Owners have filed 82 complaints
about the 2012 Hyundai Azera with NHTSA between 2012 and 2024.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 49
Against the median year of the Hyundai Azera. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 44
8.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 41
24% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
12.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
36.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
36.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
613.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1839.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
817.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
715.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2012peak 6Dec 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Hyundai Azera
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543,...
Recalls on the 2012 Hyundai Azera
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
23V651000
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.
13V264000
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 62,000 milesJoplin, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
MY WIFE RAN OF THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 50MPH TRAVELED A SHORT DISTANCE IN THE DITCH AND STRUCK THE SIDE OF A DRIVEWAY WHERE IT JOINED THE ROAD, FLEW OVER THE DRIVEWAY LANDING ON THE OTHER SIDE CAUSING A COMPRESSION FRACTURE OF 2 VERTEBRAE AND ALTHOUGH THE AZERA WAS A TOTAL LOSS WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION PUSHED BACK 8" AND THE ROOF BUCKLED, NONE OF THE AIRBAGS WERE INFLATED. I CAN HELP BUT THINK THAT HER INJURIES WOULD HAVE BEEN LESS IF THESE HAD WORKED. THE ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE AT HWYFF AND COUNTY ROAD 170 JOPLIN MO.
NHTSA complaint #11150414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Minden, NV1 injured
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI AZERA. THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO THE REVERSE POSITION AND IT JERKED INTO THE POSITION VIOLENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER NECK AND BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS ON FIVE OCCASIONS BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 0 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,000.
NHTSA complaint #10519660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50 milesArlington, TXCrash
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI AZERA EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK TIRES OPTIMA H426, SIZE P245-40R19. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FOUR TIRES FAILED ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CURB WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. THE SECOND FAILURE OCCURRED AS THE CONTACT TRAVELED OVER A POT HOLE WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRES BLEW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50.
NHTSA complaint #10485319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,067 milesBryn Mawr, PACrash
AIR BAGS
AT THAT TIME THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED, MY WIFE TOOK MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL BY MY CAR. ACCORDING TO MY WIFE, WHEN SHE ALMOST PARKED THE CAR IN PARKING LOT OF SCHOOL, SUDDENLY THE CAR BEGAN TO BE ACCELERATED WITHOUT PUSHING ACCELERATE PEDAL. SHE PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL CONTINUOUSLY, BUT IT NEVER WORKED. CAR TURNED RIGHT WITH FULL SPEED, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE BEHIND THE CAR AND STOPPED. IN CRASH, RIGHT SIDE AIRBAG BURST OUT AND FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF MY CAR WAS FULLY BROKE UP. MY WIFE AND MY DAUGHTER WERE SO SHOCKED AND FRIGHTENED. FOR A WHILE THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING AND MY WIFE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE ANY MORE.
NHTSA complaint #10478779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,067 milesBryn Mawr, PACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
AT THAT TIME THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED, MY WIFE TOOK MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL BY MY CAR. ACCORDING TO MY WIFE, WHEN SHE ALMOST PARKED THE CAR IN PARKING LOT OF SCHOOL, SUDDENLY THE CAR BEGAN TO BE ACCELERATED WITHOUT PUSHING ACCELERATE PEDAL. SHE PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL CONTINUOUSLY, BUT IT NEVER WORKED. CAR TURNED RIGHT WITH FULL SPEED, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE BEHIND THE CAR AND STOPPED. IN CRASH, RIGHT SIDE AIRBAG BURST OUT AND FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF MY CAR WAS FULLY BROKE UP. MY WIFE AND MY DAUGHTER WERE SO SHOCKED AND FRIGHTENED. FOR A WHILE THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING AND MY WIFE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE ANY MORE.
NHTSA complaint #10478779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,067 milesBryn Mawr, PACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
AT THAT TIME THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED, MY WIFE TOOK MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL BY MY CAR. ACCORDING TO MY WIFE, WHEN SHE ALMOST PARKED THE CAR IN PARKING LOT OF SCHOOL, SUDDENLY THE CAR BEGAN TO BE ACCELERATED WITHOUT PUSHING ACCELERATE PEDAL. SHE PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL CONTINUOUSLY, BUT IT NEVER WORKED. CAR TURNED RIGHT WITH FULL SPEED, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE BEHIND THE CAR AND STOPPED. IN CRASH, RIGHT SIDE AIRBAG BURST OUT AND FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF MY CAR WAS FULLY BROKE UP. MY WIFE AND MY DAUGHTER WERE SO SHOCKED AND FRIGHTENED. FOR A WHILE THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING AND MY WIFE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DRIVE ANY MORE.
