Last updated: 2026-07-26
Genesis vs Hyundai: Reliability Compared
Genesis
5 models tracked
Hyundai
10 models tracked
Comparing Genesis and Hyundai on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Hyundai currently leads with an average score of 70/100 compared to 67/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Genesis More Reliable Than Hyundai?
| Metric | Genesis | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 67/100 | 70/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 10 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 23 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 109 | 1001 |
Genesis vs Hyundai: The Verdict
Hyundai edges out Genesis on reliability, though both makes have solid options. Across 5 Genesis and 10 Hyundai models, Hyundai averages 70/100 to 67/100 — a 3-point gap built from NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and independent repair cost data.
Where Genesis and Hyundai Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Genesis | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 63/100Good | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 60/100Good | 68/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 75/100Good | 76/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 79/100Good | 82/100Excellent |
The biggest gap is in repair costs, where Hyundai scores 8 points higher. That single component does the most to separate these two makes.
Genesis vs Hyundai: Strengths and Weaknesses
Genesis
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (67/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 4 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
Hyundai
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (70/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($492/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 10 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 126 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Genesis and Hyundai Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Genesis
Hyundai
Genesis vs Hyundai Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Genesis | Hyundai | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans(2 vs 3 models) | 68/100 | 75/100 | Hyundai |
| SUVs(2 vs 6 models) | 66/100 | 67/100 | Hyundai |
Hyundai wins 2 out of 2 shared categories.
Common Problems: Genesis vs Hyundai
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Genesis | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 26%113 | 20%1,751 |
| ENGINE | 8%36 | 18%1,626 |
| POWER TRAIN | 16%72 | 15%1,289 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14%62 | 13%1,130 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3%15 | 9%754 |
| SEAT BELTS | 2%8 | 4%329 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3%11 | 3%299 |
| STEERING | 6%25 | 3%278 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 5%21 | 2%207 |
| AIR BAGS | 3%12 | 2%135 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Genesis vs Hyundai Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Genesis owners reported 31 crash-related, 2 fire-related, and 15 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. Hyundai owners reported 396 crash-related, 126 fire-related, and 328 injury-related complaints. Genesis has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Genesis
31
Crash reports
2
Fire reports
15
Injury reports
Hyundai
396
Crash reports
126
Fire reports
328
Injury reports
Every Genesis and Hyundai Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Genesis Models
Hyundai Models
Genesis vs Hyundai Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Genesis's reliability is improving — recent model years average 72/100, up from earlier years. Hyundai's reliability is improving — recent model years average 75/100.
Both makes are trending improving in recent model years — neither is pulling away.
| Model Year | Genesis | Hyundai | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 73/100(3) | 76/100(10) | Hyundai |
| 2025 | 70/100(4) | 74/100(10) | Hyundai |
| 2024 | 71/100(4) | 72/100(10) | Hyundai |
| 2023 | 66/100(4) | 67/100(10) | Hyundai |
| 2022 | 64/100(3) | 64/100(9) | Tie |
| 2021 | 67/100(2) | 69/100(7) | Hyundai |
| 2020 | 67/100(2) | 66/100(7) | Genesis |
| 2019 | 61/100(2) | 68/100(5) | Hyundai |
| 2018 | 55/100(1) | 67/100(5) | Hyundai |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Genesis or Hyundai?
The data favors Hyundai, but remember: the best model from the "losing" make often beats the worst model from the "winning" one.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Hyundai Elantra leads both lineups with a score of 80/100.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Genesis vs Hyundai: Common Questions
Is Genesis more reliable than Hyundai?
Which make has more recalls, Genesis or Hyundai?
What are the most reliable models from Genesis and Hyundai?
What are the least reliable models from Genesis and Hyundai?
What are the most common problems with Genesis and Hyundai vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Genesis or Hyundai?
How many Genesis and Hyundai models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Genesis or Hyundai?
Are Genesis and Hyundai getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Genesis or Hyundai?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Genesis or Hyundai?
Comparing Genesis vs Hyundai? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Related Make Comparisons
More Genesis comparisons
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.