2008 Hyundai Elantra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 315 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 26 Elantra model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 38 involved a crash and 23 involved a fire. 41 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleFeb 4, 2020
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Elantra and 2009-2011 Elantra Touring vehicles. On February 21, 2020 Hyundai expanded the recall to include 46,425 model year 2007-2008 Entourage and 2007 Santa Fe vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
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.
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 April 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 188.
Campaign 20V061000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemFeb 23, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Elantra vehicles manufactured June 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010, and 2009-2010 Elantra Touring vehicles manufactured November 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010. The electronic power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may sense a discrepancy in the steering input signals and, as a result, disable the steering power assist.
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will verify the proper operation of the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and update the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 127.
Campaign 15V100000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchApr 1, 2013
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 13V113000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveMar 15, 2011
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 ELANTRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2006, THROUGH AUGUST 29, 2007. THE DRIVER'S SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSOR DETERMINES THE SEAT'S FORE AND AFT POSITION AND ALLOWS THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG TO DEPLOY AT THE PRESSURE APPROPRIATE FOR THAT SEATING POSITION, WITH A LOWER PRESSURE DEPLOYMENT IN THE MOST FORWARD SEATING POSITIONS. THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE MAY RECEIVE AN UNSTABLE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM THE SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSOR SUCH THAT, IN A CRASH THAT REQUIRES DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY DEPLOY AT THE HIGHER PRESSURE THAN INTENDED IF THE SEAT WAS POSITION IN ONE OF THE FORWARD POSITIONS IN WHICH A LOWER PRESSURE DEPLOYMENT IS INTENDED.
A HIGHER PRESSURE DEPLOYMENT THAN INTENDED INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY RESULTING FROM AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTING TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 11V179000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveMar 15, 2011
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 ELANTRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2006, THROUGH NOVEMBER 1, 2008. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATS IN THE VEHICLES CONTAIN A WEIGHT SENSOR DESIGNED TO DEACTIVATE THE RIGHT FRONTAL AIRBAG WHEN OCCUPANTS OF CERTAIN WEIGHTS OCCUPY THE SEAT. THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR THE WEIGHT SENSOR IS LOCATED UNDER THE CENTER CONSOLE, BETWEEN THE FRONT SEATS. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES THE CONNECTOR COULD BECOME CONTAMINATED AND MALFUNCTION SUCH THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY REGARDLESS OF THE WEIGHT OF THE OCCUPANT.
THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG COULD DEPLOY IN CRASHES IN WHICH IT SHOULD NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT FROM THE DEPLOYED AIR BAG.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE WEIGHT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM CONNECTOR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTING TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 11V143000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpDec 29, 2008
HYUNDAI DE PUERTO RICO (HPR) IS RECALLING 347 MY 2008 ELANTRA VEHICLES. THE FUEL PUMP MOTOR MAY NOT HAVE THE PROPER, UNIFORM INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SURFACE CONTACT. THIS MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO PRODUCE LESS PUMPING PRESSURE THAN REQUIRED TO SUPPLY THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.
AS A RESULT, POOR ENGINE STARING AND HESITATION MAY RESULT. OTHER ENGINE PERFORMANCE ISSUES MAY ALSO RESULT AND LEAD TO A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S FUEL PUMP SUBASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HPR AT 1-800-981-0188.
Campaign 08V694000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpAug 25, 2008
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 65,000 MY 2008 ELANTRA VEHICLES WITH 2.0 LITER BETA ENGINES. THE FUEL PUMP MOTOR MAY NOT HAVE THE PROPER UNIFORM INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SURFACE CONTACT. THIS MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO PRODUCE LESS PUMPING PRESSURE THAN REQUIRED TO SUPPLY THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.
POOR ENGINE STARTING AND HESITATION MAY RESULT. OTHER ENGINE PERFORMANCE ISSUES MAY ALSO RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP SUBASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Campaign 08V429000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
315 reports, newest first.
