2008 Hyundai Elantra

What owners report most often

1. Steering55
2. Service brakes51
3. Fuel system39
4. Air bags38
5. Gasoline36
6. Electrical system30
7. Power train29
8. Engine24

Recalls and investigations

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

1. Exterior lighting, Dec 13, 2011

   I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND I WAS INFORMED THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING (A FACT THAT I WAS NOT AWARE OF). THE PROBLEM WAS A MALFUNCTIONING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WHICH WAS REPLACED. *TR

2. Exterior lighting, Nov 28, 2011

   TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FAILED AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN BRAKING AT 5 MPH. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ADDRESSING THE FAILURE. THEY OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

3. Air bags, Nov 18, 2011, crash

   TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A WALL AFTER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED INSTEAD OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING THE CRASH. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A HEAD INJURY AS A RESULT OF THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,000. UPDATED 12/12/11

4. Exterior lighting, Nov 8, 2011

   TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATING WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AS DEFECTIVE AND ADVISED HAVING IT REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V122000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:SWITCHES:BRAKE LIGHT) BUT THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE COVERED BECAUSE THE 2008 MODEL WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, ONLY THE 2007 MODEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.

5. Exterior lighting, Oct 27, 2011

   TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED AND ALMOST CAUSED THE CONTACT TO BE INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN UTILIZING THE CRUISE CONTROL, IT WOULD NOT DEACTIVATE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE ACTUATOR, WHICH WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,000.

6. Air bags, Oct 14, 2011, crash

   DRIVER WAS DOING ABOUT 50 MPH. CAR COMING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTION DECIDED TO DO A U TURN IN FRONT OF DRIVER AND HIT FRONT OF CAR. AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF WHICH WAS ODD. HYUNDAI HAVE BEEN CONTACTED AND EXPECT US TO KEEP THE CAR FOR AROUND 2 MONTHS AND NOT GET IT FIXED UNTIL THEY GET AROUND TO LOOKING AT IT. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DELAYING TECHNIQUE AND THEY ARE VERY ANXIOUS TO CANCEL THE OPEN TICKET. AAA WANT TO GET THE CAR FIXED (WHICH IS UNDERSTANDABLE AS THEY ARE PAYING FOR RENTAL CAR) AND NEED TO MOVE ON. HAVING DONE SOME INVESTIGATION ONLINE, IT LOOKS EVIDENT THAT THERE ARE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA CARS WITH AIRBAGS THAT HAVE NOT WORKED IN SEVERAL ROAD ACCIDENTS. *TR

7. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 27, 2011, crash

   BRAKES FAILED! I PUT THE CAR INTO REVERSE TO BACKUP IN A PARKING LOT. I WAS MOVING SLOWLY (2MPH) AND THE BRAKES FAILED, GOING ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I ROLLED FOR 15 FEET, PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND MY CAR STOPPED, SLIGHTLY TAPPING A PARKED CAR, IMMEDIATELY IN MY REAR, IN THE IN OPPOSITE PARKING SPACE. I LOCATED THE OWNER OF THAT CAR AND THERE WAS ONLY A SMALL SCRATCH AND NO DAMAGE. IT WAS NOT NECESSARY TO EXCHANGE PAPERS. THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP ON 9/27/11 AND ADVISED OF BRAKE FAILURE. MY CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED AT THE DEALERSHIP, PER FACTORY MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE. I JUST RECEIVED A MA STATE INSPECTION STICKER IN AUGUST, 2011. MY CAR PASSED MA STATE INSPECTION AT THAT TIME. MY CAR WAS LAST SERVICED ON 8/23/11 AT 50,607 MILES WITH NEW TIRES AND ROTATION, OIL CHANGE, STATE INSPECTION STICKER, CABIN AIR FILTER, FRONT WIPER BLADES, FUEL INJECTOR CLEANING, THE FACTORY ELECTRICAL RECALL FOR THE 099 WS CONNECTOR COVER INSTALLED, AND DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE FOR 'THUMPING NOISE' IN FRONT, FROM PARK TO REVERSE, BUT NOTHING WAS FOUND BY TECHNICIAN, STATING' ALL COMPONENTS IN PROPER OPERATING CONDITION AT THIS TIME' ON MY REPAIR ORDER. ALSO RECEIVED THE HYUNDAI MULTI-POINT INSPECTION REPORT ATTACHED TO MY PAPERWORK FROM TECHNICIAN #753 - "BRAKE INSPECTION" WAS MARKED IN GREEN "CHECKED OK?. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED IN MY DRIVING EXPERIENCE. I FOLLOWED FACTORY REQUIRED 15K, 30K AND 45K MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE NOW BRAKES HAVE FAILED. WHY? *TT

