2006 Hyundai Azera

The 2006 Hyundai Azera is a full-size sedan known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and relatively affordable price point. Engine options included a 3.8L Lambda V6 engine producing 263 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. It was only paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. People often appreciate the Azera’s smooth ride, ample features for the price, and quiet cabin. Common dislikes include somewhat bland styling and less engaging driving dynamics compared to some competitors.

Engine

3.8L Lambda V6

• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise on startup, especially when cold. Can eventually lead to engine damage if the timing chain stretches or breaks.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil drips under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level. Often occurs around the valve cover gaskets or the oil pan gasket.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque Converter Shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: Shaking or vibration during light acceleration, particularly at lower speeds.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the torque converter. Performing a transmission fluid flush is also recommended.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rough Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation between gear changes, jerky shifts, or the transmission slipping out of gear.
  • Solution: Could be due to low transmission fluid, faulty solenoids, or internal transmission damage. Requires diagnosis and potential repair or replacement of the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3500+ depending on the cause and repair method
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front or rear suspension, especially when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per pair
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Control Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, wandering on the road, clunking noises from the front suspension.
  • Solution: Replace the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per control arm
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery dying overnight or after a short period of inactivity.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw, which could be a faulty relay, module, or wiring issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the source of the drain
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power window not working, making grinding noises, or moving slowly.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty power window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Rear Quarter Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the lower rear quarter panels, especially around the wheel wells.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the rusted panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on the extent of the rust
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, making unusual noises, or leaking.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor, track, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No air blowing from the vents, weak airflow, or a noisy blower motor.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty blower motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 Hyundai Azera is a comfortable and value-oriented sedan, but like any vehicle of its age, it’s prone to certain issues. Engine issues, such as timing chain problems and oil leaks, can be moderately to severely expensive to repair. Transmission issues, particularly torque converter shudder and rough shifting, also present potential repair costs. Suspension and electrical problems are also fairly common. Rust on the rear quarter panels is another concern that could become costly to address. When considering a 2006 Azera, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended to identify any potential problems and estimate repair costs.