This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Hyundai Azera brakes problems
severe 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
When does it fail?
Of the 20 brakes complaints filed for the 2013 Hyundai Azera, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
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.
Among the 6 model years of Hyundai Azera in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes 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.
This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a âCheck Engineâ light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the related solenoid and oil pressure harness.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report brake fluid leaking from the engine compartment and draining abnormally fast, confirmed by independent mechanics. One owner specifically raised concern that brake fluid mixing with electrical components poses a short-circuit and fire hazard.
Several owners experienced ABS system failures—abnormal buzzing from the engine compartment that persisted even when the engine was off. Others reported emergency brake warning lights combined with brake pedal that required full depression to stop the vehicle.
The most serious complaints describe fires: one owner reported visible flames from the engine bottom up to the firewall after smoke and sparks appeared; another experienced smoke under the hood at highway speed. These fires occurred at 140,000–160,000 miles during the extended recall delay.
All affected vehicles have been notified of NHTSA Campaign 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), but repair parts were unavailable for months or longer. One dealer declined to complete the recall once parts finally arrived, and one owner reports the dealership falsely claimed the recall was completed while the actual repair remained undone. Owners consistently state Hyundai exceeded a reasonable timeframe for remedy availability, leaving vehicles with known safety defects on the road.
Same Hyundai Azera brakes reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Brake fluid leak in engine compartment
Brake fluid leaks within the engine compartment, causing the reservoir to drain abnormally fast. One complaint also notes concern that fluid leak could cause electrical short.
When: 94,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: abnormal squeaking sound from brakes; low brake fluid reservoir; fast brake fluid drainage
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; independent mechanic diagnosed fluid leak in engine compartment
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); remedy parts not yet available at time of complaint
ABS system abnormal buzzing
Abnormal buzzing sound coming from engine compartment that persists even after vehicle is turned off, ceasing only when battery is disconnected. Independent mechanic diagnosed ABS failure.
When: 86,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: abnormal buzzing sound from engine compartment; buzzing continues after engine off
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; independent mechanic diagnosed ABS failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); case opened
Brake pedal sinking and emergency brake light illumination
Emergency brake warning light illuminated; brake pedal required full depression to stop vehicle, indicating possible brake system failure or loss of brake pressure.
Symptoms owners cite: emergency brake light illuminated on dashboard; brake pedal requires full depression to achieve complete stop; abnormal brake behavior
Engine and electrical problems during recall delay
Multiple complaints report engine smoke, fire, engine knockings, shuddering, loss of power, and check engine lights appearing during the period when recall parts were unavailable. Two complaints specifically mention fire—one with visible flames from engine to firewall, another with sparks and engine fire. Cannot definitively isolate brake-specific failure from engine/electrical consequences, but timeline aligns with unaddressed recall.
When: 140,000–160,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: smoke from under hood; flames visible from engine compartment; sparks from firewall; vehicle shuddering while driving; loss of forward momentum; engine stalling; check engine light illuminated; engine knocking sounds before oil change
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced starter (did not resolve); independent mechanic diagnosed engine needing replacement; vehicles towed, not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); remedy parts unavailable; dealer declined to perform recall once parts arrived; manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeframe for recall completion
Recall remedy inadequacy and parts availability delay
Widespread parts shortage for recall remedy across all affected vehicles. Multiple owners report fuse replacement remedy may be inadequate to prevent brake fluid leaks and resulting electrical hazards. No actual fire or brake failure yet, but owners express safety concern during extended delay.
When: 65,000 miles (diagnostic timing)
Symptoms owners cite: MIL warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse replacement remedy proposed but owner questions adequacy; parts not available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); fuse replacement remedy parts unavailable for extended period; manufacturer and dealers confirmed parts not in stock
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
The Car started to emit Smoke while Driving on highway. All the feature indicate that the issue is purely related to the recall but the Hyndai took in the vehicle and gave me a decision that the engine failure is not related to recall. Said that the recall has been completed.
The contact owns a 2013 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN…
The contact owns a 2013 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…
The contact owns a 2013 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…
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Azera. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brake, 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…
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Azera. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow the vehicle, the brakes made an abnormal squeaking sound. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the brake fluid reservoir was low. Upon refilling the brake fluid reservoir, the contact became aware that the brake fluid was draining…
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Azera. The contact stated that right after the vehicle had an oil change, the contact was driving at 55 MPH when she noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, prior to the oil change, the engine made knocking sounds while driving. The police escorted the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle…
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2013 Hyundai Azera?
It's a meaningful issue. 20 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 20 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 114,500 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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.