8. Air bags, Sep 9, 2011

   DRIVER PULLED CAR OUT OF DRIVEWAY, DROVE DOWN BLOCK ABOUT 40-50 FOOT, TURNED CAR AROUND AND PULLED UP IN FRONT OF RESIDENCE, PUT CAR IN PARK AND DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO "CRASH", NO POTHOLES ON STREET, NO RUTS IN DRIVEWAY HE TURNED AROUND IN. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER AND THEY CLAIM THE COMPUTER SHOWED CAR SUFFERED IMPACT. THEY ALSO STATED CAR HAD SOME MARKS UNDERNEATH. IF THEY ARE CLAIMING THE INCIDENT WAS THE RESULT OF HITTING A POTHOLE, WOULDN'T THE AIR BAG HAVE DEPLOYED AT IMPACT NOT 3-5 MINUTES LATER WHEN CAR WAS PUT IN PARK? ALSO, IRONICALLY, THIS VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER 5 DAYS EARLIER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR FOR THE AIR BAG. THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE RECALL WORK AND THE INCIDENT. WE LIVE ON A SMALL DEAD END STREET WITH NO POTHOLES AND THERE ARE NO RUTS OR POTHOLES IN FRONT OF OUR HOUSE. TWO NEIGHBORS WITNESSED THE INCIDENT. THE DEALER OFFERED UP THAT SINCE THE COMPUTER SAYS THERE WAS IMPACT, THEY WILL DO NOTHING FOR US. THEY STATE THE RECALL REPAIR HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE AIR BAG DEPLOYING WHEN IT DID. I CONTACTED MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THEY SENT SOMEONE TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. THEIR REPORT STATES THAT THERE ARE SOME MARKS UNDERNEATH WHICH MY LOCAL MECHANIC SAYS MOST CARS THAT DRIVE ON OUR ROADS DISPLAY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY FOUND NO DAMAGE TO THE FRAME, THE RADIATOR OR ANYTHING ELSE. THE COST OF FIXING THE CAR IS ESTIMATED AT $1793.50. I HAVE A $500.00 DEDUCTIBLE AND I HAD TO RENT A VEHICLE AT MY OWN COST. MY HUSBAND, THANK GOD, SUFFERED NO MAJOR INJURIES. WE ARE TERRIFIED TO GET BACK IN THIS CAR. I TOTE AROUND MY GRANDCHILDREN IN THIS VEHICLE. I AM HOPING YOU CAN LOOK INTO THIS. I WOULD HATE FOR ANYONE ELSE TO GO THROUGH SOMETHING LIKE THIS AND MAYBE NOT BE SO LUCKY AS MY HUSBAND WAS. *TR

9. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 8, 2011

   THE REAR ROTORS ON MY 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA HAD GROOVES WORN IN WITH ONLY A LITTLE OVER 37,000 MILES ON THE CAR. THE BRAKE PADS ON THE RIGHT REAR WERE WORN ALMOST COMPLETELY WHILE THE BRAKE PADS ON THE LEFT REAR HAD ENOUGH MATERIAL LEFT ON THEM TO DRIVE ANOTHER 15,000 MILES. I TOOK THE CAR TO A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED REPAIR CENTER FOR NEW PADS BECAUSE MY BRAKES STARTED TO SQUEAK.. THE CERTIFIED MECHANIC SHOWED ME THE PADS AND THE ROTORS AND STATED THAT IT IS ODD FOR THE PADS ON ONE SIDE TO BE WORN OUT AND THE PADS ON THE OTHER SIDE TO HAVE ABOUT A YEAR'S WORTH OF PAD LEFT. THE SIDE WHERE THE PADS THAT HAD A YEAR LEFT ON THEM THE ROTOR HAD SUBSTANTIAL GROVES. THE ROTOR ON THE SIDE WITH THE WORN PADS HAD LESS DAMAGE. HE STATED THE ROTORS WERE PROBABLY SUBSTANDARD AND THEY WERE PROBABLY MADE IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY WITH SUBSTANDARD MATERIEL. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR FOR THEIR PERUSAL. THE SUPERVISOR STATED THAT THE ROTORS WERE WORN AND THE CAUSE WAS LIKELY A MAINTENANCE ISSUE AND IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE CAR'S WARRANTY. I CONTEND THE PROBLEM IS DEFECTIVE MATERIAL AND OR POOR WORKMENSHIP. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE FOR HELP. THEY ALSO STATED THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. I BELIEVE THERE MIGHT BE AN ISSUE WITH THE ROTORS ON OTHER ELANTRA'S ON THE ROAD TODAY AND THIS ISSUE COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR WORSE IF IT IS NOT ADDRESSED. *TR

10. Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 2, 2011

    THE CAR STALLED 6/21/11 AT 7PM ON THE FREEWAY IN 10-20 MILE AN HOUR STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. THE TEMP OUTSIDE WAS MILD, I HAD BEEN ON THE ROAD FOR 20 MIN BEFORE HITTING TRAFFIC, AND BOTH AIR CONDITIONING AND RADIO WERE ON. I WAS IN TRAFFIC APPROX. 10 MIN. I WENT TO TAP THE GAS PEDAL AND NOTHING WAS THERE. I HAD TO GET OUT (ON FREEWAY) AND PUSH THE CAR OFF THE ROAD AND ONTO CENTER DIVIDE (NO CALL BOXES). TWO STRANGERS STOPPED AND HELPED ME TO SIDE OF ROAD. AFTER 5 MINUTES I WAS ABLE TO START CAR AND DRIVE HOME. THE CAR STALLED AGAIN ON 7/29/11 IN 10-20 MPH STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AT 5PM. THE TEMP WAS MILD AND I HAD JUST FILLED THE CAR WITH GAS. 15 MINUTES LATER ON THE FREEWAY (STOP AND GO TRAFFIC), WITH AIR CONDITIONER AND RADIO ON, I WENT TO TAP THE GAS PEDAL AND NOTHING WAS THERE. WAS IN TRAFFIC LESS THAN 10 MIN. AGAIN STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY. THIS TIME I DID NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR BUT WAS ATTEMPTING TO CALL FOR HELP WHEN CHP PULLED UP BEHIND ME AND USED HIS CAR TO PUSH ME OFF THE ROAD. I PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL, CHP PUSHED ME OFF THROUGH ENTIRE LANE OF FREEWAY TRAFFIC INTO CENTER DIVIDE. THE BRAKE WOULD NOT WORK. I HAD MY FOOT TO THE FLOOR BUT CAR WAS NOT STOPPING. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS THE ONLY THING THAT KEPT ME FROM ROLLING INTO SIDERAIL. WHILE WE WAITED FOR TOW TRUCK, I ATTEMPTED TO START CAR AND IT STARTED. CHP ESCORTED ME OFF FREEWAY AND I DROVE HOME 5 MIN. AWAY. *KB

11. Tires, Jun 22, 2011

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WITH KUMHO SOLUS (NA) P195/65/R15 TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THE TWO FRONT TIRES WERE DETERIORATING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD LAST A LITTLE LONGER, BUT THE TIRES WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED SOON. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE THE TIRES ONLY HAVE 30,000 MILES ON THEM. UPDATED 8/29/11 *CN UPDATED 09/21/11

12. Exterior lighting, Jun 2, 2011

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR SELECTOR FAILED TO SHIFT FROM DRIVE INTO THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY DETECTED A SHORTAGE WITHIN THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WHICH CAUSED THE GEAR SELECTOR TO BECOME STUCK. THE BRAKE STOP LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED; ALTHOUGH EIGHT MONTHS LATER, THE IDENTICAL FAILURE RECURRED AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE STOP LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLY FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 13,137. UPDATED 07/20/11*LJ UPDATED 08/01/11

13. Air bags, Jun 2, 2011

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID 11V143000 AIR BAGS: FRONTAL: SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED; HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND THE FAILURE WOULD NEEDED TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER FILED REPORT 441870, AND STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINING ILLUMINATING WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THEY WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILES WERE 99,500.

