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Hyundai · Mid-Size · 2012–2017 Custom Search

Hyundai Azera HG

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

The Azera HG (second US generation) was Hyundai's serious attempt against the Toyota Avalon and Buick LaCrosse — Korean build quality, GDI technology, and a price point $5,000–$8,000 below the competition. It ultimately lost to the market, not to technical failures. Discontinued in the US after 2017.

Test drive: G6DG 3.3 V6 GDI Lambda II 290 hp: powerful V6, but GDI means intake valve carbon deposits. After 60,000–80,000 miles on non-premium fuel this becomes audible — stumbling cold starts, minor power loss. Walnut blasting runs $400–$600 at a specialist shop. Steering: early 2012 models wandered on the highway — resolved via software update (2013 better, 2014 fully fixed). Automatic: robust 6-speed, but fluid changes every 40,000 miles. Very few mechanical complaints overall; small electrical items (sensors, collision warning, trunk latch on 2017 recall) are the main annoyance.

Market 2026: Excellent value full-size option. $5,500–$11,000 for good HG examples. Running costs very low. Parts readily available at Hyundai dealers.

Insider pick: 2014–2017 preferred — steering issue resolved, GDI more mature. Check intake valve condition, budget for walnut blasting.

Generations

Engine Overview

The Hyundai Azera HG is available with one engine variant at 296 hp.

Azera · Petrol· 296 PS
2012 2017

Lambda II V6 with 3.3 litres and gasoline direct injection (GDI) — evolution of Lambda with modern GDI system. Timing chain with Dual-CVVT, smooth and torquey. GDI brings typical downside: intake valve coking from 60,000 km, walnut blasting recommended. Oil consumption may rise from 120,000 km. CVVT actuators rattle from 100,000 km occasionally. High-pressure pump as potential weak point. Moderate maintenance costs for a GDI V6. Refined engine with good power delivery — GDI valve cleaning should not be neglected.

  • !! Rod bearing failure / catastrophic engine failure from 120,000 km

    The 3.3 GDI Lambda II has documented rod bearing failures, linked to machining debris in oil passages and marginal bearing lubrication. Subject of 2024 NHTSA petition and ongoing class actions. Santa Fe 2013-2019 received a 15-year/150,000-mile extended warranty — Azera, Cadenza and Sorento did NOT.

    Symptoms: Metallic knocking/rod knock that grows with rpm, sometimes brief oil pressure warning light before total failure, often sudden engine seizure while driving without warning.
    6,000–13,000 $
    Ad rod bearings 3.3 GDI Lambda IIshort block Lambda II 3.3short block 3.3 Lambda V6
  • !! Head bolts stretch / pull out of block from 140,000 km

    Well-documented Lambda II issue: head bolts stretch or strip threads out of the aluminum block. Often misdiagnosed as a blown head gasket. Cause is believed to be excessive factory torque specification combined with thermal expansion mismatch between steel bolts and aluminum block.

    Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible leak, white exhaust steam, overheating, oil in coolant or vice versa. Often starts with occasional overheating, later bubbles in the coolant reservoir.
    3,500–9,000 $
    Ad head bolts Lambda II 3.3 GDIhead bolt set 3.3 Lambda GDIhead gasket G6DG
  • !! Crankshaft pin surface defect (NHTSA 17V578) from 30,000 km

    NHTSA recall 17V578 for 2017 Santa Fe 3.3 GDI built between Jan 26 and Feb 13, 2017. Surface irregularities on the crank pin caused premature bearing wear. About 420 vehicles affected, engine replaced free of charge if diagnosis confirms.

    Symptoms: Metallic engine knock, reduced power, possible stall. Only a small production batch is affected — a VIN check at a Hyundai dealer is the only way to verify.
    0–0 $
    Ad crankshaft 3.3 GDI Santa FeHyundai Campaign 168crankshaft pin defect recall

+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
●A/C weak cooling / refrigerant loss

A/C cools noticeably weaker than comparable cars after 1-2 years. Topping off refrigerant only helps temporarily. Slow leak, often hard to locate.

Symptoms: A/C blows lukewarm air, has to be set to max to cool, effectiveness drops after one year.
from 80,000 km
Ad A/C compressor Azera HGAC condenser Hyundai Azera
 Medium

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 13 weaknesses have been documented for the Hyundai Azera HG (2012–2017) — 8 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect HVAC, Other, Electronics, Body.

Azera (G6DG, 2012–2017) — Be Careful: Rod bearing failure / catastrophic engine failure, Head bolts stretch / pull out of block, Crankshaft pin surface defect (NHTSA 17V578). Power: 296 PS.

What to watch out for with the Hyundai Azera? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Hyundai Azera HG have? +
The Hyundai Azera HG has 8 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Hyundai Azera HG? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: G6DG (3.3L V6 GDI (Lambda II)). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the G6DG (3.3L V6 GDI (Lambda II)).
Which Hyundai Azera HG engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Hyundai Azera HG — rated: "Decent". {description} The 3.3 GDI Lambda II in the Azera HG makes 296 hp smoothly. Slick automatic, but keep the head-bolt and rod-bearing issues in mind.
Is the Hyundai Azera HG worth buying used? +
The Hyundai Azera HG requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Hyundai Azera HG? +
The Hyundai Azera HG is available with engine variants from 296 to 296 hp. Petrol: G6DG (3.3L V6 GDI (Lambda II)).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee