The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first. This warranty coverage applies to both the original and subsequent owners. Refer to the warranty and service parts information outlined in this bulletin whenever clock spring replacement is required.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Hyundai Azera steering problems
moderate 38 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
38
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 38 steering complaints filed for the 2012 Hyundai Azera, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 9 model years of Hyundai Azera we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 38.
Steering accounts for 51% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 4 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first. Refer to the warranty and service parts information outlined in this bulletin whenever clock spring replacement is required.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information regarding replacement of the column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system as separate components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information regarding replacement of the column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system as separate components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information regarding replacement of the column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system as separate components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The steering coupler in the motor-driven power steering system is the dominant complaint across these 38 narratives. Starting anywhere from 8,700 to over 100,000 miles, owners report clicking or clunking sounds when turning the wheel left or right—noise that happens whether the car is parked or moving, and gets worse over bumps. Many describe growing play in the wheel itself: you can move it side to side without the steering responding. At highway speeds, the steering vibrates intensely.
The critical point owners make repeatedly is that Hyundai issued a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty extension for this exact part on 2007–2015 Elantras, 2011–2014 Sonatas, and other models in 2017, but did not extend it to the 2012 Azera despite using the same part number. Owners have contacted Hyundai Customer Service and been told flat out the Azera is not covered.
A smaller number report chronic alignment issues (pulling right, premature tire wear) and one owner documented a steering ECU open circuit that made steering erratic and dangerous at 59,000 miles, costing $1,100 out of warranty. Another had the power steering system lock up three times, forcing the dealer to replace the entire power steering unit.
Repair costs for the coupler run $270–$500 depending on labor rates, though the part itself costs under $20.
Same Hyundai Azera steering reports on nearby years: 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Steering Coupler (Motor-Driven Power Steering) Failure
The rubber flex coupling in the motor-driven power steering (MDPS) assembly deteriorates or breaks, causing play in the steering wheel, clicking/clunking noises when the wheel is turned or bumps are hit, and loss of steering responsiveness. Owners report the part is the same as used in recalled Elantra and Sonata models but has not been recalled for the Azera.
When: Typically 27,000–102,888 miles; some failures reported as early as 8,700 miles in the cluster
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking, clunking, or clanking sound when turning steering wheel left or right; Noise when driving over bumps or potholes; Play or 'slop' in steering wheel (wheel can be moved without engaging steering); Steering becomes sloppy or less responsive; Steering wheel vibration at highway speeds; Noise occurs whether vehicle is stationary or moving
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report repair costs ranging from $270 to $500+ depending on labor rates and location; part cost is roughly $10–$20. Extended warranty or dealer coverage waived in all documented cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai issued an extended warranty (10 years/100,000 miles) for this exact part on 2007–2015 Elantra, 2009–2012 Elantra Touring, 2011–2014 Sonata, and 2011–2015 Hybrid Sonata models in 2017. No recall or warranty extension issued for 2012 Azera despite using the same part number (563152K000FFF). Hyundai Customer Service has confirmed to owners that the Azera is not covered.
Steering ECU Open Circuit
An open circuit develops in the steering ECU (electronic control unit), causing erratic, non-smooth steering that sticks or hesitates during turns and small corrections on the highway.
When: 59,000 miles out of warranty
Symptoms owners cite: Steering sticks while making turns; Erratic steering on small corrections while driving straight; Steering not smooth; Dealer noted condition was dangerous and could result in accident
Repairs/costs cited: ECU unit replacement; owner reported $1,100 repair cost and 8-day repair duration at dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner requested goodwill warranty extension from Hyundai Customer Service; Hyundai denied assistance. Owner notes similar moisture-related ECU failures on 2011 Sonata that triggered a recall.
Power Steering System Lock-up (EPS Failure)
The electronic power steering system becomes extremely difficult or nearly locks up, with the EPS warning light illuminating. This occurred three separate times on one vehicle before the owner refused to drive it.
When: Specific mileage not stated; incidents included one on January 22
Symptoms owners cite: EPS warning light illuminates; Steering becomes extremely difficult; Steering nearly locks up
Repairs/costs cited: New power steering unit installation required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer initially reported no bulletins or other reports of this type of problem; diagnosis later confirmed an issue and unit replacement was performed.
Chronic Alignment Problems
Vehicle pulls consistently to the right or exhibits steering misalignment from new. Owners report tire wear and the need to hold the steering wheel off-center or apply constant pressure to keep the car straight. Alignment corrections do not resolve the issue permanently.
When: From purchase; tire wear observed at 28,000 miles; alignment still problematic after attempted corrections
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls to the right while driving; Vehicle pulls to the right in cruise control; Outer edge of tires wear prematurely (bald at 28,000 miles); Steering wheel not centered; tilted to the left; Owner must hold steering wheel off-center to keep car straight; Constant pressure needed on steering wheel to maintain straight driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer charged $99 for alignment; subsequent small adjustments made but did not resolve issue. Dealer blamed road conditions and a wheel scratch rather than a systematic steering or suspension defect.
Synthesized from 38 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
The steering on this vehicle started to have some play in it, including some intense vibrating as I drove down the road. My analysis is that the coupler within the steering motor is made of a flimsy material that breaks down relatively easily. This issue has obviously become clear to Hyundai, as they have created an updated version of the coupler. However, the issue is serious enough that there…
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. Also, the steering wheel was not centered, it was tilted to the left, as there was also a slight pull to the left.
The steering is making clicking sound when moving the steering wheel slightly to the left and to the right. Based on internet research, the problem appears to be relating to the steering motor coupling issue. The noise occurs rather or not the vehicle is moving or still. The engineer must be running. There's been safety recalls for the exact issue on other Hyundai models with the same parts…
Clicking in steering wheel moving left and right. As it progressed a clunking/rattling noise would occur on pot holes or cracks in pavement. Noise occurs at any posted speeds
Steering wheel clicking and rattles when going over bumps while in motion. Clicking happens when stationary.
Owner and inspection mechanic noticed and observed steering wheel clunking and banging from left to right. Known problem with similar models and use the same part that is defective! 2012 Hyundai azera steering coupler is faulty and needed replaced per Hyundai dealer and would cost us $282.00 plus tax. They would not cover the part which is around $10.00 but want a lot of money for labor.…
The steering on my car is making clicking clanking noises, the same symptoms that other azera owners are reporting a defective steering coupler.
Had steering trouble with your 2012 Hyundai Azera?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2012 Hyundai Azera?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 38 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 30 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 45,000 and 74,000 miles, with the median around 64,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 74,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Hyundai/Azera.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.