2012 Hyundai Azera Problems

Severe Issues

Shopping for a used 2012 Hyundai Azera? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 74 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Steering Defects the most reported area.

20119 years2013

Before you buy

This 2012 Hyundai Azera has 74 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Steering Defects.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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74
Complaints
3
Crashes
β€”
Fires
2
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
2
Recalls

2012 Hyundai Azera Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA official fuel economy rating for the 2012 Hyundai Azera.

20
MPG City
28
MPG Hwy
23
MPG Combined
386
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $2,250 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.

2012 Hyundai Azera Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated
βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Hyundai Azera has 74 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2012 Hyundai Azera β€” key reliability facts
Make
Hyundai
Model
Azera
Model year
2012
NHTSA owner complaints
74
Crash-related complaints
3
Safety recall campaigns
2
Top reported component
Steering Defects
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
23
EPA MPG city / highway
20 / 28
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2012 Hyundai Azera problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
38
complaints

Steering Defects

#2
12
complaints

Brake System

#3
11
complaints

Engine Problems

Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Brake System, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2012 Hyundai Azera?

The 2012 Hyundai Azera shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.

Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2012 Hyundai Azera

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect steering system for any signs of looseness or unusual noise.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for steering, brake, and engine repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect steering system for any signs of looseness or unusual noise.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for steering, brake, and engine repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2012 Hyundai Azera, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Azera are concentrated in steering defects, which account for over half of all reports. Brake system and engine problems also appear as recurring themes, though the total number of complaints is relatively low for a single model year. With only 3 crash-related complaints out of 74 total, the data does not indicate a widespread safety issue, but buyers may want to inspect the steering and brake components closely.

Key Findings
  • Steering defects account for 38 of 74 total complaints, making it the most reported component.
  • Brake system issues are the second most common, with 12 complaints.
  • Engine problems are reported in 11 complaints, suggesting a potential pattern.
  • Only 3 crash-related complaints were filed, indicating limited safety impact from reported issues.
Top Concerns
  • Steering Defects: 38 complaints, the dominant issue for this model year.
  • Brake System: 12 complaints, a notable secondary concern.
  • Engine Problems: 11 complaints, another area of frequent reports.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The confidence level is Low, meaning the data may not be representative of all vehicles. Only one model year (2012) is analyzed, limiting year-over-year comparisons.

Full breakdown

All 2012 Hyundai Azera complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Hyundai Azera. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Steering Defects38β€”β€”β€”
Brake System12β€”β€”β€”
Engine Problems11β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic8β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions72β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures3β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain2β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues11β€”β€”
Structural Problems11β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration11β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Hyundai Azera. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 74 most recent complaints

Engine ProblemsDec 27, 2024

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 co…

Brake SystemSep 24, 2024

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 m…

Transmission / DrivetrainSep 14, 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 int…

Brake SystemAug 19, 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 i…

Brake SystemApr 25, 2024

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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of t…

Uncategorized IssuesApr 23, 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 kne…

Brake SystemMar 6, 2024

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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had e…

Brake SystemJan 17, 2024

The contact's husband 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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufact…

Brake SystemJan 8, 2024

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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer, Winn …

Uncategorized IssuesDec 27, 2023

Vehicle Recall issued. No remedy is being provided within a reasonable time.

Engine ProblemsDec 27, 2023

Mechanic found metal in engine oil. Stated that the engine appeared to be "deteriorating" as the metal was not a contaminant, but instead he determined it to be from the engine itself.

Brake SystemDec 18, 2023

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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had e…

Brake SystemDec 14, 2023

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 not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer h…

Brake SystemDec 7, 2023

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 fo…

Brake SystemDec 5, 2023

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 not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not…

Uncategorized IssuesJun 14, 2023

Sunroof will open, but will not close. Navigation quit working after a few years.

Airbag MalfunctionsFeb 28, 2023

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 th…

Airbag MalfunctionsJan 25, 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 co…

Engine ProblemsDec 8, 2022

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Azera. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made abnormal noises. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a lifter noise on cold startup. The vehicle was then taken to Dick's Hillsboro Hyundai (28…

Steering DefectsAug 24, 2022

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 …

Page 1 of 4

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Hyundai Azera.

Safety recalls

2012 Hyundai Azera recalls

2 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Hyundai Azera. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

#13V264000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE25/06/2013
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

#23V651000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE22/09/2023

Across model years

Compare Hyundai Azera model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2012 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2012 Hyundai Azera buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2012 Hyundai Azera reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 74 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 Hyundai Azera shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Azera?β–Ύ

#1: Steering Defects (38 complaints). #2: Brake System (12 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (11 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Hyundai Azera?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2012 Hyundai Azera?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Hyundai Azera, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 74 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2012 Hyundai Azera have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Hyundai Azera. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2012 Hyundai Azera?β–Ύ

The 2012 Hyundai Azera shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Hyundai Azera reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2012 Hyundai Azera based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.