RoadVitals

2012 Hyundai Azera Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
74
Latest Dec 27, 2024
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
11
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 Hyundai Azera, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Steering3848.1%
  • Brakes1215.2%
  • Engine1113.9%
  • Airbags78.9%
  • Suspension33.8%
  • Interior & seats22.5%
  • Powertrain (other)22.5%
  • Tires & wheels11.3%
  • Driver assistance11.3%
  • Body & structure11.3%
  • Other / unspecified11.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

38
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MDPS coupler failure similar to failure included in warranty extensions for Sonatas/Elantras. Since Azera is not part of the recall, I ended up paying for the repairs. Contacted HyundaiUSA and lodged a complaint (case number - 20194065). I was told that reimbursement will not be given. Hence bringing to your attention to get this resolved. Thanks! Bhuvaneswari

NHTSA ID 11481078 · filed Aug 24, 2022

The steering on this vehicle started to have some play in it, including some intense vibrating as I drove down the road. My analysis is that the coupler within the steering motor is made of a flimsy material that breaks down relatively easily. This issue has obviously become clear to Hyundai, as they have created an updated version of the coupler. However, the issue is serious enough that there are many people who have shared about it on forums/YouTube/etc., and is a legitimate danger to drivers, as complete failure of the part could result in failed steering while driving.

NHTSA ID 11443967 · filed Dec 16, 2021
All 38 reports naming steering

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Recall for my 2012 hyundai azera number 251 Anti-Brake System (ABS) module that could leak and cause an electrical short that could result in a fire. They want to change a fuse from 40 to 30 amp so when the problem occurs fuse will blow. They should fix the problem replace ABS module. What happens if fuse blows will the replace fuse or fix problem. This has cost me gas money and time. I went to dealership they said I had to make a appointment so now I have to go back for them to replace a fuse this is not right ABS should be fixed. Thank you

NHTSA ID 11616097 · filed Sep 24, 2024

This recall on the anti-lock brake system was initiated 11 months ago. I brought the Azera into the dealer 2 months ago and they said they had to order parts. I called today and spoke to the parts department. He said he is restricted from ordering the correct part and has no idea when he will be able to order it. Why is Hyundai stalling with this recall?

NHTSA ID 11609336 · filed Aug 19, 2024
All 12 reports naming brakes

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Azera. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH the vehicle was losing forward momentum. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The low oil warning was illuminated. The contact had to leave the vehicle at the side of the road. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact stated that before the failure, the vehicle was consuming oil at a rate requiring her to add one quart of oil weekly. The contact stated there was no evidence of a leak from the oil pan. The contact was also hearing an abnormal ticking noise coming from the engine compartment before the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID 11632593 · filed Dec 27, 2024

In 2023, Hyundai approved to pay for repairs of vehicles that suffer premature engine failures due to issues such as low oil, metal debris and/or fire in the engine. These issues were predominately found in the GDI engines in Kia and Hyundai vehicles. This suit failed to take into account the Hyundai Azera model and the 3.3 GDI engine. Same engine maker as the 2.2 and 2.4 models. My car stalled out in the middle of traffic with no warning lights for low oil or engine issues. The car was serviced previously with no coded issues noted accept excessive oil burning which was noted with all Hyundai models from the last decade. The GDI 3.3 has the most noted issues and is the most expensive to replace from the dealer. The engines are failing before the car is broken in the manufacture is making money on the replacement engines from customers who are still trying to pay the car off.

NHTSA ID 11614557 · filed Sep 14, 2024
All 11 reports naming engine

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Azera. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light indicated that the air bag was off with a passenger seated in the passenger’s seat. The contact initially took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the air bag sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact called the dealer who informed her that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