Steering, Oct 20, 2010
MY 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WITH 19,000 MILES ON IT SUDDENLY LOST POWER AS I WAS CROSSING A RAILROAD TRACK. (10/2010) I IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO START IT AGAIN AND IT DID START BUT AS I DROVE ON, THE ENGINE SEEMED TO "MISS" THEN KEEP GOING, THEN "MISS" AGAIN. IT DID THIS FOR ABOUT 2 BLOCKS WHEN I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOWED IT. THEY CALLED TO SAY THAT THEY THOUGHT IT WAS A "STEERING" PROBLEM AND THE BRAKE AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGED. I GOT ANOTHER CALL SEVERAL DAYS LATER SAYING THE CAR WAS READY TO PICK UP. THIS WAS FOLLOWED A FEW HOURS LATER BY ANOTHER CALL SAYING THEY HAD TEST DRIVEN THE CAR AND IT FAILED. THEY SAID THEY WERE IN TOUCH WITH THE REGIONAL OFFICE FOR HELP. I CALLED THEIR CONSUMER AFFAIRS DEPT. AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SERVICE DEPT. HAD FAILED TO PERFORM ONE OF SEVERAL TESTS REQUIRED TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THEY WERE TO CALL ME WITHIN 1-3 DAYS. IT IS DAY 2 NOW AND I HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING. I DO NOT TRUST HYUNDAI AND WANT TO GET RID OF THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED A "CONSUMER REP" WHO WILL NOW BE THE ONLY PERSON I WILL BE ALLOWED TO TALK TO REGARDING THE CAR. IF THE ENGINE SHUT-DOWN HAD OCCURRED ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC THROUGH WHICH I WAS ABOUT TO GO, IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I AM NOT WILLING TO DRIVE A CAR THAT IS DANGEROUS. CAN I BELIEVE HYUNDAI WHEN/IF THEY TELL ME MY CAR HAS BEEN FIXED????? I DOUBT IT! *TR
Exterior lighting, Sep 24, 2010
I HAVE OWNED A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA PZEV FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS AND 2 MONTHS. IN THE TWO YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR, I HAVE HAD THE BRAKE LIGHT SENSOR GO OUT TWICE. THE RESULT OF NOT HAVING A WORKING BRAKE LIGHT SENSOR IS THAT I NO LONGER HAVE ANY WORKING BRAKE LIGHTS! I HAVE ONLY AVOIDED A REAR END COLLISION BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY FELLOW MOTORISTS. I HAVE ALREADY HAD ONE BRAKE LIGHT SENSOR REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY: HYUNDAI NEEDS TO MANUFACTURE A BRAKE LIGHT SENSOR THAT DOESN'T FAIL IN LESS THAN A YEAR. IF HYUNDAI DOESN'T FIX THIS PROBLEM, IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE I OR A MEMBER OF MY FAMILY IS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED BECAUSE THIS DEFECTIVE PART! *TR
Service brakes, Electric, Sep 3, 2010, crash
I OWN A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO, I WENT TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT, AND INSTEAD OF STOPPING, MY CAR MADE A GRINDING SOUND FOR 4-6 SECONDS (LIKE MY ABS BRAKES WERE TURNING ON, BUT LONGER) AND DIDN?T STOP UNTIL IT HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME (ROADS WERE DRY & MY CAR WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 10 MPH). DUE TO THE LOW SPEED, MY CAR ONLY BUMPED THE CAR IN FRONT AND ONLY BUMPERS WERE DAMAGED. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM CHECK MY BRAKES. THEY TOLD ME THEY COULDN?T FIND ANYTHING. TWO WEEKS LATER, I?M DRIVING AND GO TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT (DIFFERENT LIGHT, ROADS WERE DRY, GOING MAYBE 10-15 MPH) AND MY CAR AGAIN MAKES THE SAME GRINDING SOUND FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS BEFORE I TRIED TO PUMP THE BRAKES. AFTER I PRESSED AND RELEASED THE BRAKES, THE GRINDING SOUND STOPPED AND THE CAR STOPPED. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN, EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED. THEY LOOKED IT OVER, SAW NO COMPUTER READ OUT, AND TOLD ME THEY DIDN?T THINK THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND UNLESS THEY COULD DUPLICATE IT, THEY COULDN?T FIX IT. I WAS TOLD TO COME BACK IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN (AT WHICH POINT THEY COULD TAKE MY CAR FOR 2-3 WEEKS TO TEST IT AND SEE IF THEY COULD FIND THE PROBLEM. (I ASKED, THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE A LOANER!) THE PROBLEM HAS SINCE HAPPENED TWICE MORE (ONCE IN THE RAIN, ONCE ON DRY ROADS, & ALWAYS WHEN I TRY TO STOP WHILE TRAVELING 15MPH OR LESS). I DID RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT APPARENTLY IT IS LIKELY DUE TO A DEFECTIVE ABS MODULE (QUITE A FEW OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM, ALTHOUGH THE YEARS AND MAKES DIFFER) AND ALL OF THEM HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE THAT HYUNDAI REFUSES TO ADMIT THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE MODULE, BUT THEY WILL REPLACE IT FOR ABOUT $1500+LABOR. I LIVE BY NUMEROUS SCHOOLS, SO I CAN?T RISK HAVING A CAR THAT WON?T STOP (TOO MANY SMALL CHILDREN THAT LIKE TO RUN IN FRONT OF CARS), & HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO PAY TO FIX IT OR GET A NEW CAR, BUT THEY SHOULD REALLY DO SOMETHING BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED BECAUSE THE BRAKES DIDN'T WORK. *TR
