2008 Hyundai Sonata

Above average

Owners filed 425 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 5 times.

Avoid One of the Hyundai Sonata years to avoid: 2.1× the complaints of a typical Sonata year. Which Hyundai Sonata years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
62,000 milesMedian miles at failure

343 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2008 Hyundai Sonata problems

130 of the 425 complaints (31%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags112
908
Visibility61
000
Engine36
040
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes30
000
Visibility/Wiper · wipers27
001
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control22
000
Electrical System18
131
Service Brakes · brakes17
000
Unknown or Other15
131
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags13
101

2008 Hyundai Sonata airbags problems

31% of all complaints

130 of the 425 complaints are about the airbags. This is what owners describe:

  • shows an airbag warning light65% · 85
  • sets off warning lights on the dash35% · 46
  • did not deploy its airbags in a crash7% · 9

Share of the 130 airbags complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
70,443 mi
median of 91 reports
Peak year of filing
2008
15 airbags complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
10 · 0 · 9
in these complaints
Recalls on the airbags
“The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V161000 (Air Bags); however, the dealer informed the contact that he had to pay for a diagnostic test prior to the recall repair. The contact declined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 27, 2024 at 181,000 miles
“The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the passenger's side occupancy sensor and occupant classification system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist.”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 1, 2024

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2007: 4 complaints, 4 about the airbags'072008: 17 complaints, 15 about the airbags2009: 25 complaints, 8 about the airbags'092010: 53 complaints, 6 about the airbags2011: 37 complaints, 8 about the airbags'112012: 39 complaints, 9 about the airbags2013: 45 complaints, 9 about the airbags'132014: 50 complaints, 11 about the airbags2015: 28 complaints, 8 about the airbags'152016: 32 complaints, 10 about the airbags2017: 26 complaints, 7 about the airbags'172018: 20 complaints, 12 about the airbags2019: 20 complaints, 9 about the airbags'192020: 12 complaints, 8 about the airbags2021: 3 complaints, 1 about the airbags'212022: 6 complaints, 2 about the airbags2023: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbags'232024: 4 complaints, 2 about the airbags2025: 2 complaints, 0 about the airbags'252026: 1 complaints, 1 about the airbagsRecall 08E021000 (headlights)Recall 08V161000 (airbags)Recall 09E012000 (headlights)Recall 13V113000 (headlights)Recall 13V354000 (suspension)NHTSA investigation DP22003NHTSA investigation DP21003NHTSA investigation PE14023
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2008 Sonata peaked in 2010, with 53 filed that year. Owners had filed 6 complaints about the airbags before the first recall that covers it, 08V161000 in April 2008; 124 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension › Rear13V354000
Filed Aug 12, 2013364,502 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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 › Switch13V113000
Filed Apr 1, 20131,712,336 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Air Bags08V161000
Filed Apr 10, 2008393,308 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 393,308 MY 2006-2008 SONATA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ADVANCED AIR BAG SYSTEM WHICH FEATURES AN OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT. THE PURPOSE OF THE OCS IS TO DISABLE THE RIGHT PASSENGER SEAT FRONT AIR BAG WHEN IT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM OR SMALL CHILD IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT. THE RIGHT FRONT AIR BAG IS DISABLED TO PREVENT INJURIES TO A CHILD THAT MAY RESULT FROM A RIGHT FRONT AIR BAG INFLATION DURING A CRASH.

Risk. MISCLASSIFICATION OF A SMALL STATURE ADULT AS A CHILD IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MAY CAUSE THE RIGHT FRONT AIR BAG TO NOT INFLATE IN AN ACCIDENT THAT MERITS AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND MAY RESULT IN INJURY TO THE RIGHT FRONT OCCUPANT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL VERIFY THAT THE OCS DOES NOT PROPERLY RECOGNIZE A PROPERLY SEATED ADULT OCCUPANT. AFTER VERIFICATION, DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY AND SHIP IT TO AN EVALUATION AND REPAIR FACILITY. THIS FACILITY WILL EVALUATE AND REPAIR OR REPROGRAM THE SEAT CUSHION AND OCS AS NECESSARY. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 26, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights08E021000
Filed Mar 7, 20084,085 vehiclesHyundai Motor Company

Defect. HYUNDAI-KIA IS RECALLING 4,085 REPLACEMENT HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD FOR USE ON 2006-2008 SONATA AND AZERA VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ALIGNED PROPERLY AND FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. IMPROPER AIMING OF THE HEADLAMP MAY RESULT IN POOR VISIBILITY POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. HYUNDAI-KIA DEALERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AND INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR SUPPLY TO HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA. NONE OF THE HEADLAMPS WERE SOLD AS RETAIL. AS A RESULT, AN OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER WILL NOT BE ISSUED.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 4 name the 2008 Sonata.

