HYUNDAI AZERA · model year

2012 HYUNDAI AZERA

82 NHTSA complaints, 5 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2012HYUNDAIAZERA carries 82 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 5 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and Not Rated/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2012 AZERA is steering with 38 filings, followed by engine (10) and service brakes, hydraulic (8). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 37 investigation files overlapping the 2012 AZERA, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

82
Complaints
5
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

82 filings

Crashes Reported

5 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 — Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: Not Rated/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING38
ENGINE10
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC8
AIR BAGS7
SERVICE BRAKES4
SUSPENSION3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
POWER TRAIN2
SEATS2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
TIRES1
WHEELS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1

Recalls (2)

13V26400025/06/2013

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

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.

23V65100022/09/2023

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

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 B

Recent Complaints

20241227ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

Mileage: 140,000

20240924SERVICE BRAKES

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

20240914POWER TRAIN

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.

20240914ENGINE

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.

20240819SERVICE BRAKES

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?

20240425SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

20240423ENGINE

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.

20240423UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

20240306SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 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.

20240117SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

20240108SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 Hyundai of Santa Maria (800 W Main St., Santa Maria, CA 93458) but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

20231227UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

20231227ENGINE

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.

20231218SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 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

20231214SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer wat made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

20231207SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

20231205SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

20230614UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

20230228AIR BAGS

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.

Mileage: 98,000

20230125AIR BAGS

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 woul

Compare 2012HYUNDAIAZERA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2012 HYUNDAI AZERA have?
The 2012 HYUNDAI AZERA has 82 NHTSA complaints, 5 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2012 HYUNDAI AZERA?
The 2012 HYUNDAI AZERA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of Not Rated/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2012 HYUNDAI AZERA?
Yes, the 2012 HYUNDAI AZERA has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 HYUNDAI AZERA?
The most-complained component for the 2012 HYUNDAI AZERA is STEERING with 38 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.
Is the 2012 HYUNDAI AZERA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2012 HYUNDAI AZERA has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.