Hyundai Azera: generations, V6 engines, MPG and recalls (2006–2017)

By CarWhere Research · Updated November 5, 2026

The Hyundai Azera was a front-wheel-drive large sedan sold in the US from the 2006 to 2017 model years, over two generations. Early cars used 3.3L or 3.8L V6s; the 2012–2017 car has a 293-hp 3.3L direct-injected V6 and 6-speed automatic. The final 2017 Azera listed at $34,100, or $39,300 as a Limited.

Type: Large sedan, front-wheel drive
Price (MSRP): $34,100–$39,300 (2017 MY) · Final-year MSRPs from Hyundai's 2017 Azera price sheet effective Nov. 1, 2016, excluding $895 freight. Low = Azera, high = Azera Limited.[1]
Powertrains: 3.8L V6, 5-speed (2006–2010), 3.3L V6, 5-speed (2008–2010), 3.3L V6, 6-speed (2011), 3.8L V6, 6-speed (2011), 3.3L GDI V6 (2012–2017) · 234–293 hp
Current generation: First generation, 2006–2011

Hyundai Azera engines, horsepower and mpg

Hyundai announced the 3.3L GLS in March 2007, but EPA first lists the 3.3L Azera for the 2008 model year. EPA rates the 2015–2017 Azera Limited at 19/28/22 mpg, one mpg below the base car's 23 combined. Hyundai's GLS release gives 234 hp but no torque figure.

Hyundai Azera powertrains with Hyundai-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
Version	Engine	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)	Transmission	Drive	EPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
3.8L V6, 5-speed (2006–2010)SE, Limited	3.8L DOHC V6, all-aluminum[2][3][4][5][6]	263	255	5-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC	Front-wheel drive	17/26/202010 MY[6]
3.3L V6, 5-speed (2008–2010)GLS	3.3L DOHC V6[4][7]	234	—	5-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC	Front-wheel drive	18/26/212010 MY[7]
3.3L V6, 6-speed (2011)GLS	3.3L DOHC V6 with dual CVVT[8][9]	260	233	6-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC	Front-wheel drive	20/27/222011 MY[9]
3.8L V6, 6-speed (2011)Limited	3.8L DOHC V6[8][10]	283	262	6-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC	Front-wheel drive	19/27/222011 MY[10]
3.3L GDI V6 (2012–2017)Azera, Limited	3.3L direct-injected DOHC V6 (Lambda II)[11][12][13][14]	293	255	6-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC	Front-wheel drive	20/28/232017 MY[13]

Output is as rated by Hyundai; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

First- vs second-generation Azera

Hyundai's figures for the last year of each generation, with EPA ratings.[8][12][1][9][10][13][14]

First- vs second-generation Azera
	2011 Azera (1st gen)	2017 Azera (2nd gen)
Engines	3.3L V6 260 hp; 3.8L V6 283 hp	3.3L GDI V6, 293 hp
Torque	233 / 262 lb-ft	255 lb-ft
Transmission	6-speed automatic	6-speed automatic
EPA city/hwy/combined	20/27/22 (3.3L); 19/27/22 (3.8L)	20/28/23 (Azera); 19/28/22 (Limited)
Trims	GLS, Limited	Azera, Limited

The second-generation car makes more power from its smaller direct-injected V6 and is rated slightly better on the highway.
For the first generation, 2011 is the only year with the 6-speed automatic.

What to check on a used Azera

The Azera is a comfortable, roomy V6 sedan, and the main used-car questions are which generation you want and whether the recalls are done:

Generation: 2006–2010 cars have a 5-speed automatic; 2011 has a 6-speed with more power; 2012–2017 cars have the 293-hp direct-injected 3.3L and are the most efficient (23 mpg combined).
Rust-belt cars: 13V354 covers rear crossmember corrosion on 2006–2011 Azeras sold or registered in 20 salt-belt states and DC. Look underneath and confirm the repair.
ABS module: 18V026 (2006–2011) and 23V651 (2012–2015) both involve the ABS unit and fire or short-circuit risk. Check both on the VIN.
Airbag sensing: 09V497 (2006–2009) and 13V264 (2012–2013) affect front passenger airbag systems.
[8][11][13][17][18][19][20][21][22]

Hyundai Azera recalls by model year

The NHTSA recall dataset lists these Hyundai campaigns naming the Azera. For 23V651, Hyundai told owners to park outside until the fix is done.