Loss of Motive PowerDefect petition DP22003Closed
Opened Sep 12, 2022Closed Dec 12, 2023engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional …

Throttle control system vulnerabilitiesDefect petition DP21003Closed
Opened Nov 12, 2021Closed Jun 20, 2023throttle and acceleration

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can …

Seat Belt Buckle Electrical MalfunctionPreliminary evaluation PE14023Closed
Opened Jul 22, 2014Closed Dec 1, 2014airbags

On July 22, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation to further analyze allegations of seat belt pretensioner malfunctions on model year (MY) 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata vehicles.ODI received 131 unique reports alleging a failure within the seat belt pretensioner system, which was typically preceded by SRS light illumination.ODI requested more information from Hyundai in order to understand the nature of the failure and how the airbag deployment algorithm, the seat belt pretensioners, and/or the airbag function may be affected. In response to ODI?s …

Rear Control Arm FailurePreliminary evaluation PE13007Closed
Opened Mar 25, 2013Closed Aug 20, 2013Led to recall 13V354000suspension

In a letter dated August 9, 2013, Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center, Inc. (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that Hyundaiis conducting a safety recall (13V-354) involving approximately 239,000 vehicles involving model year (MY) 2006 through 2010 Hyundai Sonata vehicles (approximately 215,000)produced beginning on March 1, 2005 through January 21, 2010 and model year (MY) 2006 through 2011 Hyundai Azera vehicles (approximately 24,000) produced beginning on September 27, 2005 through November 22, 2010 that are registered in and operated or originally sold in the following 20 salt belt states and the …

Technical service bulletins

56 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2008 Sonata. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 12transmission 8equipment 8electrical system 4airbags 3brakes 3equipment adaptive/mobility 3backup camera 2
DTN DCSOtherApr 10, 2026airbags

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These …

DTN DLOtherApr 10, 2026airbags

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles …

08-01-006Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 1, 2008airbags

OCCUPATION CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" INDICATOR LIGHT MAY NOT TURN OFF WHEN SMALL STATURE ADULTS ARE SEATED IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. REPROGRAMMING - CAMPAIGN 083. *PE

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Mar 21, 2026FL

Car has a B1448 (ACTIVE) Passenger Occupant Detecting System (PODS) Circuit Fault Related to the passenger detecting pad in the front passenger seat problems started at 120,000 miles

Steering
Filed Nov 6, 2025IL

I find replacing the light bulbs for head lights and brake lights and flood lights more often than any other cars I have owned. The steering wheel makes a noise when turning left. And a noise is getting louder not sure what it’s related to.

Power Train
Filed Apr 25, 2025VA

Bought in 2023 @ 98k miles. Have had trouble with 1.it would only start in drive, then that seems to have self corrected. 2. In drive, car would not accelerate properly, and would slow as though I was braking, but no foot on brake. Had rear brake sensor replaced, seemed better for a while. 3. Developed oil leak at 120 miles which valvoline characterized as "not serious...just keep checking it and topping it off." So, have been doing that. Today after oil change, it began running rough, lots of vibration, then the shifting problem, sluggishness, and new..smoke from under hood on driver's side. No check engine lights at all. Nothing registered as hot or overheating. Turned off car, checked oil and trans fluid, both in proper range for warm engine. Let car sit and cool for an hour. Decided I had parked too close to the propane tanks for a smoking car, so I decided to start car just to back it into a space across the lot. Car had no issues- No smoke, no jerking or vibration, no sluggishness, no phantom braking. This car has done this same thing about once every 6 months since I've had it. Changed a tire sensor, that seemed to fix it once. Stopped using cruise control altogether, that seemed to help once. My brother is an ASE certified high school auto mechanics teacher who ran his own shop for 20 years and worked on trucks for VDOT for another 7 years and he cannot diagnose it. I know it has something to do with not being in the correct gear, but it's not reliable, and I have a h

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 23, 2024NY

On November 4, 2024 while coming to a stop in traffic, the brake pedal went to the floor without any warning. Just prior to using the brakes, there was no feeling of softness in the pedal, and no indication a low pedal situation, and there was no indicator of pending brake failure. The brake light indicator only lit when the brake pedal went to the floor. I was fortunate that I did not rear end the vehicle ahead, or more seriously had there been a jay walker, because i quickly pumped the brake pedal with what little braking I had while shifting the automatic transmission to second gear. I was able to slowly drive ten miles home in second gear while using the hand brakes. eom

Air Bags
Filed Aug 27, 2024181,000 milesKY

The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V161000 (Air Bags); however, the dealer informed the contact that he had to pay for a diagnostic test prior to the recall repair. The contact declined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 181,000.

Steering
Filed Jul 29, 2024142,000 milesNH

The contact's grandson owns a 2008 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds and driving over a bump in the roadway, the rear end of the vehicle started fishtailing from left to right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the tie rod and control arms needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger
Filed Feb 1, 2024CA

The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the passenger's side occupancy sensor and occupant classification system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was unknown.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 27, 2023FL

The car was parked and turned off, not being driven and ignited on its own. The entire front end of the vehicle was on fire, according to the fire department it was some type of electrical short that started the fire. Vehicle was totaled out as it was a complete loss.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 13, 2022VA

Took vehicle to independent Hyundai factory trained technician due to air bag light. Was advised this is due to failure of Occupant Classification System sensor in front passenger seat. This is related to NHTSA Campaign 08V161000, but technician advised my VIN was not listed under this recall. Technician advised me to contact Hyundai due to the recall and inquire if my vehicle could be covered, since leaving unaddressed could cause injury or death during collision. Manufacturer is aware of issue due to previous recall cited above. Spoke with Hyundai customer service phone line on 12/13/2022 and informed of issue, asking if the recall would cover my vehicle even though my VIN was not indicated in the previous recall. Customer service advised this could not be done. Asked customer service to file complaint about known safety issue and was given case #20713402. Customer service advised I could pay for repairs out of pocket and receive refund if recall was later issued. Action requested: expand recall 08V161000 to include additional 2008 Hyundai Sonatas exhibiting same manufacturer defect which is a risk to public safety.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 10, 2022CA

AIR BAG light is on, with defect in Occupant Classification System (passenger weight sensor), with OCS system lights flashing erratically with no passenger in seat. Hyundai dealer and corporation keep telling me that there is no relevant campaign related to my vehicle. There is information for "Campaign 083 – 2006 – 2008 Sonata – Occupant Classification System (OCS) Reprogramming" online. Internally labeled as 08-01-006 Body Electrical issue. Campaign clearly states that problem is to be fixed on individual customer basis, meaning it wouldn't show up as a official recall. Hyundai currently refuses to take responsibility.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 27, 2022IA

Passenger side sun visor suddenly rotated down and will not stay up. This blocks drivers view. A few weeks prior to total failure, the visor would not stay completely up but was only about 10 degrees down. There is a plastic tube with a metal tube inside which the visor pivots on. The plastic tube is broken allowing it to hang straight down. If/when the same breakage occurs on the drivers side it could cause an accident due to blocking vision.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 25, 2022NY

Just about 2 months ago i exit my vehicle after parking up. As i exit i smelled a burning smell and heard sparks so i stepped away from vehicle asap and then the horn start honking and lights flashing on own. Then the car started up by itself and started to run without me in car and keys in my hand. Police came from noise distubing and took the battery off to stop. After that i couldnt start car so had towed in shop for 5 weeks. Hot out of shop and can start now but now my a.c. and windows doesnt work because mechanic said that something keep blowing those fuses out and if he puts yhem back in then the car will go back to not starting. I am guessing this is part of the recall.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 10, 2022AZ

Manufacturer has REFUSED to return My calls. Dragged me down there for an appointment, made me wait. Just to tell me they didn't order the specific part even though I made the appointment months in advanced.... and to call back in a week. That was September (6 months ago). I called, multiple times. Either I get no answer, voice mail, hung up on, laughed at OR told that they will urgently call me right back. All to no call back . I've reached out on social media, email, called managers, no one has followed up, Horne Hyundai AZ is a joke! And so is the surrounding certified dealers. No one has reached out and I've tried all outlets to dealers (somewhat) near me. No one finds this serious so if I get injured on the campus much longer and i will regret it.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 15, 2022IL

Hello, I recently purchased a 2008 Hyundai Sonata in Germany and entered the VIN on your website. I noticed that there is an outstanding recall, Manufacturer Recall Number 110 and NHTSA Recall Number 13V113000. I contacted the local dealership in Frankfurt and they informed me that I needed to coordinate with Hyundai North America because my vehicle had U.S. specifications. I contacted [email protected] in July 2021 and provided all of the information/documentation requested. Hyundai assigned a Consumer Affairs Case number: 18365036 and assured me that they would send the part to the dealership in Frankfurt ad that they would notify me once the part arrived so that they could take care of the recall. I never heard back or received any further updates. In December 2021, while I was in the U.S., I called Hyundai and requested to speak to someone at their Executive Office that handled complaints. I spoke with "Momo" who informed me that my case had been closed. I provided my contact information, including email, and asked that she look at the numerous email strings related to my case, including one that confirmed that the issue would be resolved. "Momo" assured me that she would escalate the matter and that someone would contact me to resolve the issue. I have not heard from Hyundai since my conversation with "Momo" and have sent a couple of emails requesting an update but haven't received a response. I would respectfully request that a formal investigation be initiated

