2012 Hyundai Azera

The engine failed in this vehicle as I was driving down the road. It immediately started knocking violently without warning. I was left stranded with my 4 children and had to pay for towing. The problem still persists upon starting. The vehicle had been inspected numerous times prior to incident due to a ticking noise upon cranking and I was informed by dealer that this is normal. Upon incident there was no warning lights or inclination that this was going to happen. I have since been told by multiple mechanics that the crank rod is faulty in this 3.3L Hyundai engine and that in order to replace it you must buy a refurbished engine with an aftermarket part due to the faulty manufacturer part.

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.

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.

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.

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. HYUNDAI HAD A RECALL ON THOSE MODELS WITH THE ECU UNIT DURING THE SAME TIME ERA.