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2012 Hyundai Azera Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2012 Hyundai Azera carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering sensor/control module-inactive and control unit/module. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Steering coupler clicking, clunking, and looseness.” Hyundai's owner's manual splits service into Normal and Severe schedules. Most US drivers qualify as Severe due to short trips, extreme temperatures, or stop-and-go traffic. Hyundai Assurance covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance on new vehicles. The Theta II 2.0L and 2.4L engines (2011-2019) are subject to TSBs around oil consumption — strict adherence to oil intervals matters.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Campaign #13V264000 · Jun 25, 2013

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

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

Campaign #23V651000 · Sep 22, 2023

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2012 Hyundai Azera.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

    Action #AQ23002 · opened Nov 17, 2023

    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 Electron…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Steering coupler clicking, clunking, and looseness

STEERING

36 NHTSA complaints · 2014-01 → 2022-08

“The steering malfunctioned. When we tried to turn the wheel the it would slip and the car would not respond or suddenly would. It was very scary because the car could not be steered properly”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11418704
“THERE IS 'SLOP' OR 'PLAY' DEVELOPING IN THE STEERING. YOU CAN MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT WITHOUT IT ENGAGING THE STEERING. WHILE DRIVING, YOU MUST MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL FARTHER TO CHANGE DIRECTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11229279
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10780155

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine knocking noise and premature failure

ENGINE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2024-12

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11562123
“The engine failed in this vehicle as I was driving down the road. It immediately started knocking violently without warning. I was left stranded with my 4 children and had to pay for towing”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11444976
“AFTER MY VEHICLE HAS SIT FOR A ABOUT AN HOUR OR MORE WHEN STARTED THEIR IS A LOUD CLATTERING RATTLE NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE FOR ABOUT A FEW SECONDS AND IT GOES AWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11142539

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front brake caliper sticking and cold-start grab

SERVICE BRAKES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2013-10 → 2017-05

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10983816
“I JUST READ WHERE HYUNDAI'S GENESIS MODEL HAS BRAKE ISSUES. I HAVE A 2012 AZERA THAT HAD BRAKE ISSUES LAST WINTER WHEN THE CAR IS COLD. THE BRAKES GRAB AS SOON I GET THE CAR GOING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10548685

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front-end alignment causing pull to the right

STEERING, SUSPENSION

2 NHTSA complaints · 2012-12 → 2014-02

“THE ALIGNMENT HAS BEEN BAD ON THIS CAR SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. MY TIRES WORE OUT AT 28000. THE OUTER EDGE OF THE TIRES ARE BOLD WHEN I FIRST TOOK IT IN THEY BLAMED THE ROADS. THE CAR HAS ALWAYS PULLED TO THE RIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10565447
“2012 HYUNDAI AZERA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THE VEHICLE PULLING TO THE RIGHT WHILE DRIVING. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO PULL TO THE RIGHT, WHILE IN CRUISE CONTROL MODE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10488264

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ABS module recall repair parts unavailable

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

11 NHTSA complaints · 2023-12 → 2024-09

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11585177
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11609336
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11616097

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger airbag warning light and non-deployment

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2017-02 → 2023-02

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11509518
“THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS NOT DETECTING PASSENGERS SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11186676
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI AZERA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10955097

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal service: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson 2011-2019): never extend — oil consumption issues are documented in Hyundai TSBs.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. AWD Tucson and Santa Fe owners benefit from rotation at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Elantra and Sonata front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required to maintain ABS and ESC pump life.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe service or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Hyundai SP-IV or SPH-IV — substitutes can cause harsh shifting and torque converter damage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on Theta II, Lambda II, and Smartstream engines. 1.6T (Veloster N, Kona N): 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Hyundai Long-Life Coolant (pink): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it damages the cylinder head gasket on GDI engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on most Hyundai models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Replace at 90,000 miles on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

3 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

3

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2012 Hyundai Azera reflects Hyundai's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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