AI Damage2009 Hyundai Azera: common problems
Owners of the 2009 Hyundai Azera filed 26 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 26
- involving a crash
- 2
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 27% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 23% of all complaints
- 3 Vehicle speed control 19% of all complaints
- 4 Service brakes 12% of all complaints
- 5 Electronic stability control 8% of all complaints
- 6 Equipment 8% of all complaints
- 7 Wheels 8% of all complaints
- 8 Air bags 4% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 7 complaints (27% of all).
- Engine: 6 complaints (23% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Vehicle speed control: 5 complaints (19% of all).
- Service brakes: 3 complaints (12% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Electronic stability control: 2 complaints (8% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 3.3 L · petrol · 6 cylnamed in 1 complaints
- 3.8 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 5-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 26 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Unfortunately there is nothing left of the car to prove that the brakes failed. Only the trunk remains.
They replaced the engine and from there The check engine light stayed on the Diagnostics check stated the O2 sensor needed attention repaired that light went off for a week after a week the check engine light returned had it checked again and the O2 sensor showed up again so I had someone else change them again light…
Defective engine cover gasket leaked oil on alternator and destroyed it. Same condition as recent hyundai vera cruz recall. I believe engines are the same but azera not included in recall
The contact stated that the engine failed to start up, the contact had to use a cable jumper to start the engine up. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic for inspection and the mechanic advised that the radiator was fractured, the engine exhibited oil leak, and the serpentine belt had separated.
Extreme fire hazard warning - hyundai - insufficient wiring insulation. 2009 azera stalled and died going 45 mph during light rain 12/9/19. Tow truck driver tested battery and found low alternator output. Replaced alternator and valve cover gasket where oil was leaking onto alternator.
We were told by the fire department that the engine smoldered for hours and broke through the fire barrier into the car and ignited the inside.
On highway heading to hutchinson river parkway from throgs neck bridge in the bronx and the engine stopped responding to the pressure on the pedal. We were in heavy truck and car traffic but were able ,by luck to get into a stripped area to stop.
Tire pressure monitoring system, there are frequently error codes reappearing with related relation to this vital safety feature. While the car is still under warranty the dealership has attempted to repair the issue several times, and yet the era code still reappear.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 7,316 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 20% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Azera has 59 complaints (12 years in the data). This year has 26, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Vehicle speed control. Accelerator pedal, cruise control, throttle codes.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Hyundai Azera?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, engine, vehicle speed control. Total complaints: 26. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (12%), warning lights, check engine (12%), brake failure (8%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2009 Hyundai Azera?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2009 Hyundai Azera from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2009 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.