VehicleVerdict

2012 Hyundai Azera problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2012 Hyundai Azera carries two red flags at once: 82 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.3× the Azera norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Azera years to avoid.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 46% of all reports (38 of 82), far ahead of brakes at 12.

82

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Azera years?

Azera NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted280 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 280 complaints2007: 188 complaints2008: 101 complaints2009: 36 complaints2010: 11 complaints2011: 35 complaints2012: 82 complaints2013: 149 complaints2014: 60 complaints2015: 17 complaints2016: 17 complaints2017: 16 complaints
Azera NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Azera years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Hyundai Azera problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering3846%
Brakes1215%
Engine1113%
Airbags79%
Suspension34%
Other34%
Transmission22%
Seats22%
Tires & Wheels22%
Speed Control11%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 2012 Hyundai Azera have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V651000BrakesSeptember 22, 2023 · 1,649,478 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

13V264000AirbagsJune 25, 2013 · 5,200 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Azera vehicles manufactured May 22, 2012, through November 23, 2012. The occupant detection system may fail to properly differentiate whether the front passenger seat occupant is an adult, a child or a child restraint seat.

Consequence

If the occupant is incorrectly classified, in the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, the airbag may deploy with greater or lesser force than appropriate, resulting in an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the airbag system. The recall beagan on August 13, 2013. Hyundai's recall number is "Campaign 111." Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 18, 2022

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 19, 2024

“My engine failed after only 104k miles. I took my car in to get an oil change and it had rod knock which randomly started when I had oil already in the engine. This was just a random failure because it was completely find the day before and then the next day it started when I knew i was going to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 20, 2024

“MY WIFE RAN OF THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 50MPH TRAVELED A SHORT DISTANCE IN THE DITCH AND STRUCK THE SIDE OF A DRIVEWAY WHERE IT JOINED THE ROAD, FLEW OVER THE DRIVEWAY LANDING ON THE OTHER SIDE CAUSING A COMPRESSION FRACTURE OF 2 VERTEBRAE AND ALTHOUGH THE AZERA WAS A TOTAL LOSS WITH THE FRONT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 2, 2018 · crash

“My engine failed after only 104k miles. I took my car in to get an oil change and it had rod knock which randomly started when I had oil already in the engine. This was just a random failure because it was completely find the day before and then the next day it started when I knew i was going to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 20, 2024

2012 Hyundai Azera — common questions

Is the 2012 Hyundai Azera reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 82 complaints put the 2012 model at #5 of 13 Azera years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Azera years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 Azera problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (38 complaints), brakes (12 complaints), engine (11 complaints).

Does the 2012 Hyundai Azera have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Hyundai Azera. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Hyundai Azera under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Hyundai Azera years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Azera years to avoid are 2006, 2007, 2013, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2015. The cleanest record among Azera years belongs to 2005.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.