YearToAvoid

2012 Hyundai Azera Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

67/100

#5 most-complained of 13 Azera years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2012 Hyundai Azera has 74 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 67 out of 100 — #5 highest of 13 Azera model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is steering (38 complaints, 51% of the total). Complaints report 3 crashes and 2 injuries.

Complaints
74
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
3 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
23
20 city / 28 hwy

Top 2012 Hyundai Azera problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Steering38 (51%)
  2. Brakes12 (16%)
  3. Engine12 (16%)
  4. Airbags7 (9%)
  5. Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (7%)
  6. Other3 (4%)
  7. Structure & Body3 (4%)
  8. Transmission & Powertrain2 (3%)
2012 Hyundai Azera complaints: complaints filed per quarter62012 Q42017 Q12018 Q22019 Q32020 Q42022 Q42024 Q2
82 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q4 to 2024 Q4; peak 2012 Q4 (6).

2012 Hyundai Azera recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 23V651000Sep 22, 2023Brakes1,649,478 vehiclesPark Outside

    Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  2. NHTSA 13V264000Jun 25, 2013Airbags5,200 vehicles

    Air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

2012 Hyundai Azera fuel economy and fuel cost

City
20 MPG
Highway
28 MPG
Combined
23 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,800
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2012 compared with other Azera years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2010Best88320.5
2011Good4220322
2012Caution6774223
2013Avoid92112223
2014Caution5048123

All Hyundai Azera years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Hyundai Azera a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 Hyundai Azera ranks #5 of 13 among Azera model years (Complaint Index 67/100, verdict: Caution). It has 74 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Azera?
The most reported problem areas are steering (38 complaints), brakes (12 complaints), and engine (12 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 67,000 miles.
Does the 2012 Hyundai Azera have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2012 Hyundai Azera, most recently reported 2023, covering brakes and airbags.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Hyundai Azera?
EPA rates the 2012 Hyundai Azera at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.