VehicleVerdict

2013 Hyundai Azera problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2013 Hyundai Azera carries two red flags at once: 149 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 4.1× 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. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (33), brakes (24), and engine (20), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

149

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

5

Crash-involved

11

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Azera years?

Azera NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 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, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Azera years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Hyundai Azera problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering3322%
Brakes2416%
Engine2013%
Airbags1812%
Electrical System1711%
Body & Structure96%
Other53%
Fuel System53%
Tires & Wheels43%
Transmission32%
Suspension32%
Seats21%
Seat Belts21%
Speed Control21%
Lighting11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2013 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.

“50 mph dry, clear and straight road, Right Rear control arm broke causing the rear wheel to become detached from the car and causing the car to careen into oncoming lane before correcting and landing in the right-hand ditch. Could have been a disaster and only by grace was this not a disaster for…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 5, 2023 · crash

“The Car started to emit Smoke while Driving on highway. All the feature indicate that the issue is purely related to the recall but the Hyndai took in the vehicle and gave me a decision that the engine failure is not related to recall. Said that the recall has been completed.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 15, 2024 · fire

“My wife was driving down the road when the car started smoking. When she pulled over she grabbed a bag and as she was getting out her flames were coming under her dash. Total loss”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 28, 2021 · fire

“2013 HYUNDAI AZERA. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AUTO ACCIDENT. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED HE AND HIS WIFE WERE STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR. THE VEHICLE THE STRUCK A GUARDRAIL, FOLLOWING IT FOR 50FT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 11, 2020 · crash

“On 3/4/24 my break light came on approx 9:15pm . I drove the car about 10 min home and pulled in the driveway at 9:30 PM. My husband assessed brake fluid, to find it needed and brake fluid. He added break fluid and told me to take the car to get it checked in the am. The car was making a continuous…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 5, 2024 · fire

2013 Hyundai Azera — common questions

Is the 2013 Hyundai Azera reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 149 complaints put the 2013 model at #3 of 13 Azera years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Azera years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 Azera problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (33 complaints), brakes (24 complaints), engine (20 complaints).

Does the 2013 Hyundai Azera have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Hyundai Azera. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 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.