to my last post. Started noticing a faint antifreeze odor in cabin. Little worried about that. carpets dry, no fogging on windows and fluid levels remain normal. The odor is strongest under the hood near back of engine, passenger side but no evidence of leaking.

I had to replace a heater core on a car of mine, decades ago. It was a terrible job. Maybe you have a bad hose, or a leaky fitting near the back of the engine. Keep checking your coolant level every few days.

 

[gscmc]

I had to replace a heater core on a car of mine, decades ago. It was a terrible job. Maybe you have a bad hose, or a leaky fitting near the back of the engine. Keep checking your coolant level every few days.

Thanks for the reply. I went out and let it run for a little while I was shoveling snow. Let it get to operating temperature, ran the heat on high and no odor at all in cabin. Under the hood everything appears dry. I smell it right near the throttle body. As I understand it, coolant is run through this mechanism to keep it from freezing. Its possible that my occasional detection of it is normal. Although my daughter said she could smell it faintly as well but not in the car. I will do a little research on how the TB works and how coolant is delivered to it. I don't think it is the core or head gaskets, which is good.

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[Westpat]

Thank you for the review. I recently bought a 2010 4.6 with 75000 miles. What a joy to drive! Car is in nearly new shape except for a few thin dash cracks. I want to fix it before they get worse. Any suggestions?

 

[Charlie1982]

This is an interesting thread. I bought a 2010 with the 4.6 last year, and it was/is in basically new condition, with VERY few miles on it. I tell people that I got a new-old car, because it's 12 years old and I got it with less than 14,000 miles on it. It will be interesting to see how it lasts for the next 10 years, since it was hardly used to begin with.
I have an electronics question, though. I am still using an old iPhone 6S (hey, it does what I need it to, at least for now), and am wondering if the newest phones still connect with the stereo, either by Bluetooth or USB cable. Any word from the group here on that kind of thing?

 

[Gunkk]

Phone connectivity will be via bluetooth for in-car hands free phone only, no music. If you want music over bluetooth, then use an aftermarket adapter like this: https://www.amazon.com/Hyundai-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Compatible-Smartphone/dp/B083HD2PG1/

In my 2012 my Galaxy S9 will connect to and work perfectly with both at the same time so I can listen to audio and the phone will over-ride if/when a call is made incoming or outgoing. The USB in the car will run that bluetooth module, but is NOT capable of charging a phone (not enough amps). To charge a phone, run a dedicated charging cable from the cigarette lighter.

There are more threads on the subject on these forums if you poke around a bit, including threads that discuss troubleshooting bluetooth connectivity (which was mostly issues with bugs in the bluetooth stacks on the phones, not the car IIRC).

 

[PMCErnie]

I have to add here that my ‘12 Genesis (with the Premium Package) has never missed even one day of driveability since I bought it on December 30, 2011.

It now resides at my Son’s house nearby and is still in full use. Every element still works as it did on day one. No accidents, nor breakdowns. Fingers crossed.

The extended warranty that I bought for it in 2014, and transfered to my Son, runs till August 2024. That warranty that cost $1,295 has already nearly paid for itself with two repairs, including a rear sunshade motor.

 

[RonnGenn]

Hi y'all!
Apologize if this isn't the place for this, and also for having been AWOL for some time, but I have now had my 2011 Genesis 4.6 for ten years and wanted to offer an update and some input on my thoughts at this juncture.

To quote Doug Demuro, there are definitely some "quirks and features" of the old girl that may be useful for other owners:

* I've got 112k miles on the car. Driving was broken down with a lot of highway miles but also probably three years of daily longer rush hour commuting in Houston. I used park and ride extensively for a few years, but also had a lousy daily commute of 42 miles each way (which sucked!). Several road trips around TX and longer hauls as well. Averages out to a surprising 11k miles per year roughly.

* Reliability: No major mechanical issues whatsoever. None. Never anything. The Genesis has had, in aviation parlance, 100% dispatch reliability. It's the most dependable car I've ever owned in my entire life.

* Maintenance: religious oil changes. Replaced battery once. Shocks just recently. Tire pressure sensors work great (usual winter low pressure warnings from time to time). Sunroof works perfectly. No outliers from a mx standpoint.

* Recalls: I think I had one factory recall for a brake relay switch a year into ownership. Nothing else.