NHTSA complaint #10478779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 140,000 milesColumbia, SC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Azera. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH the vehicle was losing forward momentum. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The low oil warning was illuminated. The contact had to leave the vehicle at the side of the road. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact stated that before the failure, the vehicle was consuming oil at a rate requiring her to add one quart of oil weekly. The contact stated there was no evidence of a leak from the oil pan. The contact was also hearing an abnormal ticking noise coming from the engine compartment before the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11632593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Puente, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
Recall for my 2012 hyundai azera number 251 Anti-Brake System (ABS) module that could leak and cause an electrical short that could result in a fire. They want to change a fuse from 40 to 30 amp so when the problem occurs fuse will blow. They should fix the problem replace ABS module. What happens if fuse blows will the replace fuse or fix problem. This has cost me gas money and time. I went to dealership they said I had to make a appointment so now I have to go back for them to replace a fuse this is not right ABS should be fixed. Thank you
NHTSA complaint #11616097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, Virginia, United, VA
POWER TRAIN
In 2023, Hyundai approved to pay for repairs of vehicles that suffer premature engine failures due to issues such as low oil, metal debris and/or fire in the engine. These issues were predominately found in the GDI engines in Kia and Hyundai vehicles. This suit failed to take into account the Hyundai Azera model and the 3.3 GDI engine. Same engine maker as the 2.2 and 2.4 models. My car stalled out in the middle of traffic with no warning lights for low oil or engine issues. The car was serviced previously with no coded issues noted accept excessive oil burning which was noted with all Hyundai models from the last decade. The GDI 3.3 has the most noted issues and is the most expensive to replace from the dealer. The engines are failing before the car is broken in the manufacture is making money on the replacement engines from customers who are still trying to pay the car off.
NHTSA complaint #11614557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport News, Virginia, United, VA
ENGINE
In 2023, Hyundai approved to pay for repairs of vehicles that suffer premature engine failures due to issues such as low oil, metal debris and/or fire in the engine. These issues were predominately found in the GDI engines in Kia and Hyundai vehicles. This suit failed to take into account the Hyundai Azera model and the 3.3 GDI engine. Same engine maker as the 2.2 and 2.4 models. My car stalled out in the middle of traffic with no warning lights for low oil or engine issues. The car was serviced previously with no coded issues noted accept excessive oil burning which was noted with all Hyundai models from the last decade. The GDI 3.3 has the most noted issues and is the most expensive to replace from the dealer. The engines are failing before the car is broken in the manufacture is making money on the replacement engines from customers who are still trying to pay the car off.
NHTSA complaint #11614557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
This recall on the anti-lock brake system was initiated 11 months ago. I brought the Azera into the dealer 2 months ago and they said they had to order parts. I called today and spoke to the parts department. He said he is restricted from ordering the correct part and has no idea when he will be able to order it. Why is Hyundai stalling with this recall?
NHTSA complaint #11609336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Puente, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Azera. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11585177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middleton, WI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My engine failed after only 104k miles. I took my car in to get an oil change and it had rod knock which randomly started when I had oil already in the engine. This was just a random failure because it was completely find the day before and then the next day it started when I knew i was going to put more oil in in just in case and it failed.
NHTSA complaint #11584723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middleton, WI
ENGINE
My engine failed after only 104k miles. I took my car in to get an oil change and it had rod knock which randomly started when I had oil already in the engine. This was just a random failure because it was completely find the day before and then the next day it started when I knew i was going to put more oil in in just in case and it failed.
NHTSA complaint #11584723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Azera. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11575802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woburn, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact's husband owns a 2012 Hyundai Azera. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11565994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Osos, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Azera. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer, Winn Hyundai of Santa Maria (800 W Main St., Santa Maria, CA 93458) but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11564219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suitland, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle Recall issued. No remedy is being provided within a reasonable time.
NHTSA complaint #11562118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suitland, MD
ENGINE
Mechanic found metal in engine oil. Stated that the engine appeared to be "deteriorating" as the metal was not a contaminant, but instead he determined it to be from the engine itself.
