YearToAvoid

2013 Hyundai Azera Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

92/100

#2 most-complained of 13 Azera years

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

The 2013 Hyundai Azera ranks 2nd worst out of 13 model years, with a complaint index of 92 and 112 complaints, earning an Avoid verdict. Steering and brake problems dominate, backed by 2 recalls including a brake fire risk campaign.

Complaints
112
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
3 / 6
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
23
20 city / 29 hwy

Top 2013 Hyundai Azera problems

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

  1. Steering33 (29%)
  2. Brakes27 (24%)
  3. Engine22 (20%)
  4. Airbags18 (16%)
  5. Electrical System15 (13%)
  6. Structure & Body10 (9%)
  7. Fuel System5 (4%)
  8. Other5 (4%)
  9. Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (4%)
  10. Transmission & Powertrain3 (3%)

What owners report

  • Airbags failed to deploy in rear-end and side-impact crashes, leaving occupants with injuries despite the vehicle being totaled.
  • Brake fluid warnings and humming noises preceded a fire that owners linked to the brake system recall.
  • Vehicles caught fire or smoked while driving, including one case where flames came from under the dash.
  • A right rear control arm broke at highway speed, causing the wheel to detach and the car to leave its lane.
  • The engine lost power and would not accelerate past low RPM even after restarting.
  • Water entering the cabin through a cracked window triggered a persistent airbag warning light that dealers said was not covered under warranty.
2013 Hyundai Azera complaints: complaints filed per quarter122013 Q32015 Q22017 Q42019 Q32021 Q12022 Q32024 Q1
146 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q3 to 2025 Q2; peak 2022 Q3 (12).

2013 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.

2013 Hyundai Azera fuel economy and fuel cost

City
20 MPG
Highway
29 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.

2013 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
2011Good4220322
2012Caution6774223
2013Avoid92112223
2014Caution5048123
2015Caution259122.5

All Hyundai Azera years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 Hyundai Azera reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2013 Azera ranks 2nd worst among 13 model years with a complaint index of 92, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Azera years.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Hyundai Azera?
NHTSA data shows steering issues lead with 33 complaints (29% share), followed by brakes with 27 complaints (24%) and engine problems with 22 complaints (20%).
Does the 2013 Hyundai Azera have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls: a 2023 brake recall telling owners to park outside due to fire risk, and a 2013 airbag recalibration recall for occupant detection.
What mileage do problems typically show up at on the 2013 Azera?
Median mileage at failure was 60,000 for the model overall, with steering problems reported around 61,000 miles and brake problems around 91,000 miles.

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.