09V497 (2006–2009 Azera; 65,185 vehicles): the wiring for the right-front seat belt tension sensor can be damaged by repeated use, so the airbag may not deploy. Dealers repair it.
09V122 and 13V113 (2007–2011 Azera among other Hyundais): the stop lamp switch may malfunction. Dealers replace the switch.
13V354 (2006–2011 Azera from salt-belt states): road salt can corrode the rear crossmember and loosen a control arm. Dealers repair or replace the crossmember.
16V630 (2007–2008 Azera built March 7 to August 14, 2007): the power driver's seat may move on its own while driving. Dealers replace the seat switch.
18V026 (2006–2011 Azera, plus 2006 Sonata; 87,854 vehicles): water can get into the ABS module and short it. Dealers add a relay in the main junction box.
13V264 (2012–2013 Azera built May 22 to November 23, 2012): the passenger occupant detection system may misclassify the occupant. Dealers recalibrate it.
21V619 (2016–2017 Azera): the trunk latch can be damaged so the inside emergency release fails. Dealers replace the latch base.
23V651 (2012–2015 Azera, among 1,649,478 Hyundais): the ABS module may leak brake fluid internally and short, causing an engine-compartment fire. Dealers replace the ABS fuse.
[17][21][23][24][18][25][19][22][26][20]

What replaced the Azera?

Hyundai dropped the Azera for the 2018 model year. It said the updated 2018 Sonata, along with the Genesis G80 and G90, already covered the buyers who might have chosen an Azera.[27]

Hyundai Azera generations by year

Every US Hyundai Azera generation with model years and engines, newest first
Generation	US model years	Engines	Notes
First generation	2006–2011	3.8L V6, 263 hp / 255 lb-ft; 3.3L V6, 234 hp (from 2008); 2011: 3.3L 260 hp and 3.8L 283 hp with a 6-speed automatic	Launched for 2006 at $24,995 (SE), $27,495 (Limited) and $29,995 (Limited with Ultimate Package), freight included. Hyundai says the 3.8L uses timing chains with no scheduled replacement. The 2011 update added Hyundai's own 6-speed automatic and more power.[2][3][4][8][5][9]
Second generation	2012–2017	3.3L GDI V6, 293 hp / 255 lb-ft; 6-speed automatic	Debuted at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. 2012 pricing started at $32,000, or $36,000 with the Technology Package, excluding $875 freight. Hyundai cut the 2014 starting price by $1,250 to $31,000. A Limited trim appears in EPA listings from 2015.[11][15][16][1][14]

More Azera research

See how an Azera was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Hyundai build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Hyundai build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years was the Hyundai Azera sold in the US?

EPA lists the Azera from the 2006 through 2017 model years. Hyundai said it would not offer the Azera in the US for 2018.

Does the Hyundai Azera have a timing belt or chain?

Hyundai's 2006 launch release says the Azera's 3.8L V6 uses timing chains with no scheduled maintenance, rather than a belt that needs replacing at set intervals.

What MPG does the Hyundai Azera get?

EPA rates the 2017 Azera at 20 mpg city, 28 highway and 23 combined, and the 2017 Limited at 19/28/22. A 2006 3.8L is rated 17/26/20.

How much horsepower does the Azera have?

The 3.8L V6 makes 263 hp (2006–2010) or 283 hp (2011), and the 3.3L makes 234 hp (2008–2010) or 260 hp (2011). The 2012–2017 3.3L direct-injected V6 makes 293 hp, according to Hyundai.