Unknown or OtherCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 29, 2021TX

I put the car in reverse while parked in a parking lot, when I put the car in reverse, the car took off at a high rate of speed striking one vehicle and continued at a high speed in reverse about 20 or 30 feet also hitting a return cart station, knocking it over and the car still proceeded to crash into a large parked pickup truck causing significant damage to the truck and also my vehicle. The brakes would not stop the car. The car finally stopped after the hard impact with the truck. My car has been deemed a total by my insurance.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Oct 11, 2021OR

The driver side sun visor on my 2008 hyundai sonata is defective. The visor will not stay up and hangs down obstructing the drivers vision. This is a serious safety issue! This seems to be an issue on many 2008 hyundai sonatas The only recall is for 2006-2007. Yet this dangerous issue is happening on other years. Please resolve this

Air Bags
Filed May 18, 2021MD

"AIR BAG" light stays on. Passenger side seatbelt light blinks on and off. Likely a Sensor issue, but seems to be a recurring problem with 2008 Sonatas.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 14, 2020150,000 milesCA

THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE HAS CAME OFF AND SO HAS THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE HAS CAME OFF AND THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR IS TOTALLY INOPERABLE. THIS S A TOTAL SAFETY HAZARD IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, A CAR CRASH GOD FORBID OR EVEN THE CAR CATCHING FIRE. GETTING TO SAFETY WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT. I CANT AFFORD TO CONTINUING FIXING AN ISSUE THAT IS DEFECTED TO BEGIN WITH. THE BRAKE LIGHTS DOESN'T ILLUMINATE ALL TIME WHEN ENGAGED AND MY AIR BAG LIGHTS ARE ON AND MY CAR SWAYS IN THE BACK DUE TO THE CONTROL ARM BEING RUSTED

Air Bags
Filed Nov 30, 202082,900 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT INITIALLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HER OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V161000 (AIR BAGS) WHICH HE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GURNEE HYUNDAI (6251 GRAND AVE, GURNEE, IL 60031) WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM MAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,900.

Engine
Filed Sep 7, 2020116,000 milesMD

MY ERVIN CEASED UP ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH. IT THRU AN ENGIN ROD.THE ENGIN OIL MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE ANYTHING. NOW AFTER JUST BUYING THIS CAR USED, THERE ARE NO ENGINES AVAILABLE FOR REPLACEMENT. TOO MANY HAVE BLOWN UP. AND HYUNDAI SAYS THEY ARE NOT BEING RECALLED. SAME ENGIN AS THE FAILURES WITH THE FATALITIES.I AM STUCK.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 4, 202076,000 milesMD

WHILE PASSING A VEHICLE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH IN A 50MPH ZONE, MY 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA EXPERIENCED 'SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION' APPROACHING A SPEED OF 65-70 MPH. EVEN AFTER APPLYING FIRM CONTINUOUS PRESSURE ON BRAKE PEDAL WAS UNABLE TO SLOW VEHICLE DOWN. WHILE CONTINUING TO APPLY PRESSURE TO BRAKE PEDAL, I SHIFTED AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND WAS ABLE TO GRADUALLY COAST ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. WHEN VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AT A VERY HIGH RPM AND SOUNDED AS IF IT WERE A JET AIRPLANE TAKING OFF. TURNED IGNITION OFF AND LET CAR SIT FOR 1-2 MINUTES WHILE I CONTEMPLATED 'NOW WHAT?' WAS UNABLE TO PUT CAR IN PARK, SO STARTED CAR IN NEUTRAL. WAS ABLE TO MOVE GEAR SHIFT TO DRIVE AND CAREFULLY DROVE CAR HOME. CALLED HYUNDAI CORPORATE OFFICE NEXT MORNING (MONDAY AUGUST 31, 2020) TO REPORT MY FRIGHTENING AND VERY DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE. THEN CALLED MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER TO REPORT AND REQUEST THEY COME AND PICK THE VEHICLE UP AS I DID NOT FEEL IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 24, 2020100,000 milesVA

THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR MAT IS MALFUNCTIONED. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THE ITEM AND IT'S EVERYWHERE ONLINE BUT YET MY CAR WASN'T IN THE RECALL BUT IT'S THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. I HAVE CONTACTED COMPANY THEY WON'T SAY WHY ONLY SOME CARS WERE IN THE RECALL BUT YET MINE WASN'T EVEN THOUGH IT'S SAME PROBLEM.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jun 28, 202011,000 milesNY

THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY CAR ARE ANGLED TOO LOW WHILE USING LOW-BEAMS AND THE VISIBILITY AT NIGHT IS BAD. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR THE ENTIRE TIME I HAVE HAD THIS CAR AND I AM NOW AWARE THAT I CAN FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST IT. HIGH-BEAMS SEEM TO FUNCTION OK.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 28, 202095,000 milesNY

THE AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE 'PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF' LIGHT WAS NO LONGER ILLUMINATED WHEN THERE IS NO ONE SITTING IN THE SEAT. ERROR CODE B1448 WAS FOUND TO BE THE ERROR, WHICH IS A FAULTY PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AND THIS MAY BE AN ISSUE BECAUSE THE AIRBAG WILL ALWAYS DEPLOY REGARDLESS OF WHO IS SITTING THERE. THIS HAPPENED WHILE STATIONARY UPON TURNING THE CAR ON ONE DAY.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 28, 2020TN

RED AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON. PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT ALWAYS OFF, EVEN IF SEAT IS EMPTY. RED PASSENGER SEATBELT LIGHT ALWAYS FLASHING UNTIL SEAT BELT IS LATCHED, EVEN IF THERE IS NO ONE SITTING IN SEAT. THIS IS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. RECEIVED B1448 ERROR CODE. DEALER SAYS VIN ISN'T IN THE RECALL. I HAVE CALLED 2 LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERS AND HYUNDAI CORPORATE. SAME ANSWER.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 24, 202095,638 milesMD

AIR BAG LIGHT HAS COME ON AND HASN'T GONE OFF...MECHANIC SAY IT MAY BE A SENOR BUT WHEN I LOOKED UP THE VIN TO CHECK OPEN RECALLS NOTHING POPS UP BUT FROM FURTHER READING THIS IS A MAIN ISSUE WITH THESE VECHILES

Engine
Filed Mar 18, 2020236,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WITH THE LOW OIL LEVEL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NEITHER A DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 236,000.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 22, 2020177,000 milesKY

AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND HAS NOT TURNED OFF.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 11, 202061,500 milesIL

THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT SIGN IS OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 11, 2019VA

MY CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP AT PEARSON HYUNDAI, MIDLOTHIAN TPK RICHMOND VA SINCE NOV 21 2019 FOR AIR BAG RECALL REPAIR. THAT IS 3 WEEKS. THE DID NOT PROVIDE ME WITH A LOANER. I HAVE SPENT $700 ON A RENTAL AND HAD TO TURN IT BACK IN. EVERY TIME I CALL THEM, I GET THE RUN AROUND. I CAN'T GO TO WORK NOW. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER AND NOW I ONLY HAVE ONE PRESENT FOR MY DAUGHTER. IS THIS A TYPE OF COMPLAINT THAT CAN BE FILED WITH YOUR ORGANIZATION?

Air Bags
Filed Nov 24, 2019LA

MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON IN MY CAR ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO I DIDN'T PAY IT ANY MIND AT FIRST UNTIL I REALIZE THAT IT IS A SAFETY ISSUES WHEN DRIVING AND AN ACCIDENT OCCURS. NOT SURE WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH IT BUT IT NEEDS TO BE FIX

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 28, 201973,000 milesFL

FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR HANDLE AND FRONT PASSENGER'S DOOR HANDLE HAVE FALLEN OFF. TO GET INTO CAR TO DRIVE ANYWHERE I MUST CLIMB THROUGH CAR FROM BACK SEAT. RECALLS DO EXIST FOR LATER YEARS OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 26, 2019132,000 milesNM

THE PASSENGER BUCKLE WAS REPLACED IN APRIL 2017 AFTER AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. OCTOBER 2019 WENT TO DEALER TO HAVE AIRBAG LIGHT CHECKED AND THEY AGAIN SAY THE PASSENGER BUCKLE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THEY SAY IT IS NOT COVERED BY HYUNDAI 15 YEAR WARRANTY ON SEAT BELT BUCKLE ISSUES. CODE IS B1518. THEY SAY IT HAS TO FLASH A DIFFERENT CODE FOR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. PAID $406 IN 2017 FOR THE REPAIR AND WILL NEED TO PAY $480 TO HAVE IT REPLACED AGAIN. I RARELY USE THE PASSENGER SEATING BECAUSE I USUALLY DRIVE ALONE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 20, 2019120,000 milesMN

FUEL LINE LEAKING UNDER DRIVERS SIDE, PASSENGER SEAT. THERE IS A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF FUEL LEAKING. WHY WOULDNT THE MANUFACTURER MAKE THE LINES FROM A MATERIAL THAT CANNOT CORRODE OR RUST.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 9, 2019145,000 milesTX

