Problems · NHTSA complaints

2016 Hyundai Azera problems

Owners filed 15 complaints about the 2016 Hyundai Azera with NHTSA between Nov 2017 and Jul 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (3).

Complaints
15
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Air bags3
  2. Steering3
  3. Engine2
  4. Electrical system2
  5. Engine and engine cooling1
  6. Visibility/wiper1
  7. Visibility1
  8. Structure1
  9. Power train1
  10. Vehicle speed control1
  11. Service brakes1
  12. Other / unknown2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20171
20180
20190
20200
20215
20224
20231
20240
20251
20263

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Air bags

3 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 16, 2022Air bagsODI 11479563

Steering

3 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 13, 2021SteeringODI 11428927

Engine

2 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 14, 2026EngineODI 11750314

Electrical system

2 reports
“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!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 27, 2023Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, VisibilityODI 11546841

Engine and engine cooling

1 report
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 17, 2025Engine and engine coolingODI 11699903

Visibility/wiper

1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.