NHTSA ID 11509518 · filed Feb 28, 2023

On January 19,2023 my air bag light and check engine light came on in my Azera 2012 I took my car to the Hyundai dealership center in Salisbury Maryland they said after doing the diagnostic my car was going to need seat cushion for airbag light and for the door latch and will cost me with having a warranty 3265.00 dollars . There is no recall on the car however the Hyundai Motor Company recalled my make and year as of May 22 2012 for occupant detection system may fail to properly differentiate whether the front passenger seat occupant is an adult or a child or a child restraint seat since my car was manufactured in May 14 of 2012 it does not fit in that recall however, what if my car isn’t recalled they say it could be recalled later my concern is I would like it to be covered under that recall for my car as of May 22, 2012 I feel that my car was not built up in those airbags in the standard that should be since my car was manufactured seven days before the actual recall date I would like Hyundai motor company to take care of all expenses for the the safety, and the fixing of the seat cushion as well as the door latch I feel that there is a safety issue while driving with the light going on and off and the dashboard blinking specially without the passenger side door latch and seat not working right, it wont detect a problem, or possibly the airbag could come out , it has been confirmed by the dealership Pohanka Hyundai Of Salisbury , Maryland, that the components were inspected and they were no insurance or police. Just a code popped up in the car dash in the car dashboard computer. I would ask that you guys would look into this and see that the manufacture independently conducts a safety recall on this and pays all costs of the safety recall and please fix it I can be contacted at 757-894-8324. Again thank you .

NHTSA ID 11503540 · filed Jan 25, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI AZERA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRING SUDDENLY FRACTURED AND DAMAGED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HERTRICH HYUNDAI (120 S. DUPONT HWY, NEW CASTLE, DE) WHERE THE COIL SPRING WAS REPLACED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

NHTSA ID 11209189 · filed May 22, 2019

THE ALIGNMENT HAS BEEN BAD ON THIS CAR SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. MY TIRES WORE OUT AT 28000. THE OUTER EDGE OF THE TIRES ARE BOLD WHEN I FIRST TOOK IT IN THEY BLAMED THE ROADS. THE CAR HAS ALWAYS PULLED TO THE RIGHT. I HAVE TO KEEP PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL AT ALL TIME TO KEEP THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT. I TOOK THE CAR IN AFTER MY TIRES WORE OUT AND THEY CHARGED ME $99 FOR AN ALIGNMENT, WHICH I WAS HAPPY TO PAY IF THEY COULD FIX IT. WHEN I GOT THE CAR BACK, I HAD TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL OFF CENTER TO KEEP THE CAR STRAIGHT. I TOOK THE CAR BACK, THEY MADE A SMALL ADJUSTMENT BUT ARE NOW BLAMING THE ROAD AGAIN. THEN THEY SAID THERE WAS A SCRATCH ON MY WHEEL WHICH I RECENTLY GOT AND THEY BLAMED THE ALIGNMENT ISSUE ON THAT. THAT DOESN'T EXPLAIN THE ALIGNMENT ISSUE FOR THE FIRST 27000 MILES. I LIKE HYUNDAI. I HAVE A SANTA FE AND I USED TO OWN ANOTHER ONE BUT I HAVE A FEELING I AM GOING TO BE SELLING MY 2012 AZERA IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10565447 · filed Feb 22, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On January 19,2023 my air bag light and check engine light came on in my Azera 2012 I took my car to the Hyundai dealership center in Salisbury Maryland they said after doing the diagnostic my car was going to need seat cushion for airbag light and for the door latch and will cost me with having a warranty 3265.00 dollars . There is no recall on the car however the Hyundai Motor Company recalled my make and year as of May 22 2012 for occupant detection system may fail to properly differentiate whether the front passenger seat occupant is an adult or a child or a child restraint seat since my car was manufactured in May 14 of 2012 it does not fit in that recall however, what if my car isn’t recalled they say it could be recalled later my concern is I would like it to be covered under that recall for my car as of May 22, 2012 I feel that my car was not built up in those airbags in the standard that should be since my car was manufactured seven days before the actual recall date I would like Hyundai motor company to take care of all expenses for the the safety, and the fixing of the seat cushion as well as the door latch I feel that there is a safety issue while driving with the light going on and off and the dashboard blinking specially without the passenger side door latch and seat not working right, it wont detect a problem, or possibly the airbag could come out , it has been confirmed by the dealership Pohanka Hyundai Of Salisbury , Maryland, that the components were inspected and they were no insurance or police. Just a code popped up in the car dash in the car dashboard computer. I would ask that you guys would look into this and see that the manufacture independently conducts a safety recall on this and pays all costs of the safety recall and please fix it I can be contacted at 757-894-8324. Again thank you .

NHTSA ID 11503540 · filed Jan 25, 2023

THE DRIVER SEAT RECLINE ENGAGES WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT INPUT FROM DRIVER NOW STUCK IN FULL RECLINE POSITION AND MOVES SEAT IN REVERSE WITHOUT INPUT FROM DRIVER

NHTSA ID 11130725 · filed Sep 22, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

In 2023, Hyundai approved to pay for repairs of vehicles that suffer premature engine failures due to issues such as low oil, metal debris and/or fire in the engine. These issues were predominately found in the GDI engines in Kia and Hyundai vehicles. This suit failed to take into account the Hyundai Azera model and the 3.3 GDI engine. Same engine maker as the 2.2 and 2.4 models. My car stalled out in the middle of traffic with no warning lights for low oil or engine issues. The car was serviced previously with no coded issues noted accept excessive oil burning which was noted with all Hyundai models from the last decade. The GDI 3.3 has the most noted issues and is the most expensive to replace from the dealer. The engines are failing before the car is broken in the manufacture is making money on the replacement engines from customers who are still trying to pay the car off.

NHTSA ID 11614557 · filed Sep 14, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI AZERA. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO THE REVERSE POSITION AND IT JERKED INTO THE POSITION VIOLENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER NECK AND BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS ON FIVE OCCASIONS BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 0 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,000.

NHTSA ID 10519660 · filed Jun 13, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI AZERA EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK TIRES OPTIMA H426, SIZE P245-40R19. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FOUR TIRES FAILED ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CURB WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. THE SECOND FAILURE OCCURRED AS THE CONTACT TRAVELED OVER A POT HOLE WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRES BLEW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50.

NHTSA ID 10485319 · filed Nov 20, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AT THAT TIME THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED, MY WIFE TOOK MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL BY MY CAR. ACCORDING TO MY WIFE, WHEN SHE ALMOST PARKED THE CAR IN PARKING LOT OF SCHOOL, SUDDENLY THE CAR BEGAN TO BE ACCELERATED WITHOUT PUSHING ACCELERATE PEDAL. SHE PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL CONTINUOUSLY, BUT IT NEVER WORKED. CAR TURNED RIGHT WITH FULL SPEED, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE BEHIND THE CAR AND STOPPED. IN CRASH, RIGHT SIDE AIRBAG BURST OUT AND FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF MY CAR WAS FULLY BROKE UP. MY WIFE AND MY DAUGHTER WERE SO SHOCKED AND FRIGHTENED. FOR A WHILE THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING AND MY WIFE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE ANY MORE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10478779 · filed Oct 5, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AT THAT TIME THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED, MY WIFE TOOK MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL BY MY CAR. ACCORDING TO MY WIFE, WHEN SHE ALMOST PARKED THE CAR IN PARKING LOT OF SCHOOL, SUDDENLY THE CAR BEGAN TO BE ACCELERATED WITHOUT PUSHING ACCELERATE PEDAL. SHE PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL CONTINUOUSLY, BUT IT NEVER WORKED. CAR TURNED RIGHT WITH FULL SPEED, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE BEHIND THE CAR AND STOPPED. IN CRASH, RIGHT SIDE AIRBAG BURST OUT AND FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF MY CAR WAS FULLY BROKE UP. MY WIFE AND MY DAUGHTER WERE SO SHOCKED AND FRIGHTENED. FOR A WHILE THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING AND MY WIFE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE ANY MORE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10478779 · filed Oct 5, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

STEERING WHEEL HAS A POPPING SOUND EITHER SET PARK OR DRIVE., VEHICLE ALSO DRIFT TO THE RIGHT AND A VIBRATION IN HIGH WAY SPEEDS.

NHTSA ID 11021408 · filed Sep 5, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .