2009 Hyundai Genesis
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.

- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe RWD 2.0t/3.8, 4dr Sedan RWD 3.8/4.6
- Engines
- 3.8L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 182.3–196.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,439–3,821 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 21 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2009 large car (18.3 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Hyundai Genesis is a large car offered with 2 engines (3.8L 6-cyl and 4.6L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,439 lb (2dr Coupe RWD 2.0t/3.8).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 27 highway), 15% better than the 2009 large car average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 98 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe RWD 2.0t/3.8 | 182.3 in | 73.2 in | 54.3 in | 111 in | 64.2 / 63.8 in | 3,439 lb | 55/45 |
| 4dr Sedan RWD 3.8/4.6 | 196.1 in | 74.4 in | 58.3 in | 115.7 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,821 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genesis | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | +15% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Genesis | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 19 | +4% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Hyundai Genesis under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Hyundai Genesis (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2009 Ford Mustang | 20 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 Honda Accord | 25 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2009 Toyota Camry | 34 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2009 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Chevrolet Malibu | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 34 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (3)
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Nov 7, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V713000 · 42,925 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Hyundai Genesis vehicles manufactured April 30, 2008, to November 21, 2010, and 2011 Hyundai Equus vehicles manufactured July 31, 2010, to November 21, 2010. Due to a circuit failure, the stop lamps in the affected vehicles may not illuminate.
- Risk
- A following vehicle may not recognize that the vehicle is slowing or coming to a stop if the stop lamps on the vehicle do not illuminate as expected. There is an increased risk of a rear-end crash as a result.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair the stop lamp switch circuit, free of charge. Hyundai issued an interim notification to owners on January 6, 2015. The recall began on March 23, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 125.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Fluid · Oct 29, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V489000 · 43,500 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Genesis vehicles manufactured April 30, 2008, through March 28, 2012. The vehicles may contain brake fluid which does not protect against corrosion of the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU).
- Risk
- If the module corrodes, reduced brake effectiveness may result, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners and instruct them to bring their vehicle to a dealer for service. Hyundai will inspect the HECU module for proper operation, and will replace the modules as necessary. Hyundai will replace the factory brake fluid in those vehicles that have not previously had the factory brake fluid replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151 or by email at [email protected]. Hyundai's recall number is 114.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Apr 1, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V113000 · 1,712,336 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
- Risk
- Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
Not every 2009 Hyundai Genesis is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Hyundai Genesis buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 26 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 16 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Steering — 12 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,060 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Hyundai Genesis. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Genesis years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Genesis | 22 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 6 | 104 |
| 2015 Genesis | 22 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 10 | 306 |
| 2014 Genesis | 22 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 44 |
| 2013 Genesis | 24 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 162 |
| 2012 Genesis | 24 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 5 | 229 |
| 2011 Genesis | 24 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 6 | 116 |
| 2010 Genesis | 24 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 5 | 85 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →