Hyundai Azera research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide
The Azera is a quiet, roomy, front-drive large sedan with near-luxury equipment for a mainstream price. The 2012-2017 cars use a 293-hp 3.3L V6 and 6-speed automatic, rated about 20 city / 28 highway mpg, with navigation and leather standard. The 2015 refresh made blind-spot monitoring standard, and 2017 added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Hyundai dropped the Azera after 2017.
Model years covered: 2011–2017. U.S. Azera sales ended after the 2017 model year; there are no 2018 or later U.S. Azeras.
Last updated 2026-10-15.
Strengths
- Quiet comfortable ride
- Spacious cabin and rear seat
- Strong V6
- Generous standard equipment
- Good used value
- Blind spot monitoring standard from 2015
- Apple carplay android auto in 2017
Things to know before you buy
- Recall status should be checked by VIN
- Abs fuse recall on 2012 2015
- Front drive only no AWD
- Fuel economy trails four cylinder midsize sedans
- Steep depreciation helps used buyers
- 2015 is the refresh year
- US azera discontinued after 2017
Generations
Generation 1 (2006–2011)
The first U.S. Azera (sold 2006-2011; only 2011 is in this file). For 2011 it received a 6-speed automatic and stronger V6 engines: a 260-hp 3.3L in the GLS and a 283-hp 3.8L in the Limited.
Buyer takeaway: A 2011 is inexpensive big-sedan transportation; check its several recalls, especially rear crossmember corrosion in salt-belt states.
Generation 2 (2012–2017)
The redesigned 2012-2017 Azera uses a 293-hp direct-injected 3.3L V6 and 6-speed automatic with front-wheel drive. It launched as one well-equipped trim, split into Base and Limited for 2014, was refreshed for 2015 with standard blind-spot monitoring and an 8-inch navigation screen, and added Apple CarPlay/Android Auto for 2017.
Buyer takeaway: For the most features choose a 2015-2017 (the 2016-2017 Limited adds adaptive cruise with stop-and-go); for the lowest price a 2012-2014 is a good value once the ABS-fuse recall is confirmed.
Hyundai Azera by model year
2017 Hyundai Azera
The 2017 Azera is the final U.S. model year. It adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the 8-inch navigation system and keeps the 293-hp 3.3L V6 and 6-speed automatic, rated about 19-20 city / 28 highway mpg, in Base and Limited trims. It is the most modern used Azera. Check the VIN for the inside trunk-release recall.
- Engines: 3.3 liter V6 direct injection 293 hp 255 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Apple carplay and android auto added
- Final US model year for the azera
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim resolution by VIN; Trunk latch recall completion; Driver assistance sensors and warnings; Oil level and oil change records; Cold start engine noise; Check engine light and stored codes; Automatic transmission shift quality; Front suspension bushings and struts; Brakes and rotors; Tires and alignment; Navigation audio and electronics; Sunroof operation and drains if equipped; Maintenance history.
2016 Hyundai Azera
The 2016 Azera is a near carryover; the Limited gains adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and an electronic parking brake with auto hold. Both trims keep the 293-hp 3.3L V6 and 6-speed automatic, rated about 19-20 city / 28 highway mpg. It offers near-luxury comfort at a mainstream price. Check the VIN for the inside trunk-release recall.
- Engines: 3.3 liter V6 direct injection 293 hp 255 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Limited gains adaptive cruise with stop and go
- Electronic parking brake with auto hold on limited
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim resolution by VIN; Trunk latch recall completion; Driver assistance sensors and warnings; Oil level and oil change records; Cold start engine noise; Check engine light and stored codes; Automatic transmission shift quality; Front suspension bushings and struts; Brakes and rotors; Tires and alignment; Navigation audio and electronics; Sunroof operation and drains if equipped; Maintenance history.
2015 Hyundai Azera
The 2015 Azera got a mid-cycle refresh with new front and rear styling and more standard tech: blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and an 8-inch navigation screen on every car. The 293-hp 3.3L V6 and 6-speed automatic continue, rated about 19-20 city / 28 highway mpg. The Limited adds a panoramic roof and more driver aids. Confirm the ABS-fuse recall by VIN.
- Engines: 3.3 liter V6 direct injection 293 hp 255 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Refreshed front and rear styling
- Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert standard
- 8 inch navigation screen standard
- Hands free smart trunk
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim resolution by VIN; Abs module fuse recall completion; Blind spot and parking sensor operation; Oil level and oil change records; Cold start engine noise; Check engine light and stored codes; Automatic transmission shift quality; Front suspension bushings and struts; Brakes and rotors; Tires and alignment; Navigation audio and electronics; Sunroof operation and drains if equipped; Maintenance history.
2014 Hyundai Azera
For 2014 the Azera split into Base and Limited trims, with the Limited adding items like ventilated seats and HID headlights, and Hyundai retuned the steering. The 293-hp 3.3L V6 and 6-speed automatic carry over, rated about 19 city / 28 highway mpg. It is a good-value used large sedan. Check the VIN for the ABS-fuse recall.
- Engines: 3.3 liter V6 direct injection 293 hp 255 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Two trim lineup with new limited
- Revised steering calibration
- Lower starting price
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim resolution by VIN; Abs module fuse recall completion; Oil level and oil change records; Cold start engine noise; Check engine light and stored codes; Automatic transmission shift quality; Front suspension bushings and struts; Brakes and rotors; Tires and alignment; Navigation audio and electronics; Sunroof operation and drains if equipped; Maintenance history.
2013 Hyundai Azera
The 2013 Azera carries over unchanged: a 293-hp 3.3L V6 and 6-speed automatic, rated about 20 city / 29 highway mpg, in one well-equipped trim with leather, navigation, heated seats and a rearview camera. It suits buyers who want a quiet, spacious front-drive sedan with lots of features. Confirm the ABS-fuse and occupant-sensor recalls by VIN.
- Engines: 3.3 liter V6 direct injection 293 hp 255 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Carryover from 2012
- EPA highway rating about 29 mpg
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim resolution by VIN; Abs module fuse recall completion; Passenger occupant detection recall completion; Oil level and oil change records; Cold start engine noise; Check engine light and stored codes; Automatic transmission shift quality; Front suspension bushings and struts; Brakes and rotors; Tires and alignment; Navigation audio and electronics; Sunroof operation and drains if equipped; Maintenance history.
2012 Hyundai Azera
The 2012 Azera was all new, with sleek styling, a richly equipped cabin and a 293-hp direct-injected 3.3L V6 with a 6-speed automatic, rated about 20 city / 28 highway mpg. Navigation, a rearview camera, leather and nine airbags were standard. It drives quietly and offers big-car space for less than a Toyota Avalon. Check the VIN for the 2012-2015 ABS-fuse recall and a passenger airbag-sensor recalibration.
- Engines: 3.3 liter V6 direct injection 293 hp 255 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- All new second generation design
- 293 hp direct injection 3.3 liter V6 replaces two older v6s
- Nine airbags and navigation standard
- Single well equipped trim with technology package
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim resolution by VIN; Abs module fuse recall completion; Passenger occupant detection recall completion; Oil level and oil change records; Cold start engine noise; Check engine light and stored codes; Automatic transmission shift quality; Front suspension bushings and struts; Brakes and rotors; Tires and alignment; Navigation audio and electronics; Sunroof operation and drains if equipped; Maintenance history.
2011 Hyundai Azera
The 2011 Azera is the last of the first-generation car and its best-equipped version: the GLS has a 260-hp 3.3L V6 and the Limited a 283-hp 3.8L V6, both now with a 6-speed automatic, rated about 19-20 city / 27 highway mpg. It is a quiet, roomy, low-cost large sedan. Check the VIN for ABS-module, brake-light switch and (in salt-belt states) rear crossmember corrosion recalls.
