Owners have filed 19 complaints
about the 2016 Hyundai Azera with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 11
Against the median year of the Hyundai Azera. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
26.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
67% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2016 Hyundai Azera
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Steering
315.8%
Median failure at 34,196 miles
Airbags
315.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 900 mi
Engine & Cooling
315.8%
Median failure at 109,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
210.5%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
210.5%
Electrical System
210.5%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
15.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 900 mi
Body & Structure
15.3%
Brakes
15.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 900 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
15.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
350.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
233.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
116.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2017peak 3Jul 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Fuquay Varina, NCFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On XXX while my daughter was driving this car on [XXX] outside of [XXX], the car caught fire and within minutes was engulfed in flames. My daughter and her boyfriend only had enough time to pull off the road and get out. The entire vehicle burnt to the ground. My daughter and boyfriend were minutes from burning to death in this car with no advanced warning or notification. The fire seems to have started near the gas filler cap. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11748334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, IN1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The hydraulic hood lifting "hinges" did not hold the hood up. When I raised the hood to fill the window washer container, the hood fell, unhindered, on my left wrist, as I was taking the cap off of the filling tube. 2 seconds later it could have been my head as I would have been over the washer reservoir opening. The hand was very bruised, and the wrist was cut. (really hurt) Went to the dealer & he said this was the first Azera they had heard of with the problem but had seen several Sonatas with this problem. I believe the hydraulic lifters are the same, so perhaps the problem affects both models.
NHTSA complaint #11463370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 900 milesOrmond Beach, FLCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 HYUNDAI AZERA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A TRAIN. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DAYTONA HYUNDAI (901 N NOVA RD, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32117) AND THEN TRANSFERRED TO AN UNKNOWN BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900.
NHTSA complaint #11046002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 900 milesOrmond Beach, FLCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 HYUNDAI AZERA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A TRAIN. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DAYTONA HYUNDAI (901 N NOVA RD, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32117) AND THEN TRANSFERRED TO AN UNKNOWN BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900.
NHTSA complaint #11046002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 900 milesOrmond Beach, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 HYUNDAI AZERA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A TRAIN. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DAYTONA HYUNDAI (901 N NOVA RD, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32117) AND THEN TRANSFERRED TO AN UNKNOWN BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900.
NHTSA complaint #11046002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Edison, NJ
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11750314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fuquay Varina, NCFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On XXX while my daughter was driving this car on [XXX] outside of [XXX], the car caught fire and within minutes was engulfed in flames. My daughter and her boyfriend only had enough time to pull off the road and get out. The entire vehicle burnt to the ground. My daughter and boyfriend were minutes from burning to death in this car with no advanced warning or notification. The fire seems to have started near the gas filler cap. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11748334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oak Forest, IL
ENGINE
Engine overheating without Engine light or any other safety alerts until Engine finally failed
NHTSA complaint #11730726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesOak Forest, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test, and the vehicle could be eligible for goodwill assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
NHTSA complaint #11699903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pompano Beach, FL
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Moonroof- I opened my moonroof and when I tried to close it, the sunshade would not retract - it is hanging - causing me not to be able to see the back window when looking through my rear view mirror. I brought to a body shop and they said it is a design flaw. Now they want $1,800 to fix it!
NHTSA complaint #11546841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pompano Beach, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Moonroof- I opened my moonroof and when I tried to close it, the sunshade would not retract - it is hanging - causing me not to be able to see the back window when looking through my rear view mirror. I brought to a body shop and they said it is a design flaw. Now they want $1,800 to fix it!
NHTSA complaint #11546841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pompano Beach, FL
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Moonroof- I opened my moonroof and when I tried to close it, the sunshade would not retract - it is hanging - causing me not to be able to see the back window when looking through my rear view mirror. I brought to a body shop and they said it is a design flaw. Now they want $1,800 to fix it!
NHTSA complaint #11546841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Heartland, TX
AIR BAGS
Air Bag light came on while driving. After getting it checked, the technician stated that the air bag module went out and was erased. A new module would need to be ordered and the old one replaced. repair was not done as the cost was expensive and I don't believe that I should pay for something that is a safety equipment issue, This should be under a lifetime warranty. Currently driving the vehicle without working air bags. Has not been reported to the manufacturer. Light first appeared in February of 2022.
NHTSA complaint #11479563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ellenwood, GA
STRUCTURE:BODY
While driving on the interstate, the panoramic sunroof exploded. Pieces of glass flew off my car. The explosive sound was very loud and startling, but I was able to maintain control of my vehicle. Vehicles behind me were potentially impacted by flying pieces of glass. I took my vehicle directly to the dealer, (Nalley Hyundai) who confirmed the glass shattered. There was no evidence of any foreign object impacting the glass. There were no warnings lights, messages or any other symptoms of an impending issue. Reported to Hyundai USA, Case # 19935493.