* Electronics: I get some funky moments where the center dial won't work, but it rebounds momentarily or on the next startup. Left main window switch starting to fail intermittently. I originally bought the extended electronics warranty package because I was skeptical of Hyundai and the quality over the longer run but surprisingly it's been super reliable.

* Drivability: my absolute biggest accolade I can give the Genesis is that she still wants to go. Fast. All. The. Time. The Tau motor is a thing of beauty. It just just pounds like no engine I've ever had and she's not happy unless we're cruising at a sedate 90 mph on the open road. I get 24 mpg at 88 mph religiously. The car is stable at highway speed and remains just such a beast. I love this damn car in this way so much.

* Fit and Finish: probably my biggest gripe, only because there's little to complain about otherwise. My dash surface has cracked in about 9 places (Houston heat, hello) and the fit between the dash and the passenger side where it mates up has a slight gap and separation. Seats have held up remarkably well all things considered. I'd characterize it as normal wear and tear, frankly, so nothing to gripe about there. Steering wheel surfaces have held up also, although part of the surface is deteriorating in a few places. Also, and this too is probably related to being in Houston with extreme heat, is the rubber joint sections between panels and windows is a bit long in the tooth--no seal integrity issues, just clearly degradation. Related to that, the black plastic housing that encapsulates the windshield wiper sensors became detached, but I just re-adhered it to the glass and it was fine.

* Other: my only real gripe is not having streaming audio Bluetooth and I thought the dealership oversold the totality of the "technology" in the car. For 2011, it was good, but not great. It's a major pet peeve now as I write this in 2021, but it's not a super big deal. Vented seats could still be stronger.

OVERALL: After 10 freaking years, and this having been my first new new car purchase ever, I adore it. I lust for a newer one, and still have a fun weekend convertible, but this has been my go to car, daily driver, and companion for a decade. Hyundai made me a loyalist and I'm grateful for the reliability, durability, and enduring drivability.

I just purchased a 2011 Genesis 4.6 sedan with 116,000 miles on it. I wanted one of these cars when they were new but could not afford it. This was in fantastic shape and I can't believe how well it runs and how amazing it is on the highway. The funny thing about it is when I bought it the brake lights did not work and I had to have the brake light relay repaired but other than that this car is immaculate could not be cleaner and I could not be happier. Thank you for the report on the one you bought new.

 

[gghenry62]

Hi y'all!
Apologize if this isn't the place for this, and also for having been AWOL for some time, but I have now had my 2011 Genesis 4.6 for ten years and wanted to offer an update and some input on my thoughts at this juncture.

To quote Doug Demuro, there are definitely some "quirks and features" of the old girl that may be useful for other owners:

* I've got 112k miles on the car. Driving was broken down with a lot of highway miles but also probably three years of daily longer rush hour commuting in Houston. I used park and ride extensively for a few years, but also had a lousy daily commute of 42 miles each way (which sucked!). Several road trips around TX and longer hauls as well. Averages out to a surprising 11k miles per year roughly.

* Reliability: No major mechanical issues whatsoever. None. Never anything. The Genesis has had, in aviation parlance, 100% dispatch reliability. It's the most dependable car I've ever owned in my entire life.

* Maintenance: religious oil changes. Replaced battery once. Shocks just recently. Tire pressure sensors work great (usual winter low pressure warnings from time to time). Sunroof works perfectly. No outliers from a mx standpoint.

* Recalls: I think I had one factory recall for a brake relay switch a year into ownership. Nothing else.

* Electronics: I get some funky moments where the center dial won't work, but it rebounds momentarily or on the next startup. Left main window switch starting to fail intermittently. I originally bought the extended electronics warranty package because I was skeptical of Hyundai and the quality over the longer run but surprisingly it's been super reliable.

* Drivability: my absolute biggest accolade I can give the Genesis is that she still wants to go. Fast. All. The. Time. The Tau motor is a thing of beauty. It just just pounds like no engine I've ever had and she's not happy unless we're cruising at a sedate 90 mph on the open road. I get 24 mpg at 88 mph religiously. The car is stable at highway speed and remains just such a beast. I love this damn car in this way so much.

