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Hyundai AzeraModel year report

2012 Hyundai Azera Problems

Compared with other Hyundai Azera years

Typical for this model

37/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2014

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
74filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
67,000miles, 43 complaints with mileage
Recalls
2campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—no overall rating published
EPA fuel economy
23 mpgcombined, 3.3L 6-cyl FWD · 20 city / 28 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Hyundai Azera (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2012 Azera most often describe a clicking or clunking noise in the steering column, loose steering feel, and vibrations at highway speeds, which dealers commonly trace to the flexible coupling in the motor-driven power steering. A second group of complaints concerns the anti-lock brake recall notification and long waits for parts. Engine noise and airbag warning light reports appear as well, generally at higher mileages.

  1. Steering

    Steering coupling click/clunk and loose steering

    • 33 complaints (45%)
    • median 65,000 mi at 7.8 yrs old (28 state mileage)
    • filed 2015–2022

    Owners describe a clicking, clunking, or popping sound from the steering column when turning the wheel left or right, sometimes while parked and sometimes when going over bumps, along with play or looseness in the steering and occasional shaking at highway speeds. Several say a dealer or independent mechanic diagnosed the flexible coupling inside the motor-driven power steering assembly and replaced it, and some describe the part as inexpensive with most of the cost in labor. Many owners note that other Hyundai models using the same part had a recall or warranty extension while the Azera did not, and say they paid for the repair themselves. Most often reported between about 20,000 and 100,000 miles, with several complaints under 40,000 miles.

    6 related service bulletins

    What to check: Turn the wheel slowly left and right with the car parked and listen for a click or clunk, then drive over rough pavement and check for play or wandering. Ask whether the steering coupling or column has been replaced and keep the receipt.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The steering wheel clanks when moving side to side while setting still. Upon research, and talking to the service dept. At my Hyundai dealer, it's the steering coupler . I was told that the other Hyundai models with the same problem were under a recall , but not the azeras??”

    NHTSA complaint #11223030, filed 2019-06, 74,500 miles

    “My Hyundai Azera has been diagnosed with a malfunction of a motor driven steering coupling , after further research online I have noticed that there are multiple complaints and issue with this same part on different model vehicle. There are some vehicle models that have been recalled for this particular part but my vehicle is not on the list. I feel that it should be Hyundai responsibility to recall all vehicles for the same issue...”

    NHTSA complaint #10780155, filed 2015-10, 58,400 miles
  2. Brakes

    ABS recall notice with parts unavailable

    • 9 complaints (12%)
    • typically at 12.2 yrs old
    • filed 2023–2024

    Owners describe receiving notice of the anti-lock brake system recall and then finding that dealers did not have the parts, in some cases waiting months after scheduling a visit. Some complainants say the remedy described to them involved changing a fuse rating rather than replacing the ABS module, and questioned whether that addressed the underlying concern. Most of these reports note no actual brake failure had occurred at the time of filing. Filed largely in 2023 and 2024, at a range of mileages, often without a stated mileage.

    Recall 23V651000

    What to check: Ask a dealer whether recall 23V651000 has been completed on the vehicle and get written confirmation, since parts availability has been the main reported obstacle.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “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 complaint #11609336, filed 2024-08

    “The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Azera. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”

    NHTSA complaint #11558993, filed 2023-12
  3. Engine

    Engine knock, ticking, and stalling

    • 11 complaints (15%)
    • median 118,500 mi at 9.4 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2018–2024

    Owners describe a ticking or knocking noise at startup or while driving, sometimes followed by loss of power or stalling, and in some cases metal found in the engine oil. Some report that dealers attributed the noise to normal operation or recommended an oil change or timing-related repair first, with the noise returning afterward. Others say the repair was not covered or required manufacturer authorization. Typically reported from roughly 90,000 miles upward, though a few describe ticking at lower mileages.

    3 related service bulletins

    What to check: Listen for ticking or knocking at cold start and after a drive, check the oil level and look for a fuel or metallic smell, and ask for oil change records. A service bulletin covers inspection procedures for higher-than-expected oil consumption and for connecting rod bearing clearance.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “When starting the car you hear a loud clattering noise. And it doesn't go away. I was told I needed a oil change, oil change was performed. The noise was still happening took it back to the dealer then was told I needed a timing tension belt. Wasted my money because the issue still wasn't fixed. And now when I start my car it a louder noise coming from my engine and whiling driving my car stalls really back and while driving I can still hear the noise.”

    NHTSA complaint #11315800, filed 2020-03, 116,000 miles

    “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 put more oil in in just in case and it failed.”

    NHTSA complaint #11584723, filed 2024-04
  4. Air bags

    Airbag warning light and passenger seat sensor

    Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints

    Owners describe the airbag warning light staying on or the passenger airbag indicator showing off with someone seated in the front passenger seat. Some say a mechanic identified a failed occupant detection sensor or seat cushion, and one describes a cracked dashboard around the passenger airbag area quoted at significant cost. A recall and warranty extensions cover the occupant classification system on certain build dates, and some owners report being told their vehicle was not included. Reported from about 30,000 to 98,000 miles, spread across model years of ownership.

    Recall 13V2640003 related service bulletins

    What to check: With the ignition on, sit in the front passenger seat and confirm the passenger airbag indicator reads on. Ask whether recall 13V264000 and any occupant classification warranty extension apply to the vehicle.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I purchased a 2012 hyuandai Azera in july 2012, the car has only 30,000 miles the vehicle has been garage kept and well maintained. Two week ago I noticed the dash was splitting around the area where the air bag is located (passenger side). Took the car to route 60 Hyundai, service manager sad they wouldn't cover under extended warranty, however it would cost $2,600.00 to repair, the part is $1,600.00 labor is $1,000.00. I don't have that kind of money. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11277800, filed 2019-11, 30,000 miles

    “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 . …”

    NHTSA complaint #11503540, filed 2023-01

Buying note. Have a pre-purchase inspection focus on the steering column for clicking or play and confirm the status of open recalls, especially the ABS campaign. Ask for service records covering oil changes and any engine noise diagnosis, since engine complaints tend to appear at higher mileages.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 74 consumer complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Azera. 43 of the complaints include a mileage, and 26% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 67,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 84 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 4 Hyundai Azera model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 37 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Steering: “The flexible steering coupling failed in our 2012 Azera after 67,000 miles driven. Steering wheel would make a clunking sound and wouldn't be as responsive as normal. Learned this was the same exact part that also failed in the Hyundai sonata and elantra; which had recalls to fix the issue. Due to low sales volume of the Azera, it is my speculation it didn't reach the number of complaints to get attention. However, the part and the part failure is the same.”

NHTSA complaint #11328148, filed 2020-06, 67,000 miles

Brakes: “With 5 weeks I had both front disc brake caliber units freeze up and require replacement because they failed to work. When in motion the vehicle felt like it was being retarded, the vehicle vibrated badly and I thought I had a flat tire. The vibration occurred at both low and highway speeds and occasionally affected steering the front rotors needed to be resurfaced and the pads were warped by extreme heat from the friction of the calibers being locked. The first episode was in late march 2017, the most recent was 5/3/2017”

NHTSA complaint #10983816, filed 2017-05, 115,500 miles

Engine: “Knocking noise when starting up the car then suddenly losing power while driving. Then suddenly a engine knocking noise while driving. Then engine locking up.”

NHTSA complaint #11291840, filed 2019-12, 121,000 miles

Air bags: “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 suspension pushed back 8 and the roof buckled, none of the airbags were inflated. I can help but think that her injuries would have been less if these had worked. The accident took place at hwyff and county road 170 joplin mo.”

NHTSA complaint #11150414, filed 2018-11, 62,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

26% of the 43 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 45,000 and 91,000 miles.

5%0–107%10–2514%25–5040%50–7519%75–10016%100–1500%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (43 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 67,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

20132015201814202020222024
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2012 Hyundai Azera version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Azera FWD3.3L 6-cyl6-speed automatic202823$2,900

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2012 Hyundai Azera → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 84 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 84 bulletins →

Other model years of the Hyundai Azera

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20171225,0001—23—Not enough data
20161534,1961—23—Falling
2015967,7001—23—Not enough data
20144821,2001—2330 · FewerRising
201311260,0002—2350 · TypicalStable
20127467,0002—2337 · TypicalStable
20112042,0003—22—Falling
2010840,0003—21—Not enough data
20092647,6695—2151 · TypicalFalling
20086962,5006—2166 · MoreFalling
200713256,0008—20Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200618856,5005—20Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All Hyundai Azera model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Azera?

Owners of the 2012 Azera most often describe a clicking or clunking noise in the steering column, loose steering feel, and vibrations at highway speeds, which dealers commonly trace to the flexible coupling in the motor-driven power steering. The issues reported most often: Steering coupling click/clunk and loose steering; ABS recall notice with parts unavailable; Engine knock, ticking, and stalling.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Hyundai Azera have?

NHTSA recorded 74 consumer complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Azera as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2012 Hyundai Azera is reported most often?

Steering is named most often, in 38 complaints (51% of the total), followed by brakes with 12.

Has the 2012 Hyundai Azera been recalled?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Hyundai Azera get?

The EPA rates the 2012 Hyundai Azera (Azera, 3.3L 6-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Hyundai Azera reported?

Among the 43 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 67,000 miles and the middle half falls between 45,000 and 91,000 miles; 26% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.