Hyundai Azera Engine Problems

Owners have filed 84 complaints about engine & cooling problems with the Hyundai Azera — 12% of all Azera complaints. The worst model years are 2013 (20), 2006 (13) and 2012 (11). Problems typically start around 76,000 miles. No engine recall has been issued for the Azera.

84complaints
2013worst year
76ktypical miles
0related recalls
2crashes
7fires

Engine complaints by model year

200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017134862711207231
Engine complaints per model year, Hyundai Azera.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
201718%—
2016320%109,000 miles
2015222%—
2014715%20,000 miles
20132018%92,000 miles
20121115%121,000 miles
2011735%42,000 miles
2010225%91,000 miles
2009623%50,000 miles
2008812%81,000 miles
200743%97,000 miles
2006137%81,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Engine
    2
  • Engine › Oil/lubrication
    1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    920%
  • 25k–50k
    716%
  • 50k–75k
    920%
  • 75k–100k
    920%
  • 100k–150k
    1022%
  • 150k+
    12%

What owners report

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Azera. The contact stated that the heating system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to two Goodyear Auto Repair Shops, where it was diagnosed with a head gasket leak. One of the Goodyear facilities replaced the thermostat and the radiator. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, a message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the head gasket was leaking because the head gasket bolts had melted. The dealer sent the vehicle to a machine shop, where the engine was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption, and the contact noticed a burning odor coming from the vehicle and oil leaking underneath the vehicle. …

2016 Azera · 109,000 miles · Nov 2023

Hello, my car was parked at home and as I turned the engine on, I noticed the red light 'oil pressure' on the dashboard. I checked the oil level and it was very low. On the same day I purchases 2 quarts of oil to keep it at a safe level. The next day I checked the dip stick again and much oil was loss. I was very concerned and finally was able to make an appointment to my mechanic shop for inspection which led to an appointment for a fix on 3/6/2025. The problem was a defective OEM oil pressure switch. This warranty of the oil pressure switch is covered by KIA under WTY026 Warranty Extension for 15 years/150000 miles for the same 3.3L GDI engine as my 2016 Hyundai Azera. Since Hyundai is the parent company of Kia I feel Hyundai should honor this warranty by reimburse me for the cost of bill.

2016 Azera · Mar 2025

The contact owns a 2014 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 check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

2014 Azera · 71,000 miles · Dec 2023

While driving, the steering became suddenly loose and nearly took me off the road. I was able to get the vehicle the short distance home, but the steering wheel now feels broken and detached. There was no warning. The passenger airbag light stays on all the time. I have found that both issues and parts are actually covered in other years, but not mine, which I have confirmed with a local dealer. With only 68800 miles, these should both be fully covered manufacturer repair since they are safety-related and there are numerous similar reports. There was no "crash" or "injury" per the questions below, BUT there should have been, and there was not, only because I was able to regain just enough control of the car to avoid a crash. …

2014 Azera · Sep 2021

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Azera. The contact stated that right after the vehicle had an oil change, the contact was driving at 55 MPH when she noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, prior to the oil change, the engine made knocking sounds while driving. The police escorted the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

2013 Azera · 142,000 miles · Oct 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Azera. The contact stated while at a stop light, the vehicle delayed while accelerating, and the contact heard a knocking noise coming from the vehicle. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic test. The dealer stated that the engine was not getting any oil, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage 92,000.

2013 Azera · 92,000 miles · Jan 2023

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.

2012 Azera · 140,000 miles · Mar 2024

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.

2012 Azera · 91,000 miles · Apr 2022

Frequently asked questions

Which Hyundai Azera years have engine problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (20), 2006 (13), 2012 (11), 2008 (8) and 2011 (7) model years. Engine complaints make up 18% of all complaints for the 2013.

Is there a recall for Hyundai Azera engine problems?

No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Hyundai Azera model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.

At what mileage do Hyundai Azera engine problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles; 36% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the engine (2 mentions), followed by the engine › oil/lubrication (1).

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.