NHTSA complaint #11470979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, IN1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The hydraulic hood lifting "hinges" did not hold the hood up. When I raised the hood to fill the window washer container, the hood fell, unhindered, on my left wrist, as I was taking the cap off of the filling tube. 2 seconds later it could have been my head as I would have been over the washer reservoir opening. The hand was very bruised, and the wrist was cut. (really hurt) Went to the dealer & he said this was the first Azera they had heard of with the problem but had seen several Sonatas with this problem. I believe the hydraulic lifters are the same, so perhaps the problem affects both models.
NHTSA complaint #11463370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamersville, OH
POWER TRAIN
It has happened now over several years. When the temperature is cold, freezing and below, the gear shift lever is locked in the parking position and can not be moved to the R, N or D position. Last time it happened on the date shown below.
NHTSA complaint #11453107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
AIR BAGS
Vehicle airbag light came on by itself while driving. Diagnosis shows that the Module needs to be replaced. Currently the vehicle does not have working airbags. it has been diagnosed by dealer but not manufacturer. Car is currently at the dealer service shop.
NHTSA complaint #11438110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Longs, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Trunk will not open from inside or out unless key is used
NHTSA complaint #11429890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muscle Shoals, AL
STEERING
I have been driving for 55 years, so I have a pretty good handle on "normal" as it pertains to driving. For the last couple of years I have noticed that the steering on my car "sticks" as I travel on nearly straight roads. It does not seem to pose a safety risk, but is very annoying as it causes the driver to over correct steering when it breaks free of the "sticking". This is not an occasional event, but a continuous, ongoing one. It is not noticeable when making turns. I have never had this problem analyzed due to the dealership costs.
NHTSA complaint #11428927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,393 milesELK River, MN
STEERING
THE STEERING WOULD ALMOST LOCK UP WHEN TRYING TO MAKE SMALL ADJUSTMENTS. DOESN'T SEEM TO HAPPEN (OR I HAVE NOT NOT NOTICED IT) IN TOWN, BUT DEFINITELY NOTICABLE DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING. I FEEL THIS TO BE A HAZARD IN CASE I NEED TO MAKE A SUDDEN STEERING CHANGE. BROUGHT IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY INDICATED IT WAS AN ALIGNMENT ISSUE, NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. PAID $120 FOR ALIGNMENT AND IT SEEMED TO BE OK FOR A LITTLE BIT. ISSUE IS BACK NOW 11,000 MILES LATER. I FOUND A TSB ON A SIMILAR ISSUE, WHICH I NOTED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY WERE NOT RELATED.
NHTSA complaint #11402797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesLiberty, NC
STEERING
THE STEERING SEEMS TO "LOCK" OR STICK IN POSITION WHILE DRIVING. IT SOMETIME TAKES CONSIDERABLE FORCE TO MAKE THE STEERING TURN,. THE ACTION NEEDED TO "BREAK" THE STEERING FREE CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE. AT HIGHWAY SPEED, ESPECIALLY UNDER SLIPPERY CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THERE IS ALSO NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE TURNING. WE LEASED THE CAN WHEN IT WAS NEW AND PURCHASED IT WHEN THE LEASE WAS EXPIRED, SO I KNOW THE HISTORY OF THIS VEHICLE. THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS OR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE SO FAR. THE VEHICLE HAS 32,000 MILES ON IT NOW. THIS CONDITION HAS GOTTEN WORSE IN THE LAST MONTH. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP YOU COULD GIVE WITH THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11395198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 900 milesOrmond Beach, FLCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 HYUNDAI AZERA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A TRAIN. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DAYTONA HYUNDAI (901 N NOVA RD, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32117) AND THEN TRANSFERRED TO AN UNKNOWN BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900.
NHTSA complaint #11046002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 900 milesOrmond Beach, FLCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 HYUNDAI AZERA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A TRAIN. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DAYTONA HYUNDAI (901 N NOVA RD, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32117) AND THEN TRANSFERRED TO AN UNKNOWN BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900.
NHTSA complaint #11046002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 900 milesOrmond Beach, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 HYUNDAI AZERA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A TRAIN. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DAYTONA HYUNDAI (901 N NOVA RD, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32117) AND THEN TRANSFERRED TO AN UNKNOWN BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900.
NHTSA complaint #11046002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.