Hyundai Azera Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
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.
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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
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.
- 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
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.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP 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.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe 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.
- 325 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 19 federal recall campaigns
- 14 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- 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
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
19 recalls foundSafety 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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
SUSPENSION:REAR
SUSPENSION:REAR
SUSPENSION:REAR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
SERVICE 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.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
325 totalThese 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.
No acceleration suddenly, tried park but the gear wasn't moved D to P.
WHILE RETURNING FROM TOWN AND DRIVING IN MY DRIVEWAY, HERD STRANGE NOISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE ABS WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER PARKING IN GARAGE NOTICED THAT A BRAKE FLUID TRAIL WAS LEFT BEHIND IN THE DRIVEWAY. CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR AND IT WAS ALMOST EMPTY, SO ADDED NEW BRAKE FLUID TO THE PROPER LEVEL AND REMOVED THE FUSE FOR THE THE THE ABS UNIT SO IT COULD NOT SHORT OUT AGAIN AND LOSE BREAK FLUID WHILE DRIVING. IF IT HAD HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY COULD BE DEAD I KNOW THE CAR HAD A RECALL FOR ABS UNIT SHORTING OUT AND FIRES WHILE PARKED, AND A RELAY KIT WAS ADDED TO KILL POWER TO THE ABS WHILE PARKED BUT WHAT ABOUT A SHORT IN THE ABS UNIT WHILE DRIVING, SEAMS MUCH MORE DANGEROUS. DEALER SAYS NOT COVERED BY RECALL, HOW CAN THIS BE? PLEASE HELP.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI AZERA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THOMPSON HYUNDAI (1000 MERRITT BOULEVARD, DUNDALK, MD 21222, (410)-288-5700) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED BECAUSE THE VALVE COVER GASKET LEAKED OIL ONTO THE ALTERNATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,500. *TT THE ISSUE IS A KNOWN PROBLEM. THESE LAMBDA V6 3.3 LITER AND 3.8 LITER ENGINES ALL HAVE THESE SAME ISSUES, REGARDLESS OF WHAT VEHICLE THEY ARE IN. VERACRUZ, AZERA, SONATA, SEDONA, ENTOURAGE, AND SO ON. THE VALVE COVER'S LEAK OIL ONTO THE ALTERNATOR AND CAUSE THEM TO FAIL, CAUSING THE ENTIRE VEHICLE TO LOSE POWER AND CONTROL WHILE DRIVING. SUPER UNSAFE. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO ME. FORTUNATELY I WAS ONLY BY ROUTE 1 HERE IN MARYLAND AND NOT ON 95, 495 OR SOMEWHERE LIKE THE BAY BRIDGE. I HAVE PICS TAKEN THAT AFTERNOON AT THE GAS STATION I SWUNG INTO IN JESSUP TO SHOW YOU WHAT HAPPENED. THESE ARE CONSISTENT WITH THIS ISSUE ACROSS THIS TYPE OF ENGINE.*JB *BF CONSUMER REPLACED THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR. *JB
CAR SHIFTED ERRATICALLY AND SHUT DOWN MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE AT SPEEDS UP TO 45 MPH WITH LOSS OF POWER ASSIST FOR BRAKES AND STEERING, THE LAST TIME WHILE ROUNDING A CURVE AND BRAKING FOR A STOP SIGN. WHEN RESTARTED, THE INDICATOR FOR THE SHIFT POSITION WAS COMPLETELY BLANK (REAPPEARED ON A SECOND SHUTDOWN/RESTART. DEALER FINALLY LOCATED A TROUBLE CODE (NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT) WHICH INDICATED A FAILING TRANSMISSION OIL TEMPERATURE/SHIFT POSITION SENSOR LOCATED ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. DEALER REFUSED TO SUBMIT TO HYUNDAI IN SPITE OF THE FACT CAR WAS STILL UNDER DRIVE TRAIN WARRANTY AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS OF SUCH A FAILURE. THIS OBVIOUSLY COVERS UP SUCH FAILURES FROM NHTSA OVERSIGHT. PROBLEM HAS NOT REOCCURRED SINCE SENSOR WAS REPLACED. REPAIR INVOICE FROM THE DEALER IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
