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Vehicle Stats/Hyundai/Azera Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Aug 2026Methodology

Hyundai Azera Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

Poor reliability signalOur verdict from 325 complaints and 19 recalls on NHTSA record

Comparing used Hyundai Azera options? We analyzed 10 model years (2009–2018) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

325
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
19
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
14
Crash-Related
crash complaints
11
Fire-Related
fire complaints
13
Injuries Reported
across all years
10
Years Analyzed
2009–2018

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Found a Hyundai Azera? Check that exact car.

Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.

  • Accident & damage history
  • Odometer rollback records
  • Open recalls & title brands
NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview
Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Hyundai Azera has 325 owner complaints and 19 safety recalls across model years 2009–2018. The most reported issue area is STEERING. 2013 drew the most complaints; 2010 drew the fewest.

Hyundai Azera — key reliability facts
Make
Hyundai
Model
Azera
Model years analyzed
2009–2018 (10 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
325
Safety recall campaigns
19
Crash-related complaints
14
Fire-related complaints
11
Worst model year (by complaints)
2013 (112 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2010 (8 complaints)
Top reported issue area
STEERING
Reliability signal
Poor
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) · Data last refreshed Aug 23, 2026
This Azera has 19 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free →

By model year

Hyundai Azera: which years to avoid & which to buy

Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
2013112 complaints201274 complaints201449 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

Best years to buy
20108 complaints20159 complaints201712 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.

Looking at a 2013 Hyundai Azera? It logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year — averages won't tell you whether this exact car is affected.Check this VIN free →

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

How to read NCAP stars
5 stars — Excellent
4 stars — Good
3 stars — Average
2 stars — Below average
1 star — Poor

Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings

What the complaint data suggests

Poor
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The HYUNDAI AZERA has 325 NHTSA complaints and 19 recalls on record. 14 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 325 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 19 federal recall campaigns
  • 14 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume — popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2009
26
2010
8
2011
20
2012
74
2013
112
2014
49
2015
9
2016
15
2017
12

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

19 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Safety recall

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

#21V619000LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCHJune 8, 2021
Safety recall

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

#21V619000LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCHJune 8, 2021
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

#18V026000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIPSeptember 1, 2018
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

#18V026000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIPSeptember 1, 2018
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

#18V026000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIPSeptember 1, 2018
Safety recall

SUSPENSION:REAR

#13V354000SUSPENSION:REARDecember 8, 2013
Safety recall

SUSPENSION:REAR

#13V354000SUSPENSION:REARDecember 8, 2013
Safety recall

SUSPENSION:REAR

#13V354000SUSPENSION:REARDecember 8, 2013
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

#13V113000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCHJanuary 4, 2013
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

#13V113000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCHJanuary 4, 2013
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

#13V113000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCHJanuary 4, 2013
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

#10V007000AIR BAGS:FRONTALAugust 1, 2010
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

#23V651000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

#09V497000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

#23V651000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

#13V264000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

#23V651000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

#13V264000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

#23V651000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2009–2018. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

Common problems

What goes wrong most often

The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 325 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
STEERING97 complaints
02
SERVICE BRAKES72 complaints
03
ENGINE53 complaints
04
HYDRAULIC44 complaints
05
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM38 complaints
06
AIR BAGS36 complaints
07
POWER TRAIN21 complaints
08
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL17 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

325 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINENov 2025

Engine has a timing belt issue since 70,000 miles where it will rattle when it starts Transmission is going out BEFORE 100,000 miles

STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLDec 2024

This is happened too many times even though in frequent and it is very unsafe when it happens on the open road as the steering will be completely unavailable most likely relative to the eps. No incident yet but that is only because I’m a good driver, but it sure is unsafe and scary and something needs to be done as I’ve read many online people having the same issue with this vehicle

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINEJul 2023

I have made sure that the oil was changed on my 2015 Hyundai Azera. It has consistantly used oil. And now , I noticed a disturbing sound under the hood. Now, i have found metal shavings in my oil. This is a Theta engine. 6 cylinder. And according to the internet. Since 2011, Hyundai engines have been consistantly complained about and this engine needs to be added to the recall list for having the exact same manufacturing defect of metal shavings in the oil, like so many millions of other Hyundai cars. Thank you, Nicol Richards

2 InjuriesPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMApr 2023

My Vehicle has no warning signs lights that it has an problem/issue to warn. When driving to 30mpg the vehicle does a forceful jerk forward to a stop causing whiplash effect to driver and passengers. When vehicle comes to a near stop to traffic or light it creates the same effect. This is a constant through the entire driving trip. I have taken it to several mechanics and they have accurate or certain solution. In the attempt to find isssue transmission service, oil change, and spark plugs have been changed. Brakes have been check as well from professional service mechanics

STEERINGMar 2023

When traveling at speeds above 50 mph, my steering has a dead-spot, on-center. At this steering position when trying to keep the car straight on the road or highway, the steering wheel sticks and requires force to keep my car heading straight.

STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKESJan 2020

HIT A BUMP IN ROAD AND LOST CONTROL OF CAR. UNSTABLE BOUNCING ?IN MOTION

Read 14 more owner reports
POWER TRAINAug 2019

VEHICLE HARD TO PLACE IN REVERSE. THEN WHEN IN DRIVE, RPM WOULD GO UP WHEN STEPPING ON GAS PEDAL BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT GO. THEN THE CAR WOULD SUDDENLY SLAM INTO GEAR AND LUNGE FORWARD. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT EVER CAN ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO GET A CODE WHEN THEY SCANNED THE COMPUTER. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS TRANSMISSION IS OUT AND WILL REPAIR IT FOR $7,7700 DOLLARS. VEHICLE COMES WITH 100K MILE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY UNLESS YOU ARE THE SECOND OWNER WHICH I AM SO THAT MEANS THE DEALERSHIP DOES NOT HAVE TO HONOR THEIR 100K MILE WARRANTY. NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE REGARDING COMPUTER NOT COMMUNICATING WITH TRANSMISSION PROPERLY CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO FAIL.

Crash 1 InjuryVEHICLE SPEED CONTROLNov 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 HYUNDAI AZERA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING FROM THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CEMENT STEPS OF AN APARTMENT BUILDING AND AS A RESULT, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER RIGHT LEG AND BRUISES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED TO A DEALER BUT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE A FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. THE VIN WAS INCOMPLETE.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERMar 2016

WINDSHIELD WIPER JETS FAILED. RENTED FROM AVIS AT DEN

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGOct 2024

See attached document for complaint.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESOct 2021

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Azera. The contact stated that the trunk was difficult to open manually. The contact was able to open the trunk after several attempts. However, the trunk would no longer close securely and had to be tied closed with a wire. The dealer was notified and advised that they were overbooked and could not schedule an appointment to diagnose the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.

STEERINGJul 2021

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Azera. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the steering wheel ceased and failed to move freely. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he experienced failure on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,110.

SEATSApr 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 HYUNDAI AZERA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SEATS WERE LOOSE AND UNSTABLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CARMAX (2501 POWELL AVE, NASHVILLE, TN 37204, (615) 269-3703) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRACKETS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

STEERINGMar 2021

I'VE OWNED MY 2017 AZERA SINCE DEC 2018. I LOVE THE VEHICLE BUT THE STEERING STICKS AS MENTIONED IN OTHER COMPLAINTS AT HIGH SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY ONLY HAS 38K MILES AND I USE IT FOR THE MOST PART ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS SEEMS TO ONLY HAPPEN AT SPEEDS OVER 55MPH. YOU HAVE TO GIVE THE STEERING A SLIGHT JERK TO GET IT TO GO BACK. DOESN'T MATTER IF IT'S RIGHT OR LEFT. THIS PAST WEEK IT WOULD NOT MOVE AND I JERKED IT SO MUCH I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO COME OFF THE ROADWAY. I UNDERSTAND DIFFERENT FORUMS STATE IT MIGHT BE AN ELECTRONIC STEERING ISSUE OR SOMETHING WITH A COUPLER, ETC. WHATEVER THE CASE I BELIEVE THIS NEEDS TO BE REVIEWED AND FIXED. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO AND WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG. IT WAS PROBABLY NOT DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY SO THE MECHANIC WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO EXPERIENCE THE ISSUE WHILE DRIVING AROUND THE ROADS IN AND AROUND DEALERSHIP

STEERING,AIR BAGSOct 2020

AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. STEERING LOCKS AS THE CAR IS DRIVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND REQUIRES FORCE TO ADJUST. IT PRESENTS A CHALLENGE WHEN STAYING IN A LANE AND NEED TO DO SLIGHT ADJUSTMENTS TO STAY IN LANE. TOOK IT TO A DEALER ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE.

STEERINGJan 2020

I HAVE OWNED 3 HYUNDAI AZERAS; A 2007, A 2013 AND NOW A 2017. I NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH THE STEERING ON MY 2007 OR 2013. THE STEERING ON MY CURRENT VEHICLE "LOCKS" AS I AM DRIVING, MOSTLY ON THE HIGHWAY BUT HAS ALSO HAPPENED AT LOWER SPEEDS AND ALSO IN REVERSE. THE STEERING DOESN'T RESPOND WHEN I TRY TO MAKE MINOR ADJUSTMENTS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND FEELS AS IF IT'S LOCKED IN PLACE. IT WILL EVENTUALLY "GIVE" WITH A JERKING MOTION. MY CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 8500 MILES AND I DID NOT NOTICE THIS ISSUE WHEN I PURCHASED IT NEW AND DON'T REMEMBER EXACTLY WHEN IT STARTED BUT IT HAPPENS CONSISTENTLY NOW. I AM VERY CONCERNED WITH THIS AS OCCASIONALLY IT FEELS AS THOUGH IT'S NOT GOING TO RESPOND AT ALL. I HAVE SEEN SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND WONDER IF HYUNDAI IS GOING TO ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM.

STEERINGDec 2019

DURING OUR FIRST TRIP ON THE INTERSTATE I NOTICED THAT WHEN TRYING TO CORRECT THE STEERING, EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT, THE CAR WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY RESPOND. THEN AFTER JUST A SECOND OR TWO SOMETHING WOULD BREAK LOOSE ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO RESPOND TO MY REQUEST. I.E. TURN LEFT OR RIGHT! IT'S AS IF THEIR IS SOMETHING STOPPING IT FROM RESPONDING UNTIL I APPLY MORE PRESSURE TO MY PULL. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THAT IS THE "ELECTRONIC STEERING" MECHANISM AND THAT THAT IS NORMAL, AND THERE IS NO REASON TO BE ALARMED. OVER THANKSGIVING I MADE A 2,500 MILE ROUND TRIP TO INDIANA (ALL INTERSTATE). DURING THE TRIP, THE SAME THING!! AFTER STOPPING FOR A SHORT PERIOD, AND THEN BACK ON THE ROAD, I NOTICED I WOULD HAVE TO DRIVE A SHORT DISTANCE BEFORE IT BEGAN TO ACT UP AGAIN. IT IS VERY PRONOUNCED AND OBVIOUS ON INTERSTATE DRIVING. I HAVE THE FEAR THAT IT COULD LOCK UP PERMANENTLY. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, WITH ONLY 5,100 MILES ON 7/1/2019. IT NOW HAS 8,622 MILES. I MIGHT ALSO POINT OUT THAT I ALSO HAVE THE IDENTICAL CAR IN A 2016 WITH THE SAME STEERING, THAT I PURCHASED NEW. IT NOW HAS OVER 36,000 MILES AND I HAVE HAD ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEMS. BECAUSE OF THE EXCELLENT RATINGS AND THE FACT THAT I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE 2016, I PURCHASED THE USED 2017 FOR MY WIFE. WHEN I TOOK MY CAR TO THE SHOP THEY DID NOT PROVIDE ME WITH A TICKET OR INVOICE OF ANY KIND, ALTHOUGH THEY DID WRITE A TICKET.

STRUCTUREJul 2019

AFTER RETURNING TO THE PARKING LOT WITH BAGS OF GROCERIES, WE COULD NOT OPEN THE TRUNK, NEITHER WITH SMART KEY OR BUTTON ON DRIVER SIDE OR WITH KEY ON TRUNK PANEL, OR MANUAL TRUNK BUTTON. WE HATE TO THINK ABOUT ARRIVING AT A MOTEL AND WE COULD NOT OPEN THE TRUNK. I REMEMBER AN INCIDENT THAT HAPPENED IN UTAH WHERE 3 CHILDREN WERE TRAPPED IN A TRUNK AND PERISHED. I WOULD THINK HYUNDAI WOULD DESIGN A MANUAL TRUNK RELEASE SYSTEM, THAT DOES NOT RELY ON ELECTRIC POWER, BUSH BUTTONS, OR SMART KEYS. THIS CAR HAS AN EMERGENCY FLUORESCENT SLIDE INSIDE TRUNK, I THINK IT ALSO DID NOT WORK. INITIALLY I THOUGH IT MIGHT BE A SETTING, BUT BROWSING A HYUNDAI FORUM I DISCOVERED OTHER USERS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH VARIOUS HYUNDAI MODELS. POSSIBLE DEFECTIVE PART; TRUNK LATCH ACTUATOR OR SOLENOID. WILL FIND OUT MORE TOMORROW FROM DEALER.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHERApr 2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SEEMS LIKE IT IS SHORTING OUT. HAD TO UNHOOK RADIO AS IT WAS DRAINING BATTERY. IT SHORTED AND MAKES A SCREACHING SOUND WHEN ON. SEAT WAS COVERED BY RECALL. AUTO START NO LONGER WORKS. LIGHTS SHORTING OUT. NOW IT STARTS EVEN MOVES SOMETIMES BUT THEN LOSES ITS ACCELERATOR. YOU CAN PRESS THE GAS AND NOTHING HAPPENS. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING, AND NOW WILL ONLY MOVE BY TRANSMISSION POWER. NO GAS PEDAL POWER AT ALL.

STRUCTUREOct 2018

WHILE COMMUTING HOME FROM WORK IN LATE AFTERNOON, ROUGHLY 6:30 P.M. OF 9/26/18 THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF OF MY 2017 HYUNDAI AZERA SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED FROM THE INSIDE OUT FOLLOWED BY SHATTERING AND GLASS DEBRIS TO BE EXPELLED FROM MY VEHICLE ONTO THE INTERSTATE AND MOST LIKELY VEHICLES DRIVING DIRECTLY BEHIND ME. THE WEATHER CONDITION WAS SUNNY WITH A TEMPERATURE AROUND 80 DEGREES. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF A 3 LANE HIGHWAY DRIVING AT 60 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY I HEARD A LOUD "POP" THAT SOUNDED AS IF A GUNSHOT WENT OFF IN MY VEHICLE. THE SOUND WAS DEAFENING AND EXTREMELY STARTLING ONLY TO THEN BE FOLLOWED BY THE SOUND OF BREAKING GLASS AND AIR BEING SUCKED OUT. IT TOOK ME A MOMENT TO GET MY BEARINGS AS I THOUGHT MY BACK WINDSHIELD MUST HAVE BEEN HIT BY A STRAY BULLET SOMEHOW. ONCE ASSESSING THE BACK WINDSHIELD THROUGH MY REARVIEW MIRROR I REALIZED IT WAS NOT DAMAGED AND THE SUCKING AIR SOUND AND GLASS BREAKING OFF WAS FROM OVERHEAD. MY SUNSHADE WAS THANKFULLY CLOSED BUT THE EXPOSED WHOLE IN THE GLASS MUST HAVE CREATED A VACUUM SO THE FABRIC BEGAN TO PULL UPWARD. I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH SHAKEN BY THE INCIDENT AND EXITED THE HIGHWAY AS QUICKLY/SAFELY AS POSSIBLE TO SEEK A PUBLIC PARKING LOT THAT I COULD STOP AT AND SAFELY EXIT MY CAR TO ASSESS THE DAMAGE. I FOUND THAT MY SUNROOF HAD INDEED SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED AT THE CENTER WHERE GLASS WAS VISIBLY BLOWN UPWARD AND FROM THE EXPLOSION FRACTURED/SHATTERED GLASS WAS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE GLASS SUNROOF PANEL AT THAT POINT. I BEGAN NECESSARY STEPS WITH MY INSURANCE AND NOTIFYING THE DEALERSHIP OF THE INCIDENT. I WAS GIVEN A SERVICE DATE OF 10/2/18 NEARLY A WEEK LATER AND WAS NOT PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE TO DRIVE IN THE INTERIM. I WAS TOLD TO COVER WITH A TARP OR TRASHBAGS AND TAPE DOWN TO CONTAIN THE REMAINING GLASS SO I DID NOT CAUSE ADDITIONAL ROAD HAZARDS UNTIL THE VEHICLE COULD BE SERVICED.

Showing 20 of 325 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check the exact car

Before you buy, check the exact Hyundai Azera

These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.

The basics

How to read this data

Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Hyundai Azera, in plain English.

01

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Hyundai Azera has 325 complaints on record across 10 model years.

02

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Hyundai Azera has 19 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

03

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 14 of the Hyundai Azera's 325 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

04

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.

05

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

06

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Hyundai Azera vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Hyundai Azera vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

07

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Hyundai Azera has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

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By state

Check a Hyundai Azera by state

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Hyundai Azera.

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Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

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Hyundai Azera reliability — frequently asked questions

Is the Hyundai Azera reliable?

Poor. The Hyundai Azera has 325 NHTSA owner complaints and 19 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is STEERING. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.

Which Hyundai Azera years to avoid?

Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2013 (112 complaints), 2012 (74 complaints), 2014 (49 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.

What are the most common Hyundai Azera problems?

Top reported issues: STEERING (97 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (72 complaints); ENGINE (53 complaints).

Does the Hyundai Azera have recalls?

Yes — 19 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Hyundai Azera. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

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