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 ↗2013 Hyundai Azera steering problems
moderate 33 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 33 steering complaints filed for the 2013 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
Owners have filed 33 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 9 model years of Hyundai Azera in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
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 dominant complaint is a failing steering coupler—a rubber component in the steering column that Hyundai recalled on 2009-2017 Sonata, Elantra, and Santa Fe models using the identical part number (563152K000FFF), but inexplicably excluded the Azera despite using the same equipment. Owners describe the failure progression clearly: it starts as a clicking or clunking noise when turning the wheel, gets louder over weeks or months, then develops into rattling and thumping on bumpy roads. By the later stages, the steering wheel has measurable free play (up to 6 inches of loose movement reported), and drivers lose confidence in steering response. Failures typically manifest between 30k and 91k miles.
A secondary but significant pattern involves vehicle wandering or drifting at highway speeds, requiring constant steering correction and leaving drivers exhausted and concerned about loss of control. Some owners report the steering wheel feels "slotted" or tight, bouncing back into position unexpectedly.
Airbag lights and clock spring failures also appear in the narratives, sometimes alongside coupler problems. One owner reported a dealership refused to address multiple steering-column-related malfunctions (horn, lights, steering components non-functional) after an engine replacement.
Same Hyundai Azera steering reports on nearby years: 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Steering coupler wear/failure
Rubber coupler in the steering column deteriorates, causing loose steering, clicking/clunking noises, and progressive loss of steering control. Same part (part number 563152K000FFF) that was recalled in 2009-2017 Sonata, Elantra, and Santa Fe models, but Azera was excluded from recall despite using identical component.
When: Typically emerges between 30k-91k miles; one report at 61k miles; one at 66k miles; one at 82k miles; one under 60k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking or clunking noise when turning steering wheel left or right; Noise increases with road imperfections and bump impacts; Loose play in steering wheel (half-inch to 6 inches of free movement reported); Rattling and thumping from steering column on rough roads; Popping sensation when turning wheel; Dead spot on center of steering wheel; Vibration and shuddering at highway speeds (40-60+ mph); Car drifts or wanders left and right during highway driving; Steering wheel feels unsecured and lacks control
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of steering coupler; costs reported include $400, $448, $289, and $11 part with 4 hours labor; some mechanics quote full rack-and-pinion replacement instead
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for 2009-2017 Sonata, Elantra, and Santa Fe; Azera explicitly excluded despite identical part. Hyundai states limited production and lower complaint volume justify exclusion. Vehicle out of warranty at time of failure in most cases. One dealer acknowledged electrical steering characteristic and stated nothing could be done.
Airbag light/steering column electrical
Airbag warning light illuminates and remains on; clock spring assembly/spiral cable malfunction noted in steering column. Issues arise independently or concurrent with coupler problems.
When: One report at 7/26/19; timing unclear on others
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light stays on continuously; Clicking in steering wheel; Spiral cable/clock spring failure
Repairs/costs cited: Clock spring/spiral cable replacement quoted; one estimate not provided; one narrative #2 mentions airbag light present but not fixed by dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Dealer stated clock spring needs replacement. Extended warranty did not cover coupler failure in at least one case.
Steering system stability/wandering
Vehicle drifts, wanders, or pulls to one side during highway driving, even on smooth roads. Driver must apply constant corrective input. One dealer technician attributed this to inherent characteristic of electric steering with no remedy available.
When: Reported early in vehicle ownership in one case (narrative #11); emerges progressively in others
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle drifts left and right at interstate speeds requiring constant driver correction; Unable to track smoothly around curves; Pulling to the left; Car swerves into other lanes for brief periods with loss of steering control
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer stated no corrective action available; another attributed to tire or alignment issues
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer attributed to electrical steering design and declined to repair.
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
I had to get the coupling replaced after my steering started knocking loudly about 5 to 6 months ago. Now I'm having problems with the crank shaft sensor.
Happened a couple of times, car starts swerving into other lanes for a few seconds and cannot control car
Our 2013 azera, with less than 29k miles, started wandering back and forth while driving. Even on neighborhood streets at slow speeds not just on city streets and highways. I started noticing that I had play in the steering wheel. At first it was only maybe a half inch but if I turned the wheel fast enough back and forth, it made a thumping noise and I could feel it in the wheel. Now there is 6…
The steering column has the same faulty coupler that has to replaced on all the sonata, electra's and Kia's in the year ranges from 2009 to 2017. They have a recall for the power steering coupler in the 2009-2017 sonata and electra cars, but did not include the azera. After talking with many dealerships, they replace them daily on the azera's as well, why was this coupler not included in the…
Had steering trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Hyundai Azera?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 33 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 21 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 40,000 and 83,000 miles, with the median around 61,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 83,000. 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/2013/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.