I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT DUE TO A FAULTY OCS SENSOR ON MY 2008 SONATA (ERROR CODE B1448). THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE HYUNDAI INITIATED CAMPAIGN 083 TO ADDRESS. IN THIS CASE THE DEALERSHIP HUFFINES HYUNDAI DID FIX THE PROBLEM BY SENDING THE WHOLE SEAT OUT TO HAVE THE SENSOR REPROGRAMED. HOWEVER THIS SAME SENSOR FAILED AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED THAT THEY CAN'T REPROGRAM THE SENSOR AGAIN AND OFFERED TO FIX IT AGAIN AT MY COST (EXTREMELY HIGH COST). THEY ARE CLAIMING THAT UNDER CAMPAIGN 083 THEIR RESPONSIBILITY IS TO ONLY REPAIR/REPROGRAMMING THE OCS SENSOR ONCE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THIS OCS SENSOR FAILED AND THE COMPLETE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS COMPROMISED AND WON'T ACTIVATE IN AN ACCIDENT. I ESCALATED THIS ISSUE TO HYUNDAI CORPORATE CUSTOMER CARE RESOLUTION TEAM AND THEY ECHOED THE SAME COMMENTS AS THE DEALERSHIP. THEIR RESPONSIBILITY IS TO ONLY TO REPAIR/REPROGRAMMING THE OCS SENSOR ONCE. I ASKED TO HAVE THIS ESCALATED THE NEXT LEVEL AND THIS PERSON BASICALLY SAID NO AND HE WOULDN'T ESCALATE IT. AFTER DOING SOME LENGTHY RESEARCH THERE IS NO OTHER SAFE WAY TO HAVE THIS FIXED OTHER THAN GOING THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP AT HIGH COST TO ME OR ANY OTHERS. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE OCS SENSOR, HYUNDAI KNOWS IT'S PRONE TO FAILURE. THEY DON'T REPLACE THE SENSOR, JUST REPROGRAM THE SAME FAULTY SENSOR AND THEN WON'T FIX IT IF IT FAILS AGAIN. THIS SEEMS TO BE A DECISION BY HYUNDAI TO PUT PROFITS BEFORE CUSTOMER SAFETY. WHY WAS THIS NOT A FULL GOVERNMENT FORCED RECALL? W

Air Bags
Filed Sep 8, 2019121,000 milesMA

THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF FROM TIME TO TIME. I NOTICE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUES ON 2008 MODEL. HOWEVER BY MY VIN NUMBER IT WON'T SHOW THAT NEEDS AN ATTENTION ON IT. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT TO DO. ALSO, THERE IS MOOSE ON THE FRONT SIDE , PASSENGER SIDE. ON THE BACK THE CAR WIGGLES OVER 60MPH OR IF I HAVE 3 PEOPLE ON THE BACK. THANKS

SteeringCrash
Filed Sep 3, 2019169,000 milesIN

STEERING THE CAR BECAME DIFFICULT AND A LOUD WHINING NOISE WOULD OCCUR TURNING RIGHT OR EVEN SLIGHTLY MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD CAUSE THAT NOISE. PARKED CAR IN ALLEY TO WAIT ON IT TO BE FIXED SOMEONE DROVE ONTO MY PROPERTY AND SWIPED MY CAR. HAVE RECALL ON CROSSMEMBER ASSEMBLY BUT IS THE FRONT COVERED ALSO?

Engine
Filed Aug 16, 2019180,000 milesMD

WAS HEADING TO WORK ON INTERSTATE 81, ENGINE MADE LOUD BOOM SOUND SCARED ME PULLED OVER BEING AFRAID TO DRIVE HAD IT TOWED TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP. NO ENGINE LIGHT ON. REPAIR DONE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST SAID ENGINE WAS BLOWN, OLL GOOD NO ENGINE LIGHT BUT ENGINE WOULDN'T TURN OVER TRYING TO DO MANUALLY. MY CAR ONLY HAD 180,000 MILES ALWAYS DID BELTS AND MAINTENANCE.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 15, 2019130,789 milesNJ

