2016 Hyundai Equus problems

get an estimate
hyundai logo

The Hyundai Equus (Korean: 현대 에쿠스; RR: Hyundai Equus) was manufactured and marketed by Hyundai Motor Company from 1999 to 2016 over two generations, as a full-size car, four-door, five passenger luxury sedan with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The nameplate deriving from the Latin, equus, meaning "horse."

In 2009, Hyundai released the second generation with a rear-wheel drive platform. As of August 2014, the second generation is sold in South Korea, Russia, China, United States, Canada, Central America, and South America — as well as in the Middle East under the Hyundai Centennial nameplate.

On November 4, 2015, Hyundai officially announced it would move the Genesis model to Hyundai's new luxury vehicle division, Genesis Motor. The 2016 successor to the Hyundai Equus was rebranded as Genesis G90 (EQ900 in Korea until 2018).

2016 Hyundai Equus

Social links

Common 2016 Hyundai Equus problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 2016 Hyundai Equus, several common problems have been reported:

  1. Strut Failures:
    Owners have experienced issues with struts failing, causing the vehicle to sag to the ground like a low-rider. This problem can lead to stability issues and significant repair costs.
  2. Loss of Power While Driving:
    Some owners have reported instances where the car loses power while driving. This is a serious safety concern as it can lead to accidents and injuries. Immediate repairs are necessary to address this issue.
  3. Lights Not Working:
    Complaints have been made about lights malfunctioning, which can affect visibility and overall safety while driving. Proper functioning lights are crucial for road safety.
  4. Exhaust Emitting Black Soot:
    Another common problem reported is the exhaust emitting black soot. This issue can indicate underlying engine or emission problems that need to be addressed promptly to prevent further damage.

These problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues that arise with the 2016 Hyundai Equus to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.

2016 Hyundai Equus engine

Is The Hyundai Equus a reliable car?

For example, according to repairpal.com, the average reliability of the Hyundai Equus is only two out of five. It is ranked 21st out of 30 full-size luxury cars. In other words, it is a very unreliable vehicle prone to mechanical mishaps and maintenance requirements.

Is the Hyundai Equus expensive to maintain?

The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Hyundai Equus is $976, compared to an average of $976 for luxury fullsize cars and $652 for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.

When did Hyundai stop making Equus?

Hyundai Equus
Production1999–2016
AssemblySouth Korea: Ulsan (Hyundai Motor Company Ulsan Plant) Russia: Kaliningrad (Avtotor, 2013–2016)
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size luxury car (F)

What is the engine capacity of Hyundai Equus 2016?

5.0 L

Used 2016 Hyundai Equus - Specs & Features

Engine
Base engine size5.0 L
CylindersV8
Base engine typeGas
Horsepower429 hp @ 6,400 rpm

2016 Hyundai Equus car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Hyundai Equus problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Wheels problems
  • Engine problems
  • Exterior lighting problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Hyundai Equus vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2016 Hyundai Equus complaints

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Hyundai Equus.

2023-11-07

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-04-15
  • VIN: KMHGH4JH7GU
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: There are actually 3 problems that my dealer has not been able to fix/diagnose. The first is the headlights, when set to the auto position, they will often turn off and on while driving at night. Service says that they were unable to duplicate the problem, but it keeps happening. The second is the Navigation system updates, that they claim they cannot provide any updates to my 2016 Equus (just about all other years and models are available). The third is the voice recognition system, which only recognizes my voice for phone calls, but not for directions. The dealer (Gettel Hyundai of Sarasota FL) had my vehicle for two weeks and was not able to fix any of these problems, although they charged me over $500 for diagnostics. If I look at the Hyundai Owners Forum, I see these problems documented over and over and I provided the dealership with that information to no avail. I also notified the BBB of my problems, (case# [XXX]), but they are not returning my calls to them in order to update them on my lack of resolutions to my problems. What if anything can I do to pursue this ? I have copied in the CEO of Hyundai USA (J. Munoz) and after initially designating someone under him to get involved, has since been unresponsive (since October 6th, 2023). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2020-11-18

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-09-01
  • VIN: KMHGH4JH8GU
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI EQUUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWDER COATING FROM EACH WHEEL DETACHED AND LODGED BETWEEN THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS CAUSING THE BRAKING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION AND THE BRAKING DISTANCE TO BE EXTENDED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TO ALL FOUR WHEELS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER - BRANDON HYUNDAI LOCATED AT 9915 E ADAMO DR, TAMPA, FL 33619, WHERE THE DEBRIS WAS REMOVED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY A POWDER COATING EXPERT THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A FAULTY POWDER COATING APPLICATION PROCESS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100.
2020-10-07