NHTSA complaint #11562123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, OR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Azera. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available
NHTSA complaint #11560699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newton, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Azera. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer wat made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11560130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prescott Valley, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Azera. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11558993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Pierce, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Azera. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11558629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clearfield, UT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof will open, but will not close. Navigation quit working after a few years.
NHTSA complaint #11527098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesBelcamp, MD
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Azera. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light indicated that the air bag was off with a passenger seated in the passenger’s seat. The contact initially took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the air bag sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact called the dealer who informed her that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #11509518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenbackville, VA
SEATS
On January 19,2023 my air bag light and check engine light came on in my Azera 2012 I took my car to the Hyundai dealership center in Salisbury Maryland they said after doing the diagnostic my car was going to need seat cushion for airbag light and for the door latch and will cost me with having a warranty 3265.00 dollars . There is no recall on the car however the Hyundai Motor Company recalled my make and year as of May 22 2012 for occupant detection system may fail to properly differentiate whether the front passenger seat occupant is an adult or a child or a child restraint seat since my car was manufactured in May 14 of 2012 it does not fit in that recall however, what if my car isn’t recalled they say it could be recalled later my concern is I would like it to be covered under that recall for my car as of May 22, 2012 I feel that my car was not built up in those airbags in the standard that should be since my car was manufactured seven days before the actual recall date I would like Hyundai motor company to take care of all expenses for the the safety, and the fixing of the seat cushion as well as the door latch I feel that there is a safety issue while driving with the light going on and off and the dashboard blinking specially without the passenger side door latch and seat not working right, it wont detect a problem, or possibly the airbag could come out , it has been confirmed by the dealership Pohanka Hyundai Of Salisbury , Maryland, that the components were inspected and they were no insurance or police. Just a code popped up in the car dash in the car dashboard computer. I would ask that you guys would look into this and see that the manufacture independently conducts a safety recall on this and pays all costs of the safety recall and please fix it I can be contacted at 757-894-8324. Again thank you .
NHTSA complaint #11503540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenbackville, VA
AIR BAGS
On January 19,2023 my air bag light and check engine light came on in my Azera 2012 I took my car to the Hyundai dealership center in Salisbury Maryland they said after doing the diagnostic my car was going to need seat cushion for airbag light and for the door latch and will cost me with having a warranty 3265.00 dollars . There is no recall on the car however the Hyundai Motor Company recalled my make and year as of May 22 2012 for occupant detection system may fail to properly differentiate whether the front passenger seat occupant is an adult or a child or a child restraint seat since my car was manufactured in May 14 of 2012 it does not fit in that recall however, what if my car isn’t recalled they say it could be recalled later my concern is I would like it to be covered under that recall for my car as of May 22, 2012 I feel that my car was not built up in those airbags in the standard that should be since my car was manufactured seven days before the actual recall date I would like Hyundai motor company to take care of all expenses for the the safety, and the fixing of the seat cushion as well as the door latch I feel that there is a safety issue while driving with the light going on and off and the dashboard blinking specially without the passenger side door latch and seat not working right, it wont detect a problem, or possibly the airbag could come out , it has been confirmed by the dealership Pohanka Hyundai Of Salisbury , Maryland, that the components were inspected and they were no insurance or police. Just a code popped up in the car dash in the car dashboard computer. I would ask that you guys would look into this and see that the manufacture independently conducts a safety recall on this and pays all costs of the safety recall and please fix it I can be contacted at 757-894-8324. Again thank you .
NHTSA complaint #11503540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesBeaverton, OR
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Azera. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made abnormal noises. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a lifter noise on cold startup. The vehicle was then taken to Dick's Hillsboro Hyundai (2871 SE Tualatin Valley Hwy, Hillsboro, OR 97123) however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Dick's Hillsboro Hyundai informed the contact that authorization from the manufacturer was needed before servicing the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the noises coming from the vehicle were normal. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
NHTSA complaint #11496578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shakopee, MN
STEERING
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
NHTSA complaint #11481078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hanover Park, IL
ENGINE
The engine started knocking while I was driving. The car experienced sluggish performance afterwards, and hesitancy in acceleration. Hyundai has recalled other vehicles for engine knocking, but not the Azera.
NHTSA complaint #11477515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Collierville, TN
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11444976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.