The 2017 Azera with the 3.3L Lambda V6 is generally solid, but suffers from catastrophic engine failures tied to metallic debris contamination from manufacturing and a transmission cooler design flaw that can destroy both the engine and transmission simultaneously.
Symptoms: knocking or ticking from lower engine, metallic rattling at idle, sudden loss of oil pressure, check engine light with low oil pressure codes, engine seizure without warning
Fix: Complete engine replacement or rebuild required. Metal shavings from manufacturing process contaminate oil passages and destroy rod/main bearings. Short block replacement takes 18-24 hours labor. Some cases covered under extended Hyundai settlement, but many fall outside criteria.
Estimated cost: $6,500-9,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Internal Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission slipping or delayed engagement, milky/pink transmission fluid, coolant loss with no external leaks, transmission overheating, rough or erratic shifting
Fix: Internal cooler in radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. Contaminates entire transmission and cooling system. Requires transmission rebuild/replacement, radiator replacement, full coolant and ATF system flush. 12-16 hours labor. If caught early (milky fluid check), can sometimes save trans with aggressive flushing.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking when shifting from park to drive, excessive vibration at idle in gear, visible engine movement when accelerating, harsh engagement into gear
Fix: Hydraulic transmission mount deteriorates, causing driveline vibration and harsh shifting feel. Replacement takes 2-3 hours. Often diagnosed alongside other transmission concerns but is simple wear item.
Estimated cost: $350-550
Fuel System Contamination from In-Tank Filter Degradation
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: rough idle or misfires, loss of power under load, check engine light with fuel trim codes, hard starting when hot, fuel pump whine
Fix: In-tank fuel filter sock deteriorates, sending debris through system. Requires fuel pump module replacement, injector cleaning or replacement, and fuel system flush. 4-6 hours labor. Sometimes misdiagnosed as injector failure alone.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
GDI Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: rough idle when cold, hesitation on acceleration, reduced fuel economy, misfires under load, check engine light with misfire codes
Fix: Direct injection engines have no fuel washing valves. Carbon accumulates on intake valves causing misfires and performance loss. Requires walnut blasting or manual scraping of all six cylinders. 5-7 hours labor. Preventive cleaning recommended every 60k miles.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Trunk Latch Failure (Recall 20V-354)
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: trunk will not latch closed, trunk pops open while driving, warning light for open trunk, latch feels loose or catches intermittently
Fix: Trunk latch striker can disengage. Covered under recall 20V-354 at no cost. Takes 0.5 hours at dealer. Check if recall has been completed before purchase.
Estimated cost: $0
Owner tips
Check oil consumption religiously every 1,000 miles — early warning sign of bearing issues is increased oil use
Inspect transmission fluid color at every oil change; pink or milky fluid means immediate cooler failure
Perform GDI intake valve cleaning every 60,000 miles as preventive maintenance
Verify Hyundai extended engine warranty settlement eligibility and any open recalls before purchase
Use TOP TIER fuel exclusively to minimize fuel system contamination
Consider extended warranty that explicitly covers engine internal failure if buying used
Skip it unless you can verify clean engine history and completed recalls — the catastrophic engine and trans-cooler failures are too expensive to gamble on a used example, even with Hyundai's otherwise solid feature set and comfort.
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: AGM battery recommended for optimal performance; battery located in trunk
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Control Modules — 2017 Hyundai Azera
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.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and 2016-2017 Azera vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Consequence: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 208.
Vehicle Info — 2017 Hyundai Azera
Performance
Horsepower
293hp
Torque
255lb-ft
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
20mpg
Highway
28mpg
Combined
23mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Seating
5seats
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 2017 Hyundai Azera 3.3L V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.