Hyundai Azera
2nd Generation (U.S.) (2012–2017)
The Azera is a roomy near-luxury sedan with low ownership costs on the right years — and expensive ABS/engine risk on the wrong ones. This hub consolidates reliability, tires, and buying advice.
- Reliability4.0 / 5RepairPal
- Ownership cost$458/yrBelow class avg
- Insurance$$Moderate
- Repair difficultyModerate3/5
- Typical lifespan150k–200k miBest years
Generations
- 2nd Gen (U.S.)2012–2017Current
- 1st Gen (U.S.)2006–2011
At a glance
- Worst years
- 2006–2008, 2012–2013
- Best years
- 2015, 2016, 2017
- Best powertrain
- Late 2nd-gen (2015–2017)
- Avoid powertrain
- 2012–2013 GDI / unrepaired ABS fire years
- Recommended tire
- Michelin CrossClimate 2
- Typical lifespan
- 150,000–200,000 miles
Years to avoid
Skip 2006–2008 (ABS fire recall + high complaint volume) and 2012–2013 (GDI clatter/oil issues). 2015–2017 are the cleanest used bets.
Engines
Which powertrains hold up — and which to walk away from.
- Mixed
3.8L Lambda V6 (1st gen)
2006–2011
Often durable once ABS recall work is done, but cold-start timing-chain noise is common — listen carefully before buying.
- Avoid
3.3L GDI V6 (early 2nd gen)
2012–2013
Cold-start clatter and oil-consumption/stalling complaints peak here. Check oil level and cold idle before any PPI.
- Solid
Late 2nd-gen V6
2015–2017
Lowest complaint years with the most complete feature set — best used Azera window.
Transmissions
- Mixed
6-speed automatic
Most U.S. years
Generally fine on later cars; watch for harsh shifts on higher-mile early examples.
Ownership metrics
- Annual repair cost
- ~$458Below full-size and all-vehicle averages.
- Reliability score
- 4.0 / 5RepairPal; 1st of 12 full-size cars.
- ABS fire risk
- Recall-dependentConfirm 18V-026 / related campaigns closed.
- Engine replacement
- $5,000+Worst GDI failure cases.
- Average lifespan
- 150k–200k+ miOn best years with oil discipline.
- Insurance cost
- Moderate ($$)Full-size sedan rates.
Factory tire sizes
| Size | Years / trims | Best all-season | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 245/45R18 Confirm load/speed rating on the door placard. | Common 2nd-gen OE Many Limited / Tech packages |  All-weather touring pick for Azera daily driving. | Live prices |
| 235/55R17 | Select 1st-gen / base 17-in OE | Michelin Defender 2 Long-wear touring pick when you prioritize tread life. | Live prices |
Recommended tires
Recalls
ABS module fire risk (18V-026 / related)
2006–2011; related 2012–2015 campaigns
Water intrusion / short can start a fire while parked — confirm closed by VIN.
Check recallsRear crossmember corrosion
2006–2011 (salt-belt states)
Road salt can corrode the rear crossmember — inspect undercarriage carefully.
Check recalls
Maintenance
| Interval | Service |
|---|---|
| Every 5,000–7,500 mi | Engine oil and filter Critical on GDI years. |
| Pre-purchase | Confirm ABS fire recall closed Non-negotiable on early cars. |
| Pre-purchase | Cold-start noise + oil level check Especially 2012–2013. |
| As needed | MDPS / steering feel check Full-lock test on 2nd-gen cars. |
Should you buy one?
Buy 2015–2017. Skip 2006–2008 and 2012–2013 unless every recall is closed and a cold-start PPI is clean.