The 2013 Azera with the 3.3L Lambda V6 is a smooth, comfortable sedan undermined by catastrophic engine failures stemming from poor ring seal and bearing wear. When the engine doesn't grenade, it's a solid highway cruiser with typical Korean-car minor annoyances.
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (quart per 1,000 mi or worse), Metallic knocking or rod knock at idle, Check engine light for misfire codes, Metal shavings in oil during changes, Sudden loss of power, seized engine
Fix: Complete engine replacement or rebuild required. Short block replacement runs 18-24 labor hours; full long block swap is 16-20 hours. Machine work adds time if rebuild chosen. Root cause: inadequate ring tension and bearing clearances from factory, accelerated by missed oil changes.
Symptoms: Transmission fluid mixing with coolant (milky pink fluid in overflow), Overheating transmission (harsh shifts, slipping), Coolant loss with no visible leak, Sweet smell from exhaust if cooler leaks into trans
Fix: Replace internal transmission oil cooler, flush entire cooling system AND transmission. If coolant contaminated trans fluid, full transmission rebuild often required (add 12-16 hours). Cooler-only job: 4-6 hours including flushes.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400 (cooler only); $3,200-4,800 (if trans damaged)
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, Vibration at idle in gear, Excessive engine movement visible when revving, Grinding feel through shift lever
Fix: Replace upper transmission mount (most common failure point). Lower mount and engine mounts should be inspected simultaneously. Upper mount replacement: 1.5-2.5 hours. Hydraulic mount design wears quickly with city driving.
Estimated cost: $250-450
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (GDI System)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Long cranking before start, especially when hot, Rough idle and hesitation under load, P0087 code (fuel rail pressure too low), Stalling at stops after highway driving
Fix: Replace camshaft-driven high-pressure fuel pump on back of engine. Requires intake manifold removal for access. 4-5 hours labor. GDI systems are sensitive to fuel quality; use Top Tier gas and replace fuel filter every 30k to extend pump life.
Estimated cost: $900-1,400
Power Steering Pump Whine and Leak
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Whining noise when turning, especially cold starts, Fluid leak from pump or high-pressure line, Heavy steering at low speeds, Groaning when wheel is at full lock
Fix: Replace power steering pump and/or high-pressure hose. Pump replacement: 2-3 hours. Flush system with fresh fluid. Hyundai's early hydraulic pumps had sealing issues; many already replaced under extended warranty.
Estimated cost: $400-700
ABS Module Failure (Recall-Related but Not Always Covered)
Rare · high severity
Typical onset: any mileage
Symptoms: ABS and traction control lights illuminated, No ABS function during panic stops, Codes C2402, C2403 (ABS control module communication), Potential for reduced braking assist
Fix: Replace ABS/ESC control module. 2-3 hours including bleeding brake system. Check for open recall 17V-224 (ABS module software/replacement). If recall not applied, may get goodwill coverage from Hyundai even out of warranty.
Estimated cost: $800-1,500 (if not covered)
Owner tips
Check oil every 1,000 miles religiously—catch consumption early before bearings get damaged; Hyundai extended some engine warranties to 120k/10yr but claims require proof of maintenance
Service transmission every 40,000 miles with genuine Hyundai SP-IV fluid; cooler failure is highly preventable with proper fluid maintenance
Use only Top Tier gasoline and replace fuel filter every 30k miles to protect GDI high-pressure pump
Before buying used, request oil consumption test (500-mile test drive checking dipstick) and verify engine hasn't been replaced under warranty already
Buy only with full service records proving religious oil changes and if you can verify no prior oil consumption issues—the engine is a ticking time bomb otherwise, but a well-maintained example is a comfortable value.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: DIN/H6 group size commonly used in Hyundai luxury sedans
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2012-2017 Hyundai Azera — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Motor Driven Power Steering Control Unit (MDPS)2.5 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.4 hr▸ programming details
📍 Steering column area, mounted on electric power steering motor assembly
🔧 Autel MaxiSys or Hyundai GDS
⚠️ Steering angle sensor calibration mandatory; often replaced as complete assembly with motor
⚠️ Memory positions must be reprogrammed by user; only on Limited trim with memory seats
Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM)0.6 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Rear cargo area, under rear seat or in trunk near fuel tank
⚠️ Present on 2015+ models; earlier models use ECM-controlled relay
Rear View Camera Module (RVC)0.5 hr R&Rno coding
📍 Rear trunk lid, integrated with trunk handle/camera assembly
⚠️ Camera alignment guidelines calibrated through AVN settings; standard on most trims
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · 23V651000
2023-09-22
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: 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE · 13V264000
2013-06-25
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: 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.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
20mpg
Highway
29mpg
Combined
23mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Large Cars
Wiper blades
Second generation (HG). Sedan body style has no rear wiper.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2013 Hyundai Azera 3.3L V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Mechanic · 20+ years.