WALKING PAST OUR VEHICLE I NOTICED THAT MY LEFT FRONT TIRE HAD A SEPARATION BETWEEN THE SIDE WALL AND THREAD I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ROAD DAMAGE,BUT UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I SEE THE SAME PROBLEM ON TWO OTHER TIRES(MICHELIN ENERGY MVX4+ P235/55 R17). ON VARIOUS WEB SITES I SEE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE TIRES BUT THERE IS NO PRODUCT RECALL AT THIS TIME. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS AS I KNOW I HAVE TO PURCHASE NEW TIRES AFTER ONLY 18,210 MILES. THANK YOU. *TR
IN MY EARLIER COMPLAINT I INADVERTENTLY TRANSPOSED THE TIRE DESCRIPTION WHICH SHOULD BE MICHELIN ENERGY MXV4+ AND NOT MICHELIN MVX4+ ENERGY. REGARDING SIDEWALL/TREAD SEPARATION. THANK YOU. *TR
Read 14 more owner reports
AIR BAG WARNING LIT. DEALER CHECKED AND FOUND NO CAUSE. IN APRIL, 2014 WARNING LIT AGAIN, CHECKED BY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND FOUND NO CAUSE. JANUARY, 2015, WARNING LIGHT AGAIN LIT. HAVE NOT HAD IT CHECKED YET. CALLED MANUFACTURER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. I NEEDED TO GO TO DEALER OR MECHANIC AND PAY AGAIN FOR INSPECTION. I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI AZERA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, SHE CRASHED INTO A DEER AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000. KMJ
See attached document for complaint.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
CAR WAS DRIVEN ON HIGHWAY W/ 1300 MILES ON IT (BRAND NEW LEASE) WITH NO TRAFFIC AROUND VEHICLE WHEN FRONT END COLLISION WARNING ALERT AND ELECTRONIC POWER BRAKE ALERT LIGHTS CAME ON; ONCE ABLE TO GET TO A SAFE STOPPING AREA (PARKING LOT), CAR WAS PUT IN PARK AND OWNERS MANUAL REVIEWED TO SEE WHAT THE WARNING, ALERT LIGHTS & SOUNDS RELATED TO. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PUT INTO GEAR THE GEAR SHIFT WOULD NOT MOVE FROM PARK. CALLED DEALER ~ WAS TOLD TO SHUT OFF CAR AND TRY AGAIN AS "SOMETIMES THIS CAN HAPPEN IF TOO CLOSE TO A CAR OR IF IT IS RAINING" (NEITHER APPLIED) BUT CAR WENT IN TO GEAR THEN DRIVEN TO DESTINATION. TWO HOURS LATER BACK IN CAR GETTING ON ENTRANCE RAMP OF HIGHWAY AND PICK UP TRUCK IN FRONT OF MINE SLAMMED ON BRAKES, I HIT BRAKES & HIT PICK UP TRUCK HITCH. NO WARNING SYSTEM CAME ON, NO ALERTS, NO LIGHTS, NO FRONT END COLLISION WARNING BRAKE SYSTEM TOOK AFFECT AND NOT EVEN SURE IF BRAKES ENGAGED. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER AFTER SERVICE HOURS, BY MORNING THEY SENT CAR TO COLLISION SHOP AND IT HAS SAT THERE FOR 2 MONTHS NOW. CONTACTED HYUNDAI MOTOR CORP TO FILE COMPLAINT AND SEE IF THIS SYSTEM FAILED AS THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR IN MY POSSESSION FOR A MERE MONTH. INSPECTOR WAS SENT TO CHECK SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC CODES ETC AND REPORT FILED TO HYUNDAI; THEY CLAIM THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND MALFUNCTIONS OR DEFECTS THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE ACCIDENT AS I "ALLEGE", YET THERE ARE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES. UPON RECEIVING THIS INFORMATION I ASKED TO SEE THE REPORT AND WAS TOLD NO I CAN'T ~ WHAT IS HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA HIDING? WHY AM I NOT ENTITLED TO SEE THE REPORT OF WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY CAR? HOW DO I KNOW THIS IS NOT PERTAINING TO WHAT LED UP TO A CAR ACCIDENT WHEN EARLIER IN DAY THAT SYSTEM ACTIVATED UNNECESSARILY? THE DEALERSHIP AND ITS SISTER DEALERSHIP WERE TOLD NOT TO ACCEPT CAR FOR SERVICE EVALUATION, REALLY?! WHY AND BY WHO WOULD THEY DENY THIS CAR SERVICE CHECK?!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Research more
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Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
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.