reassure me?

[snaphook]

Hi there,

Getting close to buying a 2009 Genesis, probably a CPO car. But that doesn't help me with the electronic gremlins I've read about.

I'm willing to take a chance on a 3.8 w/prem pack or 4.6 w/tech. But I won't to pay to change out amps or head units at 1500/3k a pop when something goes down since that sounds like the extent of the troubleshooting they can do. I did read about the TSB that came out but I still cannot get the hma site to show me any TSB's. (might be a browser issue IDK)

if the stereo goes down what else do you lose, is it tied to everything? HVAC, driver information etc? Is it possible to put a aftermarket head unit in these things? (not a huge $$ custom install, just a modern head unit) I've put a stereo in every car I've owned but I was hoping I didn't have to with this sedan. I understand I may not be able to use the steering wheel controls with an aftermarket unit.

I can't see myself driving a car with no audio

 

[homeofstone]

Any car you buy used that has a lot of technology will be a risk. My 2011 4.6 with tech pkg. has been perfect, no nav/audio problems. My genny just pasted 60,000 miles.

 

[snaphook]

Thanks for the reply. I do understand that point. I was just curious that if it does bonk on me, will I be able to ditch the factory head unit and put in aftermarket just for tunes. or if everything goes to crap (ie A/C control or other) if the head unit goes out.

 

[PMCErnie]

Thanks for the reply. I do understand that point. I was just curious that if it does bonk on me, will I be able to ditch the factory head unit and put in aftermarket just for tunes. or if everything goes to crap (ie A/C control or other) if the head unit goes out.

Ask the Best Buy guys, or other audio installers.

 

[2012Rspec]

PMCErnie is right. Also check with Crutchfield.

You know, a couple of companies make good adapters that allow you to retain use of steering wheel controls (PAC, Metra, many prefer Metra).

I bought my Genesis a couple of months ago. Like you, I read these forums in advance and came up with the same concern as you. Also, like you, no way in he11 would I pay $3k or more to get a new head unit.

I typically keep cars for 5-7 years, because I put very few miles on annually. I broke my own rule and got Hyundai's extended warranty. For the 10-year/100k mile platinum (which does cover all audio--I think I concluded that the other plans did not), I was charged $1400. We did not negotiate that price, so you might do better--and you can get a shorter warranty, too. If you buy from a dealer, just make them include that as part of the total price you're willing to pay (warranties are also available online).

If you buy online, make sure you get the "Hyundai Protection Plan" serviced by "Fidelity Warranty Services"--that's the Hyndai factory plan. When I was doing my initial shopping, one place on line had something very similar sounding. The Hyundai comes in all lengths, 1-2-3-4-5-6-7, etc. years, so I'd guess you could pick up a 3 or 4 year warranty fairly cheap, if that's the way you go.

 

[Mark_888]

I think most of major audio problems have been with the Tech Package versions, not the Premium Package or Base model.

You could ask the dealer about an extended 10 year Platinum warranty, which covers the electronics past the normal 3 year/36K mile warranty, but be sure to read the fine print carefully to make sure you have the correct warranty (and make sure it is the factory warranty).

 

[2012Rspec]

Snaphook, I was just curiuos what was out there.

A quick look on google led me to this: http://www.buyunavi.com/unavi-enb-x2-for-genesis-sedan-2009-and-up-clone.html

Also, search "Unavi X2 genesis" on google, and you'll find videos and discussion of this replacement.

Unavi makes a touch screen unit that is supposed to retain 100 percent of the original unit's factory functionality. It looks OEM installed, and it appears to have many more features. I'm not sure about blue link, but I did see that on one page of their site as I ran thru it. I can't tell if you keep the joystick control or not. I also don't know what is going on with the pre-amp (specs say you retain "factory audio head unit? how?), tuner, etc.

This may only be a 1 to 1 replacement for the touchscreen models, and not the Tech. I dunno. I just wanted to do a quick search to satisfy my own curiousity, not the diligence I'd do to buy.

It sure looks good in the video.

Cost is $1,300 plus $200 installation, but one forum has a $300 dollar discount on it.

Some of the specs:

+ RETAIN FACTORY AUDIO HEAD UNIT
+ RETAIN FACTORY AM/FM/SATELLITE RADIO (Sirius XM)
+ RETAIN 6-CD CHANGER (FOR APPLICABLE MODELS)
+ RETAIN FACTORY AUX/iPOD CONNECTIVITY
+ RETAIN FACTORY BLUETOOTH SYSTEM
+ RETAIN FACTORY STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS
+ RETAIN CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM
+ RETAIN BLUELINK FUNCTIONS & INFO DISPLAY
+ 3-YEAR STANDARD LIMITED WARRANTY


SYSTEM INFORMATION
- LCD SIZE : 7" or 8" LCD Sized Monitor (7" - UNAVi X1 & X3, 8" - UNAVi X2)
- 800MHz AU1354 CPU : Equipped with CPU used in Hyundai/Kia OEM Navigation System. (Proven Stability)
** Price is not the factor - Our CPU costs more than the 2.XXGHz CPUs equipped in other manufacturers' system.
- MAP SOFTWARE : Preloaded maps "SPEED NAVI" of North America developed by HYUNDAI MOTOR GROUP’s map software company "HYUNDAI M&SOFT INC."
- WINDOWS CE O/S PLATFORM
- 800 x 480 WVGA Resolution
- COMPATIBLE WITH FACTORY'S AUDIO : Special Radio interface OEM-LOOKS!
- QUICK MENU KEYS : Easy play to Audio or Navigation functions.
- 2W x 1 STEREO Speakers
- u-blox GPS module
- AUDIO-OUT: AC97 / ALC5610 / Line Out / 1W X 2 Speak Out
- VIDEO-IN: BI 1605 Input / AV-IN / Rear View (CVBS input) / 2-port
- VIDEO-OUT: CH7026 CVBS OUT / L2C Interface
- Backup Camera Auto-booting when engage into Reverse gear
- SMART TRIP : Navigation sounds on the external speaker automatically if factory radio's on
- POWER: DC +12V ~ +24V

 

[Ron]

We purchased a 3.8 with premium pkg Feb. 2010. Had 25k on the clock, now have 41k. We have not had one issue with the car. As we live 2-1/2 hrs. from the nearest dealer I do all oil changes, tire rotation, ect. myself. My wife and I are not bothered by the ride. As far as on the road it is very nice. We are not worn out or beat after 6 or 7 hrs. of traveling. As we all know most of this sort of opinion is personel like and dislike. We like ours and have had excellent service from it. Try to take several long rides over different road conditions if you can.

Ron

 

[LA Genesis]

snaphook:

I have a 7 month old 2012 3.8 with premium and tech. I'm on my 4th head unit and my car is being examined by the Hyundai engineer tomorrow. I've suffered through the surround sound unchecking after turning off the engine and the no audio problem. Today my problem is a marked decrease in the sound quality. Also when I turn on surround sound it only makes the very slightest of difference in sound quality. When I got the car the radio sounded great and turning on surround made it sound near perfect. Did my radio go bad or did the head unit malfunction again.

Hyundai's electronics problems have existed for 3 years without being addressed. The radios and electronics should work regardless of complexity. Period. Either negotiate an extended warranty for the electronics or don't buy the car.

Others will disagree with me but I would not buy a car, new or used, where you need to worry about this stuff. At this time I would not recommend buying this car.

 

[homeofstone]

Check consumer reports april 2012, check edmunds.com, msn autos, J. D Powers. Notice in consumer reports how brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes rank regarding audio and electrical.

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Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[msitter]

snaphook:

I have a 7 month old 2012 3.8 with premium and tech. I'm on my 4th head unit and my car is being examined by the Hyundai engineer tomorrow. I've suffered through the surround sound unchecking after turning off the engine and the no audio problem. Today my problem is a marked decrease in the sound quality. Also when I turn on surround sound it only makes the very slightest of difference in sound quality. When I got the car the radio sounded great and turning on surround made it sound near perfect. Did my radio go bad or did the head unit malfunction again.

Hyundai's electronics problems have existed for 3 years without being addressed. The radios and electronics should work regardless of complexity. Period. Either negotiate an extended warranty for the electronics or don't buy the car.

Others will disagree with me but I would not buy a car, new or used, where you need to worry about this stuff. At this time I would not recommend buying this car.

I think that the problems that are described here are possible on any car. I have a BMW that has needed numerous electronic sensors, a new radiator due to a crack, a new 6 speed manual due to bearing failure and a new differential for the same reasons. This all in less than 40k miles. The car is my wife's and not abused. She has had mostly manual shift cars in her 45 years of driving and I have never replaced a clutch on one of her cars, some even had 100k miles so she drives it gently. I have had my 2010 Genesis 4.6 Tech for 2 years now and not had one issue, ever. I would guess that most Genesis owners would report the same or the reliability ratings for this car would not be as sterling as they are. Unfortunately you just got a bad one but I don't think that your experience is endemic of the brand.