TODAY MY ABS LIGHT WENT ON AND THE BRAKES BECAME ROCK HARD COULD NOT PRESS DOWN ON THEM. THEN I PARKED THE CAR CHECKED ALL FLUIDS AND BELTS, TURNED THE CAR ON AGAIN THE ABS LIGHT TURNED OFF. STARTED TO DRIVE TRIED ACCELERATING FROM 25MPH TO 30MPH THEN ESC LIGHT WENT ON LOCKED MY BRAKES TRIED DRIVING TO PARK IN A SAFE PLACE AS SOON AS I PARKED THE CAR AND TURNED IT OFF A BAD SMELL AND LOTS OF SMOKE CAME OUT OF MY FRONT TIRES AND REAR TIRES. GOT CAR TOWED BREAKS ARE OK MY MECHANIC PRESSED THE ESC BUTTON OFF AND NOW BREAKS ARE SOFT. I BELIEVE THERE IS A MALFUNCTION THAT YOU SHOULD LOOK INTO THAT WILL CAUSE A RECALL. ALSO TPMS LIGHT RANDOMLY GOES ON AND OFF. TIRE PRESSURE AGAIN IS FINE. PLEASE CONSIDER LOOKING INTO THIS. IT?S THE ONLY CAR WE?VE HAD FOR ABOUT 9 YEARS AND NOW MY DAUGHTER DRIVES IT TO SCHOOL. SAFETY PLEASE!! THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 29, 201990,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING OR MAKING TURNS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL THUMPING NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SHIMMIED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE REAR CONTROL ARM WAS RUSTED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 10, 2019140,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A PREVIOUS UNKNOWN RECALL ON THIS MODEL VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THERE WERE NO ACTIVE RECALLS ON THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Apr 3, 20193,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CROWN HYUNDAI (5301 34TH ST N, ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33714, (888) 727-9161) REGARDING THE REAR BACK-UP SENSORS AND AN UNKNOWN NHTSA RECALL RELATED TO THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) CLUSTER. WHEN THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO UPDATE THE ECM CLUSTER, THEY DISABLED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR TWELVE DAYS, BUT DID NOT PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.

EngineFire
Filed Apr 2, 201913,000 milesDE

CAR MADE A POPPING NOISE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THEN LOST ACCELERATION. THE CAR THEN BURST INTO FLAMES.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 1, 2019WV

THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND WHEN RAN ON DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE IT IS THE OCS MAT FAULT. IT HAS BEEN REPORTED AN ACKNOWLEDGED ISSUE ON THE 2008 HYUNDAI BUT WHEN I INFORMED THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID MY BODY TYPE VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED? WHY WOULD THIS BE?

Electrical System1 injured
Filed Mar 31, 2019152,800 milesTX

2008 HYUNDAI SONATA 6CYL DOHC 3.3L / 152812 WATER PUMP WENT OUT. REPLACED IT. THEN WATER ENDED UP IN THE OIL THAT GOT INTO THE LIFTERS. ENDED UP GETTING ANOTHER MOTOR. THEN MY A/C STOPPED WORKING (DIDN'T BLOW COOL OR COLD AIR). CHANGED OIL AND OIL FILTER MYSELF ALONG WITH THE OIL SENSOR ( CONNECTED TO OIL FILTER SPOT) THAT WAS LEAKING BAD AS LONG AS THE CAR WAS RUNNING.I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, IN FRONT OF A LOADED 18 WHEELER, DRIVING 75 THEN MY CAR JERKED REAL HARD THEN DROPPED DOWN TO 40. I HAD TO PULL OVER ILLEGALLY TO KEEP FROM GETTING HIT BY THE TRUCK. AS I WAS CATCHING MY BREATH I TURNED THE CAR OFF. WHEN I STARTED IT BACK UP IT MADE A WEIRD TICK NOISE. HAVEN'T HEARD THAT NOISE SINCE. WHEN I PULLED OFF IT HESITATED TO CHANGE GEARS FROM 2 TO 3. IT FINALLY CHANGED AND DID NOT COME OUT OF 3RD. GOT IT TOWED HOME. HAD MY MOMS BOYFRIEND TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION. HE DROVE IT AND IT WAS FINE. NEXT MORNING STARTED CAR AND IT SOUNDED LIKE A VACUUM CLEANER. (LOW VOLUME) FINALLY IT WENT AWAY. WHEN I HEADED TO WORK, IT HESITATED AT FIRST. THE VACUUM NOISE CAME BACK AND WAS LOUDER. THEN I SPED UP TO 50, IT HARD JERKED AGAIN, AND STAYED IN 3RD GEAR. AS I WENT FURTHER LOSS POWER IN INSIDE LANE OF HIGHWAY AND CAR WAS SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD. LIKE IT DIDN'T KNOW I WAS PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL. STARTED SHAKING AT AROUND 20 MILES AN HOUR. PULLED OVER AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CALLED A FRIEND TO PULL ME BACK HOME. IT WAS REVERSING FINE BUT WOULD NOT GO FORWARD. SO I CHANGED THE AC

Engine
Filed Feb 27, 201935,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL TAPPING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO COCONUT CREEK HYUNDAI (4960 N. STATE ROAD 7, COCONUT CREEK, FL 33073, (954) 283-1002), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. ADDITIONALLY, THE ENGINE FAILED THREE TIMES PREVIOUSLY AND WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. *DT

