Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Hyundai Azera owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The steering malfunctioned. When we tried to turn the wheel the it would slip and the car would not respond or suddenly would. It was very scary because the car could not be steered properly. We took it to the dealer who said the Steering Coupler had failed and needed to be replaced. This component has been recalled and/or warranty extended to cover in other Hyundai models for the same reason but it has not yet been recalled in the Azera. We discussed this with Hyundai Customer Service who confirmed. It was repaired by Hyundai of South Brunswick NJ for $452.34. There is a Technical Service Bulletin describing the problem. This is a common, dangerous Azera failure and should be remedied as it has been for other models.
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 are many people who have shared about it on forums/YouTube/etc., and is a legitimate danger to drivers, as complete failure of the part could result in failed steering while driving.
MDPS coupler failure similar to failure included in warranty extensions for Sonatas/Elantras. Since Azera is not part of the recall, I ended up paying for the repairs. Contacted HyundaiUSA and lodged a complaint (case number - 20194065). I was told that reimbursement will not be given. Hence bringing to your attention to get this resolved. Thanks! Bhuvaneswari
Hyundai 2102 azara. Base model. Noted that the steering was starting to stick while making a turn or making small corrections while driving straight on highway/ roadway. Steering not smooth but erratic. Brought to dealer, nappleton Hyundai, and it was diagnosed as having an open circuit in the steering ECU unit. Mechanic told me not to drive car as the condition was dangerous and could result in an accident. I left car at dealer waiting for replacement ECU unit. Car was at dealer for 8 days and then repaired. Repair cost $1100. Tthe car had 59000 miles and was out of warrenty. Contacted Hyundai customer service and requested assistance with goodwill extension of warrenty .Hyundai warrenty would not provide any good will assistance. I have read similiar problems with 2011 Hyundai sonata where the ECU was not properly sealed and moisture got into the ECU causing streeing failure. …
This 2012 Azera only has 8,700 miles. Moving the steering wheel left or right produces a clicking sound. This is a known issue of a worn rubber flex coupling in the steering motor. Hyundai pays for replacing the part on sonata and elantra models even after the standard five year warranty. The Azera uses the exact same part number (563152k000fff) but they will not pay for repair after the 5 year warranty. This is probably because they only sold low numbers of Azera models which would of course mean lower numbers of complaints compared to the high volume models. This is obviously a steering safety issue ot huyndai would not pay for repairs on any model out of warranty. My local dealer quoted $270 (florida, zip code 33331) to replace the flex coupler. I believe Hyundai should pay for the repair. I am fearful that I will lose steering control as the rubber coupling arms break apart further.
In early 2017, Hyundai issued the following announcement...''Hyundai motor America is revising the warranty coverage for the rubber coupling in the motor driven power steering (mdps) assembly on 2007-2015 elantra sedans, 2009-2012 elantra touring models, 2011-2014 sonata sedans, and 2011-2015 hybrid sonata sedans to 10 years from the date of original delivery or the date of first use, or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first.' why isn't the steering coupler on the 2012 Hyundai Azera covered under the same warranty that Hyundai extended to the 2007 ' 2015 elantra sedans, 2009 ' 2012 elantra touring models, 2011 ' 2014 sonata sedans and 2011 ' 2015 hybrid sonata sedans? This exact component was utilized in similar year azeras, yet Hyundai will not honor the warranty extension or reimburse me for the $ 325.00 I spent to have this repair made.
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. Thankfully we had an extended warranty but we still should have not had to pay for a faulty part. Its happening to many other Hyundai models that use the same part. Car was dangerous to drive feeling the banging while driving and at a stop. Had car repaired and..wow no more banging..vibrations.
There is 'slop' or 'play' developing in the steering. You can move the steering wheel left and right without it engaging the steering. While driving, you must move the steering wheel farther to change direction. It has been diagnosed as a defective steering column coupler by an ase certified mechanic. Other Hyundai's have a recall on this part but not the Azera and they are the same part doing the same function and failing the same way. Hyundai should be directed to cover all their models with this same part. It can be felt failing while sitting still and moving the steering wheel and is more noticeable when driving, especially on the highway.
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 number, so NHTSA, why hasn't NHTSA issue, or cause to be issue, a safety recall on the Azera? What's it going to take, injuries and/or deaths? How many? The problem is getting worse. The car has less than 31,000 miles.
2012 Hyundai Azera, vehicle has 64,000 miles. Has developed a clicking/clunking sound in the steering column when turning the steering left, right, and when hitting bumps. The issue can be replicated sitting still or when driving via a prominent clicking/clunking sound. Steering has become sloppy and dangerous. Research shows it is a defective steering coupler that Hyundai is aware of, which is not covered under warranty. This issue is documented by numerous complaints, yet Hyundai has not provided a recall despite it being recalled for replacement on other Hyundai models using the same coupler.
Steering complaints in other Azera years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2012 Hyundai Azera?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Hyundai Azera, 51% of the model year's 74 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Hyundai Azera steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2012 Hyundai Azera, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Hyundai Azera steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.