 

[2012Rspec]

snaphook:

.....

Hyundai's electronics problems have existed for 3 years without being addressed. The radios and electronics should work regardless of complexity. Period. Either negotiate an extended warranty for the electronics or don't buy the car.

Others will disagree with me but I would not buy a car, new or used, where you need to worry about this stuff. At this time I would not recommend buying this car.

This is clearly Hyundai's problem, but whose fault is it?

My question is whether it is Hyundai's fault, or is it instead Harmon Kardon/Lexicon's fault? In other words, is this a case of faulty/failing Lexicon components? I guessed/prayed before I bought that it did not reflect on Hyundai quality.

Does anyone know if these issues are all attributable to faulty/failing Harmon Kardon/Lexicon components?

If I were you, I'd have a hard time recommending the car, too. 4 heads is too many. I bought the car hoping it a was a 1 or 2 in 100 problem, and that even if I was unlucky, I had the warranty.

I'm glad your car is getting its head examined by a Hyundai engineer (sorry, couldn't resist).

If I were you at this point, I think I'd demand all new parts, not remanufactured.

PLEASE let us know what the engineer has to say.

 

[Mark_888]

This is clearly Hyundai's problem, but whose fault is it?

My question is whether it is Hyundai's fault, or is it instead Harmon Kardon/Lexicon's fault? In other words, is this a case of faulty/failing Lexicon components? I guessed/prayed before I bought that it did not reflect on Hyundai quality.

Does anyone know if these issues are all attributable to faulty/failing Harmon Kardon/Lexicon components?

I think the problems are probably Harman International's, but it is up to Hyundai to select a vendor and a particular product that has the reliability that customers want. They definitely took a chance on the Lexicon, since it is complex and had very few previous installations. I noticed that Hyundai has signed up Harman/Lexicon again for the next generation of Genesis (MY 2014).
http://investor.harman.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=638232

Interesting to note that Harman has more than 75 employees in Korea, serving in sales, marketing, and application engineering functions for the systems they supply to Korean auto manufacturers (which I assume is Hyundai/Kia).

 

[Vince2]

I'm with LA Genesis on this one...its one thing to buy a car and then be suprised by an unseen fault but this is a known issue. There is no apparent concern from Hyundai. Shouldn't Huyndai report that there is an issue with the audio and they are working to correct it? Maybe that's too much to ask of a car company but the whole idea of the Genesis is world class quality minus the price. That dosen't work if the audio is prone to failure. Maybe there are too few of us with this issue for Hyundai to go public with concerns...don't buy until the problem is fixed. There is a very recent TSB for this exact issue so maybe there is a solution afoot . My service center rep says she is unaware of an issue or a TSB. Sheesh!!

 

[Mark_888]

I'm with LA Genesis on this one...its one thing to buy a car and then be suprised by an unseen fault but this is a known issue. There is no apparent concern from Hyundai. Shouldn't Huyndai report that there is an issue with the audio and they are working to correct it? Maybe that's too much to ask of a car company but the whole idea of the Genesis is world class quality minus the price. That dosen't work if the audio is prone to failure. Maybe there are too few of us with this issue for Hyundai to go public with concerns...don't buy until the problem is fixed. There is a very recent TSB for this exact issue so maybe there is a solution afoot . My service center rep says she is unaware of an issue or a TSB. Sheesh!!

They know there is a problem, but they don't want to replace every single unit unless a problem occurs and customer complains. If you look at the math (number of Tech Packages sold X cost to fix them) it would be a very large amount of money to replace all of them, so they play dumb unless you complain (and it would be a public relations blow to admit a pervasive defect).

Similar thing happened with the 2009 suspension issues, and when Hyundai fixed it (mostly) in 2010, they suggest to 2009 owners that complained that they trade-in their 2009 for a 2010 model.

 

[snaphook]

thanks for all the honest replies, I appreciate the opinions.

I was only considering one genny with the tech package, an 09 4.6 w/76k. But the front runner was a silver 09 3.8 w/prem with 45k.

I would have bought the 3.8 probably last weds but when I showed up they neglected to tell me about the huge gouge on the lower ground effects. The called me tonite and said they fixed it. 20998 is the asking price.

Funny thing though I test drove a 06 M35x while I was visiting my parents and that really made me 2nd guess myself. Both nice vehicles but I think I like the interior of the M better. It had both the journey and the technology package in it, black on black my favorite. It has 62k on it and they want 18999. So I guess it's really decision time now haha.