Is the Azera bigger than the Sonata?

Hyundai positioned the 2012 Azera as a large sedan between the midsize Sonata and the Genesis sedan in size, powertrain and features.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Hyundai for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

2017 Pricing: Azera (effective Nov. 1, 2016, PDF) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/29938-465062017AzeraPricingPackaging.pdf)
All-New 2006 Hyundai Azera: Hyundai's Premium Flagship Sedan (Oct. 4, 2005) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/18511-ALL-NEW2006HYUNDAIAZERA%3AHYUNDAI%E2%80%99SPREMIUMFLAGSHIPSEDAN.txt)
Hyundai Announces 2006 Azera Pricing (Nov. 22, 2005) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/14174-HYUNDAIANNOUNCES2006AZERAPRICING.txt)
Hyundai Expands Azera Lineup with New GLS Model Featuring 3.3L V6 (Mar. 15, 2007) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/14230-HYUNDAIEXPANDSAZERALINEUPWITHNEWGLSMODELFEATURING28-MPG3.3LV6ENGINE.txt)
EPA fuel economy: 2006 Hyundai Azera 3.8L V6, 5-speed automatic — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
EPA fuel economy: 2010 Hyundai Azera 3.8L V6, 5-speed automatic — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
EPA fuel economy: 2010 Hyundai Azera 3.3L V6, 5-speed automatic — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
Refreshed 2011 Azera Arrives (Feb. 10, 2010) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/19969-REFRESHED2011AZERAARRIVESBOASTINGIMPROVEDFUELECONOMY%2CMOREHORSEPOWERANDLOWEREMISSIONS.txt)
EPA fuel economy: 2011 Hyundai Azera 3.3L V6, 6-speed automatic — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
EPA fuel economy: 2011 Hyundai Azera 3.8L V6, 6-speed automatic — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
Hyundai Modernizes the Large Sedan with the All-New Azera (2012 Azera) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/21941-HYUNDAIMODERNIZESTHELARGESEDANWITHTHEALL-NEWAZERA.txt)
2017 Azera Specifications (PDF) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/29325-AzeraSpecifications2017.pdf)
EPA fuel economy: 2017 Hyundai Azera 3.3L V6 — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
EPA fuel economy: 2017 Hyundai Azera Limited 3.3L V6 — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
Hyundai Motor America Announces 2012 Azera Pricing (Feb. 14, 2012) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/20956-HYUNDAIMOTORAMERICAANNOUNCES2012AZERAPRICING.txt)
2014 Azera Starting Price Lowered by $1,250 (Dec. 19, 2013) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/22777-2014AZERASTARTINGPRICELOWEREDBY%241%2C250WHILERETAININGCOMPELLINGDESIGN%2CPERFORMANCEANDSAFETYAPPEAL.txt)
NHTSA recalls dataset (6axg-epim): Hyundai campaigns naming the Azera — U.S. DOT / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
Recall 13V354: Azera/Sonata rear crossmember corrosion — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
Recall 18V026: Azera ABS module may short circuit — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
Recall 23V651: ABS unit may cause engine compartment fire — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
Recall 09V497: 2006–2009 Azera seat belt tension sensor wiring — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
Recall 13V264: 2012–2013 Azera occupant detection system — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
Recall 09V122: Stop lamp switch (multiple Hyundai models) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
Recall 13V113: Stop lamp switch may function intermittently — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
Recall 16V630: 2007–2008 Azera driver seat may move — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
Recall 21V619: Trunk emergency release may fail — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
2018 Hyundai Azera: U.S. Market Availability Discontinued — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/25917-MY18HyundaiAzera-U.S.MarketAvailabilityDiscontinued.txt)

More Hyundai tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Hyundai Motor America, Hyundai Motor Company or Hyundai Motor Group. Hyundai and the model names are trademarks of their owners.