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-10-07
  • VIN: KMHGH4JH4GU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
  • Summary: DRIVING AT 75 MPH AND WENT TO PASS SOMEONE. THE ENGINE KICKED DOWN A FEW YEARS AND THE ENTIRE CAR SHUT OFF. NO POWER BRAKES AND NO STEERING AND STEERING LOCKED UP FOR ABOUT A SECOND OR TWO. DURING THE TIME IT WAS OFF THE VEHICLE JERKED HARD LIKE IF THE TIRES HAD LOCKED UP. AFTER THE COUPLE SECONDS THE VEHICLE TURNED BACK ON AND EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL AND NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS OR ANYTHING TO INDICATE A PROBLEM I WAS DRIVING ON THE I-80 HEADING TO RENO
2019-12-27

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-12-17
  • VIN: KMHGH4JH1GU
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: VEHICLE PRODUCES EXCESSIVE EXHAUST SOOT AT ALL TIMES. THE SOOT ADHERES TO THE REAR TAIL PIPE, REAR BUMPER, AND TRUNK LID CAUSING STAINING THAT LEADS TO PITTING OF CHROME PIECES. THE SOOT IS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE AFTER A FEW DAYS AND REQUIRES CONSTANT CLEANING. THIS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE AIR QUALITY AND DAMAGE OR STAIN OTHER VEHICLES AND PROPERTY NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING WALLS AND OTHER PARKED VEHICLES. EFFECTS ON LUNGS SHOULD BE STUDIED TO DETERMINE IF PERMANENT DAMAGE COULD RESULT FROM ACCUMULATION OF SOOT. ENOUGH SMALL PARTICULATE MATTER IS EMITTED TO HEAVILY STAIN REAR AREAS OF VEHICLE IN LESS THAN 1 WEEK. VEHICLE EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEMS COULD ALSO BE ADVERSELY AFFECT, CAUSING PREMATURE FAILURE OF O2 SENSORS OR CATALYSTS. TOUCHING THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AFTER 1 WEEK FOLLOWING A DETAILING LEFT HEAVY, BLACK STRAINS SIMILAR TO THOSE FOUND AFTER MULTIPLE MONTHS OF SEMI-METALIC BRAKE DUST ACCUMULATION. EFFECTS COULD BE SEEN AFTER CITY DRIVING AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. SOME SOOT FORMATION CAN BE SEEN AFTER PROLONGED IDLE.
2019-12-16

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-11-21
  • VIN: KMHGH4JH6GU
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: 2016 HYUNDAI EQUUS - BLACK SOOT BEING EMITTED FROM ENGINE THROUGH EXHAUST SYSTEM. VERY HEAVY DEPOSITS ON REAR OF VEHICLE, SUFFICIENT TO BLACKEN CLOTHES, DISCOLOR THE VEHICLE, DOES NOT WIPE OFF AFTER A FEW DAYS AND CHEMICALS MUST BE USED TO REMOVE. MANUFACTURER SAYS: "THIS IS A NORMAL BYPRODUCT OF THE GDI ENGINE". SEE (PICS) MULTIPLYING THE NUMBER OF HYUNDAI VEHICLES IN THE U.S. BY WHAT I AM SEEING ON MY CAR, THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS AIR POLLUTION ISSUE.
2018-07-17

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-07-10
  • VIN: KMHGH4JH6GU
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: 2016 HYUNDAI EQUUS WITH CONTINENTAL CONTIPROCONTACT P245 / 45R / 19 98V TIRES; DOT AF7VP1H6 (0615); WHILE DRIVING MY DAUGHTER AND GRANDCHILD TO THE AIRPORT ON THE FLORIDA TURNPIKE THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIBRATE. UPON RETURNING HOME, CALLED CAR DEALER AND SCHEDULED A SERVICE APPOINTMENT THE NEXT DAY. WE BOTH THOUGHT A FRONT TIRE HAD POSSIBLY THROWN A WHEEL BALANCING WEIGHT. DEALER FOUND BOTH FRONT TIRES HAD BELT SEPARATION CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO VIBRATE. THE CAR AND TIRES WERE PURCHASED NEW AT THE DEALER AT THE END OF 2016, ARE ONLY 22 MONTHS OLD AND HAVE ONLY 19,700 MILES. WE HAVE NOT HIT ANY CURBS, ROUGH RAILROAD TRACKS OR LARGE POT-HOLES AND IT IS SUSPICIOUS THAT IT WAS BOTH FRONT TIRES. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BY THE DEALER, REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE A LIKELY MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND OFFERED ONLY 50% OF THE TIRE REPLACEMENT COSTS AND THEY WANTED THE DEFECTIVE TIRES. I WAS ABLE TO PURCHASE OTHER NEW TIRES FOR LESS COST THAN WHAT THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED. I HAVE THE DEFECTIVE TIRES IN MY POSSESSION AND PLAN TO RUN ROOT-CAUSE FAILURE ANALYSIS ON THE TIRES SUSPECTING THAT IT IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WITH THE RUBBER USED CAUSING THE BELTS TO PREMATURELY SEPARATE FROM THE TIRE COMPOUND. I NOTED OTHER SIMILAR BELT SEPARATION FAILURES ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE LISTED UNDER THE TIRE MANUFACTURER, BRAND AND EVEN CAR BRAND. WILL ALSO BE CONTACTING THE CAR MAKER AND TIRE MANUFACTURER TO REGISTER A COMPLAINT OF A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT.
2016-02-01

