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2013 Hyundai Azera

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Azera years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Azera are substantially higher than the model-year median of 26.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

55 reports with mileage · 57 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports6 fire reports3 injury reports

Engine complaints

17 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jan 14, 2025
Engine

Vehicle started having overheating issues around August 2024, took it to mechanics to get it looked at and tried various fixes, concluding in a blown head gasket. When I took my car to a third party mechanic to fix the head gasket they found that the head bolts of the cars engine had been pulled out of the threads and said that …

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Vehicle started having overheating issues around August 2024, took it to mechanics to get it looked at and tried various fixes, concluding in a blown head gasket. When I took my car to a third party mechanic to fix the head gasket they found that the head bolts of the cars engine had been pulled out of the threads and said that it was a manufacturing issue. Head gasket was fixed but the car was having the same issues due to the head bolts being loose. I've taken my vehicle to the nearest Hyundai Dealership and told them about the overheating and head bolts being pulled out of the threading. They ran their diagnosis and then charged $1000 for a thermometer change (which our third party mechanic had also done already) and a coolant flush, which did not fix the issue as the car would still overheating after pick up. After taking my vehicle back to the dealership they said it had a blown head gasket claiming over $14,000 dollars for an engine replacement. They failed to acknowledge the issue of head bolts being pulled of their threads which has become a common issue across their 3.3l v6 GDI Lambda II engines, as is documented by many online. The Hyundai 2017 Santa Fe which also uses the 3.3l v6 GDI Lambda II engine is currently getting an extended warranty for engine replacements for all models from 2013-2017. It's strange that Hyundai is only doing extended warranties/recalls for Santa Fe model cars when they have other vehicles, like my 2013 Hyundai Azera, that use the same 3.3l v6 GDI Lambda II engine that will have similar issues. All vehicles that use the 3.3l v6 GDI Lambda II engine should be getting recalled. Hyundai does not seem to want to take responsibility for their faulty engineering on this engine and lazily claim it to be a "blown head gasket" issue when the head bolts being pulled of the threads causes the vehicle to overheat is what is causing the blown head gasket in the first place. They dismiss it as a blown head gasket and don't look any further.

NHTSA ODI #11635910

Mileage unknown · Nov 23, 2024
Engine

My Engines head bolts have been pulled out of the threads causing the engine to overheat

NHTSA ODI #11627036

Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2024
Engine

[XXX] Bought a used 2013 Hyundai Azera. Since day 1 it has overheating issue. Within the first 2 wks of ownership, we replaced the radiator cap, thermostat, and had engine checked for leaks at Pep Boys. Replacing the water pump was next. On the night of [XXX] we replaced the water pump. Cranked engine and no leakage, so I deci…

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[XXX] Bought a used 2013 Hyundai Azera. Since day 1 it has overheating issue. Within the first 2 wks of ownership, we replaced the radiator cap, thermostat, and had engine checked for leaks at Pep Boys. Replacing the water pump was next. On the night of [XXX] we replaced the water pump. Cranked engine and no leakage, so I decided to take my car home which was 45 minutes away. After driving for 15-20 minutes, the temp gauge was almost topped out, so I slowed down. I was approaching a gas station in a town halfway to home and decided I needed to pull in, but the car suddenly and steadily lost power. I had barely enough power to pull into a space away from door (I just knew it was bad and I didn't want car in the business's way). Car would not crank after being shut off for about 20 minutes. I called my husband and he brought a car hauler trailer to put it on. The vehicle was checked for leaks by PepBoys, but it is going for a reputable mechanic inspection soon as can be scheduled. So I had this car not even 30 days, paid cash for it (which I hope to recover) and mechanic friend of mine tells me it's a blown head gasket. From what I've read, it has the 3.3L Lambda engine causing issues for other model vehicles. Is there a recall? What options for replacement are there? Anyone can inspect the car at any time. It is just taking up a space in the apartment parking lot right now. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11593527

142,000 miles · Nov 8, 2023
EngineService Brakes, Hydraulic

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. …

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11554207

Mileage unknown · Oct 28, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineStructureFireInjury

My car caught on fire while driving.

NHTSA ODI #11552388

Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2023
Engine

I was driving on a highway when my vehicle started to stall. My acceleration had dropped quickly and I couldn't speed up. I put on my hazard lights and was able to drive off the closest exit. Once I got off the exit, my car stalled completely. I had to get it towed to my daughter's house because I am originally from a different …

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I was driving on a highway when my vehicle started to stall. My acceleration had dropped quickly and I couldn't speed up. I put on my hazard lights and was able to drive off the closest exit. Once I got off the exit, my car stalled completely. I had to get it towed to my daughter's house because I am originally from a different city and was out of town. I had a mechanic take a look and it and they stated that he wouldn't be able to fix it because the engine that I had was under a recall. I researched the information on my engine and determined that the GDI engine that I have is the same engine that is on the Hyundai Santa Fe, which is currently under recall.

NHTSA ODI #11534563

Mileage unknown · Jun 12, 2023
Engine

My engine stalled. It is a GDI Lambda engine, which apparently has oil consumption issues.

NHTSA ODI #11526506

92,000 miles · Feb 27, 2023
Engine

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 diagnost…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11509347

Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 2022
Engine

Engine started knocking about 3 to 4 months ago, Car keeps having random times when it won't starr. The lights came on dash nothingto the engine. The dealership has "checked" it a few times but can'tfind anything. The knocking is consistentif you drive it for more than a couple of miles. Car is available for inspection. Also my…

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Engine started knocking about 3 to 4 months ago, Car keeps having random times when it won't starr. The lights came on dash nothingto the engine. The dealership has "checked" it a few times but can'tfind anything. The knocking is consistentif you drive it for more than a couple of miles. Car is available for inspection. Also my MPG has been increasingly getting worse. The gauge says 19 but I'm averaging about 12. I was advised by a mechanic (all work done on my car is at a dealership) that the Hyundai has issues with this model/year car. The Santa Fe and Sonata on the 2013 models have been recalled. It should be noted the Santa Fe and Azera have the same engine.

NHTSA ODI #11493828

Mileage unknown · Sep 30, 2022
Engine

I own at 2013 Hyundai Azera with a Lambda engine. The same engine that’s having all sorts of issues and being recalled for many reasons on Hyundai & Kia’s. It has only 79k miles on it. While driving down the highway at 75 mph the engine began to lose power and it quickly overheated. It was very terrifying as I had cars and a sem…

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I own at 2013 Hyundai Azera with a Lambda engine. The same engine that’s having all sorts of issues and being recalled for many reasons on Hyundai & Kia’s. It has only 79k miles on it. While driving down the highway at 75 mph the engine began to lose power and it quickly overheated. It was very terrifying as I had cars and a semi barreling behind me and my engine was seized up. I was able to throw my hazards on and make it to the shoulder safely. We towed it to my mechanic and he said the 4 rear bolts weren’t torqued/sealed properly and they were stripped and pulled right out of the block. He said this is a Manufacturer defect from when the bolt was installed in the factory. Another factor was Hyundai uses an Aluminum head and Alum block with steel bolts. The temp variant in Alum & steel is totally different so what happens is when they expand & contract at different temps like that they eventually pull out. Also, the threads in the block aren’t deep enough to begin with. I filed a claim with Hyundai and they denied my claim. My case manager Jasmine called and said: 1) “What are you expecting us to do about a car that’s old, it may only have 79k miles on it, but it’s OLD and engines break on old cars” 2) We are the 2nd owners so the 100k powertrain warranty dropped to 60k which sadly we are just over. **It was listed as a Certified Pre-Owned when we purchased it but after calling the dealership they claim it’s not a CPO otherwise we would still be covered under the 100k PT warranty. My mechanic called Hyundai to get a replacement engine and was told they discontinued that engine so when they get them in for that reason they just sell them a junkyard motor. So I have a perfectly great car, in otherwise pristine condition, and I’m unable to find a new motor for it.

NHTSA ODI #11487312

Official recalls

2

23V651000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Sep 22, 2023

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

13V264000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

Jun 25, 2013

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Azera vehicles manufactured May 22, 2012, through November 23, 2012. The occupant detection system may fail to properly differentiate whether the front passenger seat occupant is an adult, a child or a child restraint seat.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the occupant is incorrectly classified, in the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, the airbag may deploy with greater or lesser force than appropriate, resulting in an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the airbag system. The recall beagan on August 13, 2013. Hyundai's recall number is "Campaign 111." Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.