Power train, Sep 1, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN WITH NO PRIOR WARNING LIGHTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT "CRANK" OR START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CONTROL MODULE AND TRANSMISSION MODULE WERE FOUND TO BE ALTERED AND DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 24,735.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 9, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE CRUISE CONTROL MODE AND SHE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE UP TO 70 MPH. SHE HAD TO TURN THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF IN ORDER TO STOP THE ACCELERATION. SHE NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT SHE HAD DIFFICULTY SHIFTING INTO REVERSE OR PARK GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS APPROXIMATELY 26,260. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 26,210. UPDATED 10/25/10 *BF UPDATED 10/27/10*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 29, 2010, crash
2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE MALFUNCTION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD UNEXPECTEDLY STALL AND JERK AT HIGH SPEEDS. IT WOULD ALSO HAPPEN WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET. THE DEALER CONCLUDED THAT NO PROBLEM EXISTED WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM HAPPENED RANDOMLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAD AN ACCIDENT DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER DUE TO THE VEHICLE STALLING. *JB
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 8, 2010
MY 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WILL AUTOMATICALLY ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING ABOVE THE SPEED THAT I AM DRIVING, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHILE I HAD 4 TEENAGERS IN MY CAR. I BOUGHT MY CAR NEW AND I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM FOR AT LEAST A YEAR, I'M NOT SURE OF THE DATE THIS PROBLEM STARTED. HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM AND PUT NEW TRANSMISSION IN AND PROBLEM IS STILL NOT FIXED. HYUNDAI AND DEALERSHIP ARE REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE MY FAMILY IN THIS VEHICLE AND I WON'T. I CAN'T SEEM TO GET ANYONE TO HELP ME. *TR
Power train, May 19, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 1 MPH DURING SNOWY CONDITIONS, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CV JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PROBLEM REOCCURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 16,500.
Vehicle speed control, May 10, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 57 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ENGAGING ON ITS OWN. HE WAS ABLE TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL AND STOP THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO UTILIZE THE CRUISE CONTROL A SECOND TIME AND WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 44,000.
Air bags, May 5, 2010, crash
DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A CRASH OF TWO VEHICLES . THE VEHICLE WITH FAILED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WAS TRAVELING APPROX 45-55 MPH SECOND VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING IN SAME DIRECTION TRAVELING EST 10 -0 MPH IN THIS REAR END CRASH. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 3, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 70 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED TO SPEEDS OF 90 MPH. THE CONTACT THEN PLACED THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE ACCELERATION BY APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER ADVISED THE THROTTLE WAS STILL IN THE OPEN POSITION WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT IN POSSESSION OF THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 26,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 24, 2010
2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAS A MILEAGE PROBLEM. *TGW WHILE ON A 4,600 MILE TRIP, MOSTLY ON THE INTERSTATE, WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 60 MPH, THE AVERAGE MPG WAS ONLY 28 MPG. HYUNDAI INFORMED THE CONSUMER THEY COULD NOT HELP HIM WITH THE MILEAGE. THE EPA FUEL ECONOMY ESTIMATED 33 MPG WITH THE EXPECTED RANGE FOR MOST DRIVERS UP TO 39 MPG. *JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 10, 2010
WHEN WE CALLED TO HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY ABOUT THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ON 65000 UNITS HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2008 ASKING WHY WE DID NOT RECEIVE THE NOTIFICATION. THEIR RESPONSE AS FOLLOWS " WE HAVE RECEIVED YOUR EMAIL REGARDING WHEN YOU WILL RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE FOR YOUR 2008 ELANTRA. AFTER RESEARCHING YOUR CONCERN WE HAVE DETERMINED THAT YOUR VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED BY CAMPAIGN 086 FOR THE FUEL FILTER. FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED IN VEHICLES PRIOR TO NOVEMBER 5, 2007, AND SINCE JUNE 28, 2008, WERE MANUFACTURED WITH UPPER BODY COMPONENTS THAT MAINTAIN PROPER ARMATURE ALIGNMENT. THE MODELS PRODUCED DURING THAT PRODUCTION DATE RANGE ARE THE ONLY ONES AFFECTED BY THE ARMATURE ALIGNMENT CONDITION. YOUR VEHICLE WAS PRODUCED ON 9/29/2007". OUR CONCLUSION THAT HYUNDAI JUST SCREEN OUT THE DEMAND OF RECALL REPAIRS AND WAIT UNTIL INCIDENT CRASH OCCURRED OR LAW SUIT IF THE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. WHEN I DRIVE ON THE STREET OR FREEWAY, SOMETIMES I FEEL THE VEHICLE IS SLOW DOWN AND JERKING OR JUMP AS NO FUEL INJECTED OR PUMPED PROPERLY IN THE ENGINE DESPITE OF MIDDLE GRADE 98 OCTANE GAS. *TR
Air bags, Jan 11, 2010, crash
ON TUESDAY , JAN. 5TH 2010 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT. I SUFFERED NECK AND LOWER BACK INJURIES. THE IMPACT WAS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR BY A MINIVAN GOING ~35MPH AND MY SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I FEEL THEY SHOULD HAVE AND WERE POSSIBLY DEFECTIVE. VEHICLE IS SUPPOSED TO BE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIRBAGS. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Jan 8, 2010, crash
2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WAS PROCEEDING NORTH WHEN IT HIT A HYDROPLANE ON AN UPGRADE WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH. DRIVER APPLIED BRAKES ON DOWNGRADE TO NO AVAIL. CAR CRASHED INTO A PARKED CAR, WENT INTO A RESIDENTIAL YARD AND THROUGH RESIDENCE FENCE BEFORE COMING TO A HALT ON UPGRADE OF RESIDENCE YARD. FRONT AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUFFERED FACE, HEAD, NECK AND BACK INJURIES. CAR WAS TOTALED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 29, 2009
SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN TURNING OFF VEHICLE NOISE OCCURRED EVERY TIME VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. UNDER WARRANTY DEALER DETERMINED NOISE WAS COMING FROM WATER PUMP DUE TO AN INTERNAL BEARING FAILURE. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 19, 2009
THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE HORN OF THE 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. IT CUTS OFF AND DOES NOT WORK FOR HOURS, DAYS ETC. IT WORKS AT ODD TIMES AND THEN NOT AT ALL. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY SAY IT'S FINE. *TR
Equipment, Oct 7, 2009
ACCELERATOR PEDAL GETS STUCK UNDER FLOOR MAT. THIS INVOLVES A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR, AND THEY CUT A SECTION OF THE MAT OFF TO PREVENT RECURRENCE OF THE PROBLEM. *TR
Tires, Oct 6, 2009
ON SEPT. 6TH, 2009 I RENT A CAR IN LAS VEGAS, NV FROM ADVANTAGE RENTAL CAR CO. WHEN I WAS DRIVING ALONE I-15 TO LA, DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS BLOW OUT. THERE WAS SMOKE FROM LEFT SIDE AND PIECES OF FAILED TIRE WERE ALL OVER THE PLACE. IT DAMAGED FROND BUMPER AND RIGHT SIDE MIRROR. THE CAR ALMOST OUT OF CONTROL, I MIGHT GET KILLED BY THAT. I CALLED 911 AND AAA GOT THE RENTAL CAR TOWED BACK TO LAS VEGAS AND ASKED RENTAL CAR COMPANY TO CHECK IF THERE SOME DEFECTS OF ITS TIRE IN ORDER TO PROTECT OTHER DRIVERS. I TOLD THEM I WOULD PAY FOR PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATION, BUT LATER ON ADVANTAGE RENTAL CAR CO. TOLD ME THAT TIRE WAS DISPOSED. THAT CARIS 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA SE. ON SEP. 21ST, WHEN I CALLED RENTAL CAR COMPANY, ONE OF ITS MANAGER TOLD ME THE TIRE IS KUMHO TIRE. LATER ON I WAS TOLD THE TIRE IS HANOVER AND MODEL IS OPTIMA. ANYHOW, FRANKLY SPEAKING, I HAVE NO IDEA WHO IS TELL ME THE TRUTH. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 4, 2009, crash
THERE WERE TWO SIMILAR INCIDENTS ON MY 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CAR SHUT OFF SUDDENLY WHILE I WAS STILL DRIVING IT. THE LIGHTS STAYED ON, BUT THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE FIRST TIME WAS A FEW MONTHS AGO, ALTHOUGH I CAN'T REMEMBER EXACTLY. I WAS MAKING A SHARP TURN WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE SECOND TIME WAS A FEW WEEKS AGO. I WAS GOING AT A SLOW SPEED WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE BRAKES DIDN'T RESPOND, SO I HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR. I CRASHED INTO A BUSH. *TR
Fuel system, Other, Sep 11, 2009
I HAVE HAD THE CAR TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR POOR PERFORMANCE, STALLING ISSUES AND THE FUEL PUMP RECALL. FOR THE LAST MONTH THE CAR IS HAVING GREAT DIFFICULTY TURNING OVER AT START. IM WONDERING IF THE FUEL PUMP WILL EVER BE "RIGHT". *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 8, 2009
2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA SE MODEL # 44422 CAR IS "JUMPING" WHILE DRIVING, FEELS LIKE IT'S SHIFTING GEARS WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY/ROAD. HAS NOT STALLED OUT WHILE DRIVING THOUGH. SOMETIMES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL TURN ON AFTER THESE EPISODES. I HAVE TAKEN CAR TO AUTOLAND HYUNDAI IN UNIONTOWN, PA (WHERE CARE WAS PURCHASED) MULTIPLE TIMES NOW. THEY FIRST SAID A WIRE WAS LOOSE, AND TIGHTENED IT FOR PROBLEM TO HAPPEN AGAIN. THEN THEY PUT SOME TYPE OF HOLSTER IN TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. CAR DROVE OK FOR ABOUT 1 MONTH, BUT NOW IS HAVING PROBLEM AGAIN. HAPPENED TWICE TONIGHT WHILE DRIVING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NOW ON. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 6, 2009
MY 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA STALLS FREQUENTLY, BUT NOT REPRODUCIBLE, ABOUT ONCE A WEEK. I NOTICE THIS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING AROUND 20-25 MILES/HOUR. INTERNET SEARCH INDICATES THAT OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING SIMILAR PROBLEM AND A FAULTY FUEL PUMP MAY BE THE ISSUE. *TR
Service brakes, Electric, Jul 31, 2009
FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAUSED BRAKE LIGHTS TO STOP FUNCTIONING AS WELL AS PREVENTING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FROM SHIFTING INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE FROM PARK, WITHOUT USING SHIFT LOCK OVER-RIDE. NO CRASHES OCCURRED AS HELPFUL MOTORIST NOTIFIED ME OF BRAKE LIGHT MALFUNCTION. THERE WAS A RECALL BY NHTSA FOR EARLIER MODEL HYUNDAI ELANTRAS - THE 2008 MODELS SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE RECALL. THE SHIFT LOCK ISSUE WAS A DAILY OCCURRENCE. I HAD NO IDEA BOTH PROBLEMS WERE CAUSED BY THE SAME FAILURE. AS MY CAR IS RELATIVELY NEW AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY I WAS ABLE TO TAKE IT TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY. IF THESE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHES ARE STILL FAULTY, THERE COULD BE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESS BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE OLD PART IS NOT AVAILABLE AS IT IS IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALERSHIP. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Jul 6, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHENEVER THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO PARK, THE GEAR WOULD NEVER STICK. THE VEHICLE WOULD EITHER MOVE FORWARD FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. WHENEVER THE GEAR WAS IN DRIVE, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE OR WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR THESE FAILURES. DURING THE FIRST VISIT, THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH CORRECTED THE ISSUE FOR LESS THAN FOUR MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE SOLENOIDS WERE CAUSING THE FAILURES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE VALVE ASSEMBLY AND THE SOLENOIDS. THERE HAD BEEN NO FURTHER OCCURRENCES SINCE THE LAST REPAIR. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED SINCE IT APPEARED TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,918 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,792. UPDATED 7/23/09 *CN THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WAS A SMELL OF GAS IN THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 07/30/09.*UB