- Engines: 3.3 liter V6 260 hp gls; 3.8 liter V6 283 hp limited
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- New 6 speed automatic replaces 5 speed
- More powerful dual cvvt V6 engines
- Final year of the first US azera
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim resolution by VIN; Rear crossmember corrosion recall in salt states; Abs module recall completion; Brake light switch recall completion; Rust and underbody condition; Automatic transmission shift quality; Front suspension bushings and struts; Brakes and rotors; Tires and alignment; Navigation audio and electronics; Sunroof operation and drains if equipped; Maintenance history.
Known issues and what to check
- ABS Module Fuse Recall (Park-Outside Advisory) (2012–2015)
NHTSA recall 23V651 covers certain 2012-2015 Azeras. The ABS module can leak brake fluid internally and short, which can cause an engine-compartment fire while parked or driving. Owners were told to park outside until the dealer installs a replacement ABS fuse, free of charge.
What to do: Confirm by VIN that the ABS-fuse recall has been completed before buying a 2012-2015 Azera. - 2011 Recalls: ABS Module, Brake-Light Switch, Rear Crossmember Corrosion (2011)
Three recalls reach the 2011 Azera: water entering the ABS module that could short and cause a fire even with the car off (18V026, remedy is a relay); a brake-light switch that may fail (13V113); and, for cars built through November 22, 2010 and sold or registered in salt-belt states, rear crossmember corrosion that can let a rear control arm detach (13V354).
What to do: Check all three recalls by VIN and inspect the rear subframe for rust on salt-belt cars. - Passenger Airbag Sensor (2012-2013) and Trunk Latch (2016-2017) Recalls (2012–2017)
Certain 2012-2013 Azeras built May-November 2012 needed the passenger occupant-detection system recalibrated so it correctly tells an adult from a child seat (13V264). Certain 2016-2017 Azeras need a new trunk-latch base because the inside emergency trunk release may not work (21V619).
What to do: Confirm these recalls by VIN on 2012-2013 and 2016-2017 cars. - V6 Engine and Automatic Transmission Maintenance (2011–2017)
The 2012-2017 Azera's 3.3L V6 uses direct injection, which rewards on-time oil changes; neglected engines can develop carbon deposits or rough running. All years use a 6-speed automatic that should shift smoothly. These are maintenance items rather than known defects.
What to do: Favor cars with documented oil changes and a smooth-shifting transmission. - Suspension, Brake and Electronics Wear on a Heavy Sedan (2011–2017)
As a heavy, comfort-tuned sedan often used for highway miles, an older Azera should be checked for worn struts and bushings, warped brake rotors and uneven tire wear, and for working navigation, audio, sunroof and power features.
What to do: Budget for normal wear items and test every feature before buying. - Azera Generation and Model Disambiguation (2011–2017)
The 2011 Azera is the older first-generation car (260-hp 3.3L or 283-hp 3.8L V6); 2012-2017 cars are the redesigned generation with a 293-hp direct-injected 3.3L V6. The Azera is sold as the Grandeur in other markets; the Kia Cadenza is a related but separate model, and the Hyundai Genesis sedan is a different, rear-drive car.
What to do: Confirm year, engine and trim before comparing prices.
Recalls
Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine, transmission, equipment, and VIN. Check the VIN for current open recalls and completed remedies.
Similar vehicles to consider
- Toyota Avalon
- Kia Cadenza
- Nissan Maxima
- Chevrolet Impala
- Ford Taurus
- Buick LaCrosse
- Chrysler 300
- Hyundai Sonata
Questions this guide answers
- What generation is this Hyundai Azera?
- What engine does the Azera have?
- What changed in the 2015 Azera refresh?
- Which Azera years have Apple CarPlay?
- What fuel economy does the Azera get?
- What recalls should I check by VIN on an Azera?
- What should I inspect on a used Azera?
- Is the Azera the same as the Kia Cadenza?
- Why did Hyundai stop selling the Azera?
- What similar vehicles should I consider?