Hyundai Azera Best and Worst Years (2005–2017)
The Hyundai Azera years to avoid are 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2013, which carry the highest complaint index scores (100, 83, 75, and 92) and multiple recall campaigns. The 2010 and 2017 model years score lowest for complaints and earn the Best verdict.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 13
- 2005–2017
- NHTSA complaints
- 712
- Recall campaigns
- 11
- Crashes reported
- 33
- Fires reported
- 20
- Top problem area
- Airbags
Azera Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Hyundai Azera problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | No verdict | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | — | — |
| 2006 | Avoid | 100 | 188 | 9 | 4 | 5 | Electrical System | 20 | — |
| 2007 | Avoid | 83 | 131 | 5 | 1 | 8 | Structure & Body | 20 | — |
| 2008 | Avoid | 75 | 69 | 5 | 4 | 6 | Structure & Body | 20.5 | — |
| 2009 | Caution | 58 | 26 | 2 | 2 | 5 | Engine | 20.5 | — |
| 2010 | Best | 8 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Airbags | 20.5 | — |
| 2011 | Good | 42 | 20 | 2 | 0 | 3 | Transmission & Powertrain | 22 | — |
| 2012 | Caution | 67 | 74 | 3 | 0 | 2 | Steering | 23 | — |
| 2013 | Avoid | 92 | 112 | 3 | 6 | 2 | Steering | 23 | — |
| 2014 | Caution | 50 | 48 | 0 | 2 | 1 | Brakes | 23 | — |
| 2015 | Caution | 25 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 22.5 | — |
| 2016 | Good | 33 | 15 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Engine | 22.5 | — |
| 2017 | Best | 17 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Steering | 22.5 | — |
Azera years to avoid: what went wrong
2006 Hyundai Azera Index 100 · 188 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2006 Azera has the highest complaint index (100) of any year and leads with 188 complaints and 5 recalls. Electrical System problems dominate at 38% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 43,000, including owners reporting dim or failing headlights. Airbags account for another 30%, with issues occurring at a median 51,653 miles, including small or non-deploying airbags during crashes. NHTSA also recorded 9 crashes, 4 fires, 6 injuries, and 1 death for this year. Recalls cover ABS module water intrusion, a crossmember assembly, and a seat belt tension sensor wiring harness.
2006 electrical system problems →2006 airbags problems →2006 seat belts problems →
2013 Hyundai Azera Index 92 · 112 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2013 Azera has a complaint index of 92, the second-highest of any year, with 112 complaints and 6 fires reported. Steering problems lead at 29% of complaints, occurring at a median 61,000 miles, including reports of control arm failures leading to wheel detachment. Brakes follow at 24%, with a median failure mileage of 91,000. Engine complaints occurred at a lower median mileage of 33,172. Recalls include a park-outside brake campaign and an airbag occupant-detection recalibration.
2013 steering problems →2013 brakes problems →2013 engine problems →
2007 Hyundai Azera Index 83 · 131 complaints · 8 recalls
The 2007 Azera posts a complaint index of 83 and carries 8 recall campaigns, the most of any year for this model. Structure & Body complaints make up 37% of the total, with a median failure mileage of 56,000, including reports of front seats moving unexpectedly. Airbags follow at 34%, occurring at a median 68,400 miles, with owners describing non-deployment in crashes. NHTSA logged 5 crashes and 3 injuries for this year. Recalls address the ABS module, a power-adjustable seat switch, and the crossmember assembly.
2007 structure & body problems →2007 airbags problems →2007 electrical system problems →
2008 Hyundai Azera Index 75 · 69 complaints · 6 recalls
The 2008 Azera has a complaint index of 75 with 69 complaints and 6 recalls. Structure & Body issues lead at 38%, occurring at a median 52,000 miles, including seats shifting forward on their own. Airbags and Brakes each account for 23% of complaints, with brake-related failures reported at a median 80,537 miles. NHTSA recorded 5 crashes, 4 fires, and 5 injuries for this year. The year shares the ABS module, seat switch, and crossmember recalls with 2006 and 2007.
2008 structure & body problems →2008 airbags problems →2008 brakes problems →
Most common Hyundai Azera problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Airbags153 (21%)
- Electrical System144 (20%)
- Brakes128 (18%)
- Engine120 (17%)
- Structure & Body117 (16%)
- Steering105 (15%)
- Seat Belts48 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires48 (7%)
- Other33 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain31 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What year Hyundai Azera should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2013 Azera. These years have the highest complaint index scores (100, 83, 75, and 92) among all 13 model years covered.
- Which Hyundai Azera year is the best?
- The 2010 and 2017 model years carry the Best verdict, with complaint index scores of 8 and 17, the lowest of any Azera year.
- Does the Hyundai Azera have recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns across the 2005-2017 Azera, covering issues such as ABS module water intrusion, seat belt wiring, a crossmember assembly, and a park-outside brake recall on 2011-2015 models.
- What are the most common Hyundai Azera problems?
- Across all years, the top problem areas are Airbags (153 complaints, 21%), Electrical System (144 complaints, 20%), Brakes (128 complaints, 18%), Engine (120 complaints, 17%), Structure & Body (117 complaints, 16%), and Steering (105 complaints, 15%).
- Is the 2013 Hyundai Azera reliable?
- The 2013 Azera has a complaint index of 92, ranking it the second-worst year for the model, with Steering complaints leading at 29% and 6 reported fires.