14. Steering, May 23, 2011

    THIS IS A FOLLOW-UP TO ODI NUMBER 10395729, POWER STEERING FAILURE ON A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THIS SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED THREE DAYS AND 26 MILES DRIVEN AFTER THE INITIAL REPAIR BY THE DEALERSHIP. IN THIS CASE, I WAS IDLING IN THE LEFT HAND TURNING LANE OF A 6 LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY, WAITING IN A LINE OF CARS FOR A LEFT-TURN GREEN ARROW. THE STEERING WHEEL TWITCHED, TRIED TO ROTATE REALLY, IN MY HANDS, THEN FELT LOCKED. I LOOKED AT THE DASHBOARD AND THE RED EPS LIGHT WAS ON. I HAD RESEARCHED HYUNDAI EPS LIGHT PROBLEMS ON THE INTERNET SINCE MY FIRST INCIDENT, AND SOME POSTERS RECOMMENDED TURNING OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTING THE CAR TO ACTIVATE THE STEERING AGAIN. I TRIED THIS AND THE EPS LIGHT DID GO OUT WHEN THE CAR RESTARTED, AND THE FEELING OF STEERING WHEEL CONTROL RETURNED. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE OFF THE HIGHWAY BUT GOT NO MORE THAN 1/4 MILE TOTAL BEFORE THE STEERING LOCKED AGAIN AND THE EPS LIGHT WAS ON AGAIN. I DRIFTED TO THE CURB AND RESTARTED THE CAR AGAIN. THE STEERING CAME BACK ON AGAIN, AND I PROCEEDED ABOUT ANOTHER 1/4 MILE AT SLOW SPEED BEFORE THE STEERING LOCKED AGAIN AND THE EPS LIGHT REAPPEARED. I RESTARTED THE CAR AGAIN AND THIS TIME WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE LAST BLOCK TO MY HOME AND PULLED TO THE CURB. WHILE IDLING THERE, THE EPS LIGHT CAME ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AGAIN. I CALLED THE DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE, AND THEY RETURNED MY CALL AND TOLD ME TO CALL HYUNDAI ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE FOR A TOW. THE DEALERSHIP KEPT THE CAR SEVERAL DAYS AS THEY NEEDED TO ORDER A PART. THE WORK ORDER STATES '13090 SOP PART, REPLACE STEERING COLUMN, PART # 56310-2H300, SHAFT C1290 TORQUE SENSOR ABD'. IN ONE MONTH OF DRIVING SINCE THIS REPAIR, I HAVE HAD NO RED EPS LIGHTS, NO STEERING FAILURE. HOWEVER, THE STEERING WHEEL DOES CONTINUE TO TWITCH ON ITS OWN, SOMETIMES WHILE IDLING, SOMETIMES WHILE MOVING. I FEEL THE DEALERSHIP HAS TREATED ME FAIRLY, BUT I REMAIN CONCERNED ABOUT THE LONG TERM CONSEQUENCES OF THIS DEFECT. *TR

15. Steering, May 4, 2011

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND RIDING OVER UNEVEN PAVEMENT HE HEARD A LOUD RATTLING NOISE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE LINK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LINK WAS REPLACED ON THE FRONT SUSPENSION. A FEW DAYS AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE MADE THE RATTLING NOISES STARTED TO OCCUR AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

16. Power train, Electrical system, Apr 29, 2011

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WOULD BLINK SPORADICALLY. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME HESITANT TO ACCELERATION AND WOULD SPUTTER WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE WOULD VIBRATE AND IT WOULD FEEL AS THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS GOING TO STALL. THERE WAS ALSO A SHUDDER COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 07/26/11

17. Electrical system, Apr 27, 2011

    MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL FAILURES FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. CAR HAS REQUIRED MULTIPLE JUMPS BECAUSE OF DRAINED BATTERY, BOTH BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR TESTED WITHIN NORMAL RANGES AND DEALER COULD NOT FIND SOURCE OF ISSUE. SEEMS TO OCCUR AFTER EPISODES OF HEAVY WEATHER, RADIO ALSO DIES COMPLETELY AND NOT FUSE RELATED. LIGHTS (DAY/NIGHT) BURN OUT PERIODICALLY AT AN ACCELERATED RATE. BOUGHT CAR BRAND NEW IN 2008. *TR

18. Power train, Apr 27, 2011

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH IN REVERSE WHILE IN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY. THERE WERE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE GEAR SELECTOR WOULD SHIFT INTO PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED SPORADICALLY. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