Air Bags
Filed Feb 21, 2019150,000 milesVT

AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. WAS TOLD THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT SENSOR MAY BE DEFECTIVE. SEAT BELT LIGHT FLASHES ALL THE TIME UNLESS THE SEAT BELT IS HOOKED. THOUGHT THERE WAS A RECALL TO GET THE AIR BAGS FIXED. CAR NEEDS TO BE INSPECTED AND WON'T PASS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 5, 2019OH

FOR THE PAST YEAR I HAVE HAD THIS CAR WHEN I BOUGHT IT USED. I HEARD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ABOUT IT WHEN I LOOKED IT UP BUT NOT MY CAR SPECIFICLY. FOR THE PAST YEAR MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAS TURNED ON AND OFF EVERY NOW AND AGAIN AND NOW ITS JUST ON. I CONTINUED TO LOOK UP DETAILS CONCERNING THE SITUATION AND THERE HAVE BEEN MANY RECALLS FOR MY VEHICLE BUT NOT MINE SPECIFICALLY. AND SINCE IT IS A USED VEHICLE I DO NOT KNOW IF THE PREVIOUS OWNER OR DEALERSHIP HAS DONE THE RECALL FOR IT.

Engine
Filed Jan 28, 2019174,000 milesCA

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM A SMALL CAR DEALERSHIP, WHEN PURCHASED THE VEHICLE HAD A PRETTY HIGH MILEAGE HOWEVER WHEN TEST DRIVED NO SERVICE LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE CAR RAN SMOOTHLY. AFTER FOUR MONTHS OF OWNING THE CAR WITH ONLY AROUND 2K MILES ADDED TO IT, WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY A KNOCKING NOISE SUDDENLY BECAME APPARENT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, I PULLED OVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SINCE THERE WAS VISIBLE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE.

Engine
Filed Dec 6, 201877,000 milesPA

THE ENGINE OUT OF NOWHERE BEGAN TO KNOCK (ENGINE KNOCK) AND NOBODY FROM ANY POINT OF MANAGEMENT WILL HELP ME OUT WITH THIS PROBLEM, EVEN THOUGH IT THEIR ENGINE AND THEY WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILTY FOR IT, NOT HELP OR ANYTHING WAS PROVIDED, THE VEHICLE HAD BEGAN KNOCKING AFTER I HAD STARTED IT UP ONE DAY AND BEGAN DRIVING IT, I NOTICED THE WARMER THE ENGINE GOT, THE LOUDER IT GOT, I TOOK IT TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS AND ONE OF THEM BEING A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND ONE BEING A KIA, BOTH SAID THE SAME THING

Complaints 1-50 of 425, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2011
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20263100Routine
202517000Routine
202447100Routine
202388200Routine
202295310Routine
2021135400Routine
2020182410Routine
2019162060Routine
20183751131Fatalities reported
20177683111Fatalities reported
20167296281Fatalities reported
20151,1549482Do not drive
20147507400High concern
20131,9179981Fatalities reported
20121,5598951Fatalities reported
20113,380141123Fatalities reported
2010345232Fatalities reported
20094602110Above average
2008 — this page4255110Above average
2007696760Above average
20061,0471191Fatalities reported
2005165120Routine
2004202120Above average
2003199620Routine
2002320740Above average
2001205300Above average
2000276490Above average
1999124430Routine
199849100Routine
199749211Fatalities reported
199623101Fatalities reported
199566210Routine
19943100Routine
199326100Routine
199222100Routine
199129160Routine
199016300Routine

Compare every Sonata year →

2008 Hyundai Sonata: questions buyers ask

Is the 2008 Hyundai Sonata a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Sonata years to avoid: owners filed 425 complaints, 2.1 times as many as a typical Sonata year. The most common complaint is about the airbags (31%).

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Hyundai Sonata?

The airbags: 130 of the 425 complaints (31%) are about it. Owners most often say it shows an airbag warning light (65%), sets off warning lights on the dash (35%) and did not deploy its airbags in a crash (7%). The typical report comes at 70,443 miles.

How many recalls does the 2008 Hyundai Sonata have?

5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Aug 12, 2013. The largest, 13V113000, covered 1,712,336 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2008 Hyundai Sonata problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 62,000 miles. For the airbags the midpoint is 70,443 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2008 Hyundai Sonata?

Yes, 4 times. The latest, DP22003 ("Loss of Motive Power"), was opened Sep 12, 2022 and closed Dec 12, 2023.

Are there service bulletins for the 2008 Hyundai Sonata?

The manufacturer filed 56 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (12), the transmission (8) and the electrical system (4). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 12, 2013. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.