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-01-30
  • VIN: KMHGH4JH8GU
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON A TWO LANE ROD IN LAUREL, MARYLAND. MY CAR HIT A POTHOLE AND I GOT OUT TO LOOK AND DISCOVER THAT I HAD TWO FLAT TIRES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE ROADSIDE ASSISTANT SHOWED ME THAT THE FRONT RIM WAS SPLIT AND THE BACK TIRE HAD A HOLE ON THE SIDE. THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT CONCERNING THE FRONT WHEEL OF THE CAR. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DEFECT.

Negative 2016 Hyundai Equus car reviews

  1. Robin Douglas 2024-10-06

    I am sorry to hear about the issues you faced with your car. It must have been frustrating to experience the driver's window malfunction and the car shutting off at high speeds. It is understandable that you were concerned for your safety. Additionally, it is disappointing that the dealer was unable to find the problem and that you had to tow the car to the dealership when it was completely dead. It is unfortunate that you had to deal with these issues, especially since you were looking for a dependable car. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

  2. Einar Bechtelar 2024-09-09

    Although the Hyundai Equus may seem like a premier car, it is important to note that the dealerships may not provide a premier experience. Some buyers have reported poor service and long wait times for parts, which can be expensive and not always covered under warranty. Additionally, the car's handling and driving performance may not meet everyone's expectations, especially on New York City roads. However, there are many other great options out there, such as Lexus and Mercedes, that may better suit your needs and preferences.

  3. Chadrick Ward 2024-07-10

    1: The model was last manufactured in 2016, and has since been replaced by the Genesis 90. 2: The car boasts exquisite comfort, a smooth ride, and an ultra-quiet cabin. 3: It also features a 17-speaker surround sound system with a subwoofer, and is fully loaded with a V8, 5-liter, 429 hp powerplant. 4: Unfortunately, I had to replace the transmission just 6 months after purchasing the car, despite it only having 30k miles on it. 5: As the second owner, I bought the vehicle with 25k miles on the odometer. 6: Thankfully, the 10-year, 100k mile warranty covered the cost of parts and labor. 7: However, the downside was that Long Hyundai of Chattanooga took 6-7 weeks to repair the transmission. When I picked up my car and took it to a local body shop to repair a dent, they found parts from the transmission repair and the entire transmission undercarriage plate/guard in my trunk. Long Hyundai of Chattanooga never put it back on before returning the car as fixed. This was a frustrating experience, but overall I still enjoy the car and appreciate the warranty coverage.

  4. Fermin Macejkovic 2024-06-11

    Hi there! I wanted to bring to your attention that the rear brake lines may corrode where they pass through the body. In my opinion, this should be a recall item. It's important to note that there is no warning light until the reservoir is depleted of fluid, which could be dangerous if you find yourself speeding on the highway with no brakes! Stay safe out there.

  5. Chesley Rohan 2024-02-12

    Hyundai or Genesis may try to pass the buck to another dealership, but I am confident that they will take responsibility for the issue at hand. Despite being stranded in Las Vegas with no AC and front sensors that keep activating, causing the car to beep continuously, I trust that Hyundai or Genesis will provide reliable service and resolve the issue promptly. While it is unfortunate that I have had to pay for four days of hotels and dog boarding, I am confident that Hyundai or Genesis will take the necessary steps to rectify the situation.

Positive 2016 Hyundai Equus car reviews

  1. Abdiel Leffler 2025-02-23

    There is a difference in materials between the higher end Mercedes and the Equus, which is to be expected when the car has a sticker price of about 1/2. However, for the money, you can't go wrong! Gas mileage may not be great, but if you're buying a big sedan, that likely isn't a concern for you. Power is adequate in comfort mode and very nice in sport mode. The Ultimate trim is especially impressive with its amazing features. You can raise and lower the whole body, which is great for parking next to high curbs or going through deep water. The snow mode is also something else! I had an AWD Merc and it slipped and slid in our winter weather. This thing climbs snow-covered roads in snow mode with factory all-weather tires...it was really bizarre but in a good way. Since the Equus is something most people will turn their nose up at, you can basically steal these things for several grand under sticker. By several, I mean 15-20K under. Mine was bought new from a dealer in the Midwest for just under 50K, with a sticker right at 70K. The extended warranty (wrap) was quite cheap. Service is included in the price, and the dealer drives out to pick it up and leaves me a loaner. We had a 2011 Genesis 3.8, so I was familiar with the brand. Now, I recommend it (Hyundai) to everybody. These Equus' are the poster child for smart buying. Will it depreciate? Sure, but I'm buying transportation, not an investment. It's a machine, it will wear out, and I will have certainly gotten my money out of it many times over. My S500 fell 90% in value over 9 years, and it was a flagship. I expect similar depreciation of all luxury brands. It's too bad they rebranded as

  2. Joel Block 2025-01-26

    The Hyundai Equus is nearing the end of its life, as it will be replaced in the 2017 model year by the new Genesis brand and a new body style with an AWD option, and will be called G90. However, this presents an opportunity to purchase the Equus Ultimate at a steep discount with excellent financing. We took advantage of this opportunity and are thrilled that we did. The comfort, road handling, performance, and abundance of features rival those of luxury car brands. The road handling, combined with the amenities, is exceptional, especially considering the price point of the car. The engine has all the power one could ask for, the transmission shifts very smoothly, and the air suspension is simply the best. The seating position in every seat, both front and rear, can be adjusted to the comfort of every person. The driving position and controls are out of this world. The car is equipped with every possible gadget known to mankind, and one can even use the remote app on their smartphone to start the car and perform other functions. I am glad I purchased the Equus, as I can only imagine the cost of the 2017 Genesis G90 replacement. Even 2.5 years later, I am still pleased with the car's handling and performance, and I always receive compliments from anyone who rides with me in the car for the first time. If you do not care about the emblem, I highly recommend this car. Even if you have already written a check for $85K to $110K and have not yet handed it to the dealer of one of those luxury brands, you owe it to yourself to take the Equus for a test drive. My bet is that you will not regret it.

  3. Preston Bruen 2025-01-20

    Fantastic car! It's like new, from the beautiful carpet up to the leather dash. What a fantastic value! I paid less than half for a car that cost mid 60's new and I love everything about it. It rides great and is as powerful as a muscle car. Such a great value!

  4. Salvatore Prohaska 2024-11-22

    I own 3 of them. I just bought the last one in 2016 with only 4000 miles. I was so happy to get the car and I'm pleased with it. I love it and I wish Hyundai never stopped producing this model.

  5. Tomas Fay 2024-11-21

    I absolutely love this car! I couldn't find anything to complain about, except for the fact that the navigation system takes some getting used to. However, I believe this is the case with most of the Equus's competitors. Apart from that, this car is exceptional and outperforms other brands that cost tens of thousands more! My wife doesn't like it when I drive because I get caught up in the performance capabilities that turn on when you switch the driving mode from 'econ' to 'sport'. It's like the car thinks it's a 2-year-old Labrador! You should definitely give it a try!

Leave your review of 2016 Hyundai Equus

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2016 Hyundai Equus problems:

2016 Hyundai Equus Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2016 Hyundai Equus Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/hyundai/equus/2016/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2016 Hyundai Equus? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

The Hyundai Equus Years To Avoid - CoPilot
The Hyundai Equus Years To Avoid - CoPilot
https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/hyundai-equus-years-to-avoid/

Jul 11, 2023 ... The categories with the most complaints include the electrical systems, exterior lighting, seats, and suspension. One owner claimed that their ...

2016 Hyundai Equus Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
2016 Hyundai Equus Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
https://repairpal.com/cars/hyundai/equus/2016

The Hyundai Equus Reliability Rating is 2.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 21st out of 30 for luxury fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $976 which ...

What's Wrong with the Hyundai Equus?
What's Wrong with the Hyundai Equus?
http://www.hyundaiproblems.com/models/equus/

2 Common Hyundai Equus Problems · Rodents Chew Hyundai's Soy Wiring. The wiring in cars used to be coated in a petroleum-based plastic, but recently automakers, ...

Other years of Hyundai Equus

hyundai equus 2011 photo
Equus 2011
Hyundai

21

2

18

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
hyundai equus 2012 photo
Equus 2012
Hyundai

5

1

20

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
hyundai equus 2013 photo
Equus 2013
Hyundai

10

1

15

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
hyundai equus 2014 photo
Equus 2014
Hyundai

32

1

17

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
hyundai equus 2015 photo
Equus 2015
Hyundai

8

1

19

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
hyundai equus 2016 photo
Equus 2016
Hyundai

7

0

21

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 2016 Hyundai Equus?

Add car complaint
2016 Hyundai Equus photo