2008 Hyundai Azera
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD Gls/Limited
- Engines
- 3.3L 6-cyl, 3.8L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 192.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,633 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 21 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2008 large car (18.2 MPG).
- Few owner complaints38 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 155 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Hyundai Azera is a large car offered with 2 engines (3.3L 6-cyl and 3.8L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,633 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 26 highway), 15% better than the 2008 large car average of 18.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2008
- Engine added: 3.3L 6-cyl
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Azera →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD Gls/Limited | 192.9 in | 72.8 in | 58.7 in | 109.4 in | 61.8 / 61.4 in | 3,633 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azera | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | +15% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Azera | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | +10% | $3,350 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Hyundai Azera under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Hyundai Azera (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Ford Mustang | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2008 Honda Accord | 25 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2008 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Toyota Camry | 34 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Dodge Charger | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Chevrolet Malibu | 27 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (5)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · Jan 9, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V026000 · 87,854 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2006-2011 Hyundai Azera and 2006 Hyundai Sonata vehicles. Water may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short .
- Risk
- An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the vehicle's main junction box to prevent the risk of an ABS short-circuit while the car is turned off, free of charge. The recall began on February 19, 2018. Owners may call Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 172.
Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust · Aug 31, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V630000 · 9,700 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Azera vehicles manufactured March 7, 2007 through August 14, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the power-adjustable front driver seat may unexpectedly move without the driver's input while the vehicle is being driven.
- Risk
- Unintentional movement of the driver's seat may affect the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power-adjustable seat switch, free of charge. The recall began October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 150.
Suspension › Rear · Aug 12, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V354000 · 364,502 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Sonata vehicles manufactured March 1, 2005, through January 21, 2010; and model year 2006-2011 Azera vehicles manufactured September 27, 2005, through November 22, 2010 originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Road salt and water can enter portions of the rear crossmember, leading to corrosion of the crossmember steel. This may lead to detachment of one of the rear control arms.
- Risk
- Control arm separation may suddenly change the rear wheel alignment, affecting the handling of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair or replace the crossmember assembly. The recall began on October 8, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai Customer Care Center at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall number is 113.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Apr 1, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V113000 · 1,712,336 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
- Risk
- Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
Seat Belts › Front · Jan 8, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V007000 · 80 vehicles
- Problem
- HYUNDAI DE PUERTO RICO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2009 AZERA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 27, 2005, THROUGH OCTOBER 1, 2008. THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT BELT TENSION SENSOR MAY SUSTAIN DAMAGE AFTER REPEATED USE OF THE SEAT BELT. IF THE SEAT BELT TENSION SENSOR WIRING BECOMES DAMAGED THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH NECESSITATING FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.
- Risk
- THE SEAT OCCUPANT IS AT AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY SHOULD THE AIR BAG NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED.
- Fix
- HYUNDAI WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT BELT AND INSTALL A NEW SEAT BELT TENSION SENSOR WIRING HARNESS CLIP, IF NECESSARY, AND REROUTE THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT BELT TENSION SENSOR WIRING AND SECURE THE WIRING WITH A NEW HARNESS CLIP. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 8, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI DE PUERTO RICO 1-787-999-3333.
Not every 2008 Hyundai Azera is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Hyundai Azera buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 13 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Air Bags — 13 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Seats — 9 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 98,913 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Hyundai Azera. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Azera years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Azera | 23 | – | Not rated | 1 | 12 |
| 2016 Azera | 23 | – | Not rated | 1 | 15 |
| 2015 Azera | 23 | – | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2014 Azera | 23 | – | Not rated | 1 | 45 |
| 2013 Azera | 23 | – | Not rated | 2 | 104 |
| 2012 Azera | 23 | – | Not rated | 2 | 67 |
| 2011 Azera | 22 | – | Not rated | 3 | 12 |
| 2010 Azera | 21 | – | Not rated | 3 | 7 |
| 2009 Azera | 21 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 14 |
| 2007 Azera | 20 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 5 | 45 |
| 2006 Azera | 20 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 60 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →