KMHFG4JG8GA5094382016 HYUNDAI AzeraStandard
2016 HYUNDAI Azera was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 15 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
Executive Summary
2016 HYUNDAI Azera
2016 HYUNDAI Azera was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 15 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 1 open recall — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- 1 injury reported across 15 owner complaints
- Complaint rate is accelerating — issues appear to be getting worse, not better
- Manufacturer delayed recall by 3.6 years after first complaints — pattern of slow response to known defects
15 owner complaints filed — top areas: Engine/Powertrain (27%), Safety Systems (20%), Steering (20%). 1 crash reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- HYUNDAI
- Model
- Azera
- Year
- 2016
- Trim / Series
- Standard
- Body Style
- Sedan/Saloon
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 3.3L
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- HYUNDAI MOTOR CO
- Assembly
- ASAN, SOUTH KOREA
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: ASAN, SOUTH KOREA
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
✓ No high-risk recall components found
- ▸1 complaint(s) involved a fire
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones
Owners of the 2016 HYUNDAI Azera report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 2016 HYUNDAI Azera report safety systems issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Owners of the 2016 HYUNDAI Azera report steering issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
1 RECALLNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 1 recall below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 1 recall is ~72%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
HYUNDAI completes recalls at a good rate (88%), averaging about 19 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~19 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
SummaryHyundai 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."Read full details...
~28% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Manufacturer Recall Response Time
Time between first owner complaint and recall issuance
First complaint was filed 3.6 years before the recall was issued — manufacturer was aware of this issue for years before acting.
1 injuries reported across 15 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.
Complaint Intelligence
15 complaints analyzed across 6 system categories
⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse
33% of complaints filed in Aug & Feb — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME15 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
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.
On XXX while my daughter was driving this car on [XXX] outside of [XXX], the car caught fire and within minutes was engulfed in flames. My daughter and her boyfriend only had enough time to pull off the road and get out. The entire vehicle burnt to the ground. My daughter and boyfriend were minutes from burning to death in this car with no advanced warning or notification. The fire seems to have started near the gas filler cap. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine overheating without Engine light or any other safety alerts until Engine finally failed
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.
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!
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.
While driving on the interstate, the panoramic sunroof exploded. Pieces of glass flew off my car. The explosive sound was very loud and startling, but I was able to maintain control of my vehicle. Vehicles behind me were potentially impacted by flying pieces of glass. I took my vehicle directly to the dealer, (Nalley Hyundai) who confirmed the glass shattered. There was no evidence of any foreign object impacting the glass. There were no warnings lights, messages or any other symptoms of an impending issue. Reported to Hyundai USA, Case # 19935493.
The hydraulic hood lifting "hinges" did not hold the hood up. When I raised the hood to fill the window washer container, the hood fell, unhindered, on my left wrist, as I was taking the cap off of the filling tube. 2 seconds later it could have been my head as I would have been over the washer reservoir opening. The hand was very bruised, and the wrist was cut. (really hurt) Went to the dealer & he said this was the first Azera they had heard of with the problem but had seen several Sonatas with this problem. I believe the hydraulic lifters are the same, so perhaps the problem affects both models.
It has happened now over several years. When the temperature is cold, freezing and below, the gear shift lever is locked in the parking position and can not be moved to the R, N or D position. Last time it happened on the date shown below.
Vehicle airbag light came on by itself while driving. Diagnosis shows that the Module needs to be replaced. Currently the vehicle does not have working airbags. it has been diagnosed by dealer but not manufacturer. Car is currently at the dealer service shop.
Trunk will not open from inside or out unless key is used
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.
THE STEERING WOULD ALMOST LOCK UP WHEN TRYING TO MAKE SMALL ADJUSTMENTS. DOESN'T SEEM TO HAPPEN (OR I HAVE NOT NOT NOTICED IT) IN TOWN, BUT DEFINITELY NOTICABLE DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING. I FEEL THIS TO BE A HAZARD IN CASE I NEED TO MAKE A SUDDEN STEERING CHANGE. BROUGHT IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY INDICATED IT WAS AN ALIGNMENT ISSUE, NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. PAID $120 FOR ALIGNMENT AND IT SEEMED TO BE OK FOR A LITTLE BIT. ISSUE IS BACK NOW 11,000 MILES LATER. I FOUND A TSB ON A SIMILAR ISSUE, WHICH I NOTED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY WERE NOT RELATED.
THE STEERING SEEMS TO "LOCK" OR STICK IN POSITION WHILE DRIVING. IT SOMETIME TAKES CONSIDERABLE FORCE TO MAKE THE STEERING TURN,. THE ACTION NEEDED TO "BREAK" THE STEERING FREE CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE. AT HIGHWAY SPEED, ESPECIALLY UNDER SLIPPERY CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THERE IS ALSO NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE TURNING. WE LEASED THE CAN WHEN IT WAS NEW AND PURCHASED IT WHEN THE LEASE WAS EXPIRED, SO I KNOW THE HISTORY OF THIS VEHICLE. THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS OR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE SO FAR. THE VEHICLE HAS 32,000 MILES ON IT NOW. THIS CONDITION HAS GOTTEN WORSE IN THE LAST MONTH. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP YOU COULD GIVE WITH THIS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 HYUNDAI AZERA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A TRAIN. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DAYTONA HYUNDAI (901 N NOVA RD, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32117) AND THEN TRANSFERRED TO AN UNKNOWN BODY SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900.
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 15 total NHTSA complaints filed over 6 years, with the worst year being 2021 (5 complaints).
The amber reliability line averaged 98/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 91/100 in 2017.
The red dashed line marks recall issuance — the first recall came 4 years after owners began filing complaints, a lag that indicates the manufacturer was slow to formally acknowledge these problems.
Red dots on the amber line flag 2017, a year when complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $33,364 (~$556/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2016 HYUNDAI Azera — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
20% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.
- ▸Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for KMHFG4JG8GA509438. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
HYUNDAI has been fined $131M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2022: Failure to promptly recall vehicles with engine fire risk.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | KMHFG4JG8GA509438 |
| Model Year | 2016 |
| Make | HYUNDAI |
| Model | Azera |
| Trim | Standard |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sedan/Saloon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Displacement (L) | 3.3 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | HYUNDAI MOTOR CO |
| Assembly City | ASAN |
| Assembly Country | SOUTH KOREA |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | KMH |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 8 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | G |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | A |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 509438 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 1 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 15 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 8/2/2026, 7:54:22 PM.