19. Steering, Apr 13, 2011

    THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA AT THE SPEED LIMIT ON A 4 LANE, NON DIVIDED HIGHWAY IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I WAS DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK IN NORMAL MORNING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I WAS ABOUT 7 MILES INTO A NORMAL 10 MILE COMMUTE. THERE WAS NO WARNING. WHILE MOVING AT THE SPEED LIMIT, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. MY INITIAL THOUGHT WAS THAT THE CAR HAD SOMEHOW STALLED. I RAPIDLY PUMPED THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN AND WARN OTHER CARS. IT IS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, SO I DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH AND PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR. I HEARD THE ENGINE REV, SO I REALIZED IT WAS POWER STEERING FAILURE, NOT A STALL. I CONTINUED TO PUMPED THE BRAKES AND FOUGHT WITH THE STEERING TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. I AM OLD ENOUGH TO HAVE DRIVEN CARS THAT DID NOT HAVE POWER STEERING, BUT STEERING IN THIS CONDITION WAS MORE DIFFICULT THAN THAT. I SLOWED THE CAR WITHOUT INCIDENT AND MANAGED TO PULL IT INTO A PARKING LOT. I REALIZED THAT THE PARKING LOT WAS CONNECTED TO A SIDE STREET AND WAS ONLY A BLOCK AWAY FROM THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, SO I DROVE THE CAR ONTO THEIR LOT. THE DASHBOARD SHOWED ONE RED LIGHT, 'EPS". ONLY AFTER STEPPING OUT OF THE CAR DID I REALIZE HOW SHAKEN UP I WAS, IT WAS PROBABLY POOR JUDGMENT TO DRIVE EVEN THAT ONE BLOCK. I LEFT THE CAR FOR THEM TO SERVICE. FROM THE SERVICE WRITE-UP: UPON INSP TECH FOUND STEERING ANGLE SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE. CODE C1259, & C1290 PRESENT. TECH REPLACED SENSOR & CLEARED CODE. OPER TO MFR SPEC. THE DEALERSHIP DID THIS UNDER WARRANTY, NO CHARGE. THEY ALSO PERFORMED 2 OTHER RECALLS RELATED TO AIRBAGS WHILE THE CAR WAS THERE. I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW FROM THIS DEALER AND THEY ARE THE ONLY ONES TO EVER SERVICE IT. I HAVE NO REASON TO FAULT THE DEALER, I APPRECIATE THEIR WORK. FOR THE CAR HOWEVER, THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I HAD NO PRIOR WARNING OF ANY TYPE THAT THE STEERING WAS DEFECTIVE OR WOULD FAIL. IT FAILED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING. THIS INCIDENT COULD HAVE HAD VERY DIRE RESULTS. *TR

20. Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Mar 7, 2011

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES AND STEERING LOCKED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE WENT FORWARD INSTEAD. SHE SHIFTED INTO PARK AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. WHEN RESTARTED, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME NONRESPONSIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO RESET THE COMPUTER BUT COULD NOT CONFIRM THAT THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 11,500 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,000.

21. Power train, Feb 15, 2011

    AFTER PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK THE CAR WOULD SKIP DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AND INTO THE ROAD. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES IN VARIOUS DRIVEWAYS. THE DRIVEWAYS ARE NOT STEEP OR OUT OF THE ORDINARY. HYUNDAI CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM AND HAS REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO THE LOCKING PIN NOT ENGAGING. IT IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE ANYONE IN THE ROAD OR IN YOUR DRIVEWAY CAN BE HIT BY THE CAR AS IT SKIPS DOWN THE DRIVEWAY.

22. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Exterior lighting, Jan 29, 2011

    BRAKE SWITCH FAILURE

23. Other or unspecified, Dec 27, 2010

    I WOULD LIKE THE US DOT NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) ON MY 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE PURPOSE OF AN ABS IS TO PREVENT LOSS OF TRACTION AND STEERING CONTROL DURING AN EMERGENCY BRAKING SITUATION. DURING A RECENT ROUND OF WINTER SNOW, I FOUND THAT THE SYSTEM DID NOT SHORTEN MY STOPPING DISTANCE AND DID NOT PREVENT THE FRONT WHEELS FROM LOSING THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF THE CAR ON SNOW. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 465 AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, I WAS UNABLE TO DECELERATE SUFFICIENTLY IN THE LENGTH OF THE DECELERATION LANE TO MAKE THE CURVE OF THE CLOVERLEAF AND LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WHILE THE ABS WAS ACTIVATED. I DID SOME EXPERIMENTING AND FOUND THAT I COULD STOP IN A SHORTER DISTANCE WITH MORE CONTROL, IF I SHIFTED THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL WHEN TRYING TO STOP. I ALSO FOUND THAT I COULD SLOW THE VEHICLE BETTER AND NOT LOSE STEERING CONTROL IF I DOWNSHIFTED INTO A LOWER GEAR, THAN I COULD USING THE BRAKES. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER NEAR MY HOME AND COMPLAINED ABOUT THE ABS. THEY DROVE THE CAR AND TOLD ME THAT NO REPAIRS WERE NEEDED AND THAT THE ABS PERFORMED SIMILARLY TO OTHER HYUNDAI VEHICLES. WHEN I ADVISED THEM THAT THE ABS DID NOT ALLOW ME TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THE SERVICE TECH AGREED, BUT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PREFORMING AS DESIGNED. I SPOKE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER WHEN HE RETURNED FROM VACATION TODAY AND HE AGREED THAT THE ABS DID NOT WORK LIKE IT SHOULD, BUT THAT REPLACING PARTS WOULD NOT RESOLVE MY CONCERNS WITH THE ABS. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW WITH THIS ABS AS IT PERFORMS ON SNOW AND ICE AND I AM REQUESTING A FORMAL INVESTIGATION. I HAVE OBSERVED THE SAME RESULT OF ENGAGEMENT OF