2012 Hyundai Azera Engine Grinding Noise & Oil Leaks - Orange, CA

The owner alleged repeated defect concerns with a 2012 Hyundai Azera, including engine grinding noise, oil leak complaints, and harsh shifting/drivability issues. Service records reflect multiple visits and documented attempts to diagnose and address the issues. California protections apply statewide, including for Orange County drivers.

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Repair History (from service records)

The visits below summarize what the records show (dates, mileage, complaint, diagnosis/repair, result).

Pattern Summary

• Documented concerns included engine grinding noise at cold start/start-up and oil leak complaints across multiple visits.
• “ENGINE SEIZED … while driving vehicle … turned off … unable to turn vehicle on.” (RO K79549)
• Records reflect major drivetrain-related work noted as “REPLACED TRANSMISSION” after an oil leak concern tied to the transmission area.
• Some visits show “NPF” / unable-to-verify outcomes despite continued noise complaints.
• The owner also reported harsh shifting and other drivability concerns that can affect use and reliability.
• Repair documentation and repeated presentations can help establish whether a defect substantially affects use, value, or safety.

Recalls & Common Complaints (2012 Hyundai Azera)

Recall campaigns are often VIN-specific. If you’re seeing similar symptoms, a quick VIN recall check can confirm whether your Hyundai Azera is included.

• ABS module fluid leak / electrical short — engine-compartment fire risk (NHTSA campaign 23V-651): NHTSA documentation describes brake fluid leaking into the ABS module, potentially causing an electrical short and increasing the risk of an engine-compartment fire; Hyundai’s remedy communications describe replacing the ABS module fuse (or fuse kit) as part of the repair performed by dealers at no charge.
• Occupant Classification System (OCS) misclassification — passenger airbag deactivation may not work as intended (NHTSA campaign 13V-264 / “CAMP111”): Hyundai identified that the SRS Occupant Classification System may not properly classify a right-front passenger, may illuminate the airbag warning lamp, and may impact when deactivation of the front passenger airbag is appropriate; dealers repair the airbag system at no charge.

Why "engine is grinding" allegations matter

When a vehicle repeatedly presents with “engine grinding” complaints, that symptom may point to a serious underlying mechanical or lubrication-related issue. Even when a shop cannot reproduce the condition every time, recurring grinding noise and related oil leak concerns can affect drivability, reliability, and resale value. Under California law, a documented pattern of unresolved or returning defects can support a Lemon Law claim when the problem substantially impacts use, value, or safety.

Settlement Outcome

Resolved through a California Lemon Law repurchase: without admitting liability or wrongdoing, the manufacturer repurchased the vehicle and paid the owner $51,979.96 as a monetary settlement. Without admitting liability or wrongdoing, the matter was resolved under California law with the vehicle returned and compensation paid to conclude the dispute.

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California Lemon Law Rights

California’s Lemon Law can protect owners when a warranted vehicle has substantial defects that persist after reasonable repair attempts. When problems like grinding noises, oil leaks, or harsh shifting keep returning—or the vehicle spends excessive time in the shop—owners may have the right to pursue remedies such as repurchase, replacement, or compensation (depending on the facts). California Lemon Law help

• Repeat repair attempts for the same defect or symptom pattern.
• Major component repairs (engine, transmission, drivability systems) that indicate a substantial issue.
• Documentation—repair orders and invoices can establish timelines, mileage, and recurrence.
• Statewide coverage—California protections apply regardless of where in the state the owner lives or services the vehicle.

California Lemon Law – Common Questions

How many repair attempts are “enough” in California?

There is no single magic number. Repeated attempts to fix the same symptom (or a closely related symptom pattern), major component work, or excessive time out of service can support a claim when the problem substantially affects use, value, or safety.

What if the dealership says it can’t reproduce the issue (“NPF,” “could not verify,” or “no problem found”)?

“Unable to verify” notes do not automatically end the analysis. If the records show the same complaint returning over multiple visits—especially with consistent language like “engine grinding at cold start,” oil leaks, harsh shifting, or drivability concerns—that documentation can still help establish a recurring defect pattern.

Do “engine grinding,” oil leaks, and harsh shifting/drivability issues potentially qualify as substantial defects?

They can, depending on severity and recurrence. Grinding/noise allegations can indicate a potentially serious mechanical condition; oil leaks can affect reliability and value; and harsh shifting/drivability issues can materially impact safe operation and everyday use—particularly when the problem persists after documented attempts to diagnose or repair.

Does a major drivetrain repair (like a transmission replacement) matter for a Lemon Law claim?

It can. Major component work can be a strong indicator that the concern was treated as significant, and it can also help show that the vehicle required substantial repairs yet the same or related symptoms continued or returned.

Does my city matter (Orange County / Orange, CA)?

No. California Lemon Law protections apply statewide. Orange/Orange County is relevant for local context and where service visits occurred, but your rights do not depend on living in a particular California city.

Next Steps:

1. Collect your paperwork. Gather every repair order/invoice and any warranty or service-history printouts. Keep the dates and mileages intact.
2. Write a short timeline. List each visit by date, mileage, and the key symptom language (e.g., “engine grinding at cold start,” “oil leak,” “harsh shifting/drivability”).
3. Document recurrence and impact. Note whether the issue returned after each visit and how it affected drivability, reliability, or safety (for example: hesitation, harsh shifts, warning indicators, or ongoing leaks/noises).
4. Do not wait—deadlines can apply. Delay can make records harder to obtain and may affect available remedies under California law.
5. Get a case review focused on the repair pattern. Call (888) 536-6628 or start your FREE Case Review at /free-vehicle-history-review so we can review your repair history and explain potential next steps under California law.
6. Avoid signing anything without review. If a dealer or manufacturer presents any release, buyback paperwork, or “goodwill” agreement, have it reviewed first so you understand how it could affect your options.

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