* Fit and Finish: probably my biggest gripe, only because there's little to complain about otherwise. My dash surface has cracked in about 9 places (Houston heat, hello) and the fit between the dash and the passenger side where it mates up has a slight gap and separation. Seats have held up remarkably well all things considered. I'd characterize it as normal wear and tear, frankly, so nothing to gripe about there. Steering wheel surfaces have held up also, although part of the surface is deteriorating in a few places. Also, and this too is probably related to being in Houston with extreme heat, is the rubber joint sections between panels and windows is a bit long in the tooth--no seal integrity issues, just clearly degradation. Related to that, the black plastic housing that encapsulates the windshield wiper sensors became detached, but I just re-adhered it to the glass and it was fine.

* Other: my only real gripe is not having streaming audio Bluetooth and I thought the dealership oversold the totality of the "technology" in the car. For 2011, it was good, but not great. It's a major pet peeve now as I write this in 2021, but it's not a super big deal. Vented seats could still be stronger.

OVERALL: After 10 freaking years, and this having been my first new new car purchase ever, I adore it. I lust for a newer one, and still have a fun weekend convertible, but this has been my go to car, daily driver, and companion for a decade. Hyundai made me a loyalist and I'm grateful for the reliability, durability, and enduring drivability.

Great review. Thank you. I’m also in Houston, just bought the car used and have one dash crack and a bit more miles. Seems to be a great car.

 

[Spokdq]

Just bought a 2011 4.6 with 86K miles on it this weekend. I'm happy with the performance, and it will look great after some TLC with my detailer friend. That "enter" button for the audio/phone/navi is giving me fits, though. Sometimes I can tap the dial to make the disclaimer on the screen go away, other times it's there for the whole drive. Any tips on cleaning or (yikes!) dismantling and cleaning the audio control panel to make that dial work as intended? I gather from reading this and other threads that the thing is quirky. Still, I'd like it to work.

 

[Charlie1982]

Just bought a 2011 4.6 with 86K miles on it this weekend. I'm happy with the performance, and it will look great after some TLC with my detailer friend. That "enter" button for the audio/phone/navi is giving me fits, though. Sometimes I can tap the dial to make the disclaimer on the screen go away, other times it's there for the whole drive. Any tips on cleaning or (yikes!) dismantling and cleaning the audio control panel to make that dial work as intended? I gather from reading this and other threads that the thing is quirky. Still, I'd like it to work.

I take it yours has the Technology Package? My car doesn't have a control dial, that's why I'm wondering.

 

[Charlie1982]

Phone connectivity will be via bluetooth for in-car hands free phone only, no music. If you want music over bluetooth, then use an aftermarket adapter like this: https://www.amazon.com/Hyundai-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Compatible-Smartphone/dp/B083HD2PG1/

In my 2012 my Galaxy S9 will connect to and work perfectly with both at the same time so I can listen to audio and the phone will over-ride if/when a call is made incoming or outgoing. The USB in the car will run that bluetooth module, but is NOT capable of charging a phone (not enough amps). To charge a phone, run a dedicated charging cable from the cigarette lighter.

There are more threads on the subject on these forums if you poke around a bit, including threads that discuss troubleshooting bluetooth connectivity (which was mostly issues with bugs in the bluetooth stacks on the phones, not the car IIRC).

I forgot about this posting. For what it's worth, my car (2010, 4.6L V-8) has what I believe is the Premium Package, WITHOUT the control dial and buttons on the center console, but WITH the touchscreen stereo head unit, and I can (usually) connect my phone via bluetooth and play music, stream online radio, etc. Occasionally I will have some issues where my phone won't connect properly, but once it's connected, I rarely have a problem. Audio quality seems to be pretty good. Just sharing my own experience...

 

[Steve 4.6]

I have a 2009 4.6 with 181,000 miles that I have owned since new (13 years) that amazingly looks and drives like new car (which is why I don't have a new car). The biggest issue that I have are two hairline cracks in the dash which are covered by a cool 8 x 10 dash pad that will also keep a laptop or iPad from slipping off (use only if you are stopped). The engine and transmission are flawless. I often think about how impossible it is that a car this old can be this good. I looked at the current G80/90 models and was offered $2400 for my 2009 trade. I kept the the 4.6 sedan and bought a pre-owned Porsche Boxster instead. Both cars make me smile.