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ProblemsByVinFile / 2012-HYUNDAI-AZERANHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Hyundai
2012 Hyundai Azera problems
The 2012 Hyundai Azera has 74 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2012 Hyundai Azera has 74 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 38 complaints, typically surfacing around 59,744 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2012 Azera?
Generally reliable
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2012 Hyundai Azera? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
steering — 38 owner reports
· tends to show around 59,744 mi · ~$700 to fix
brakes — 12 owner reports
· tends to show around 115,500 mi · ~$450 to fix
engine — 9 owner reports
· tends to show around 117,000 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
airbags — 7 owner reports
· tends to show around 54,413 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 54,413 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 2 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2012 Azera· 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.
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…
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.
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. The problem still persists upon starting. The vehicle had been inspected numerous times…
Had a problem with your 2012 Hyundai Azera?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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
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.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Azera vehicles manufactured May 22, 2012, through November 23, 2012
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.
Under investigation
1 open at NHTSA
AQService Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · opened November 2023
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. AQ23002 on NHTSA →
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Hyundai Azera is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2012 Hyundai Azera?
On the NHTSA data, the 2012 Hyundai Azera does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2012 Hyundai Azera?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 38 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 59,744 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2012 Hyundai Azera a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 74 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 59,744 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Hyundai Azera?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 38 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 59,744 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 59,744 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Hyundai Azera has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Hyundai Azera?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 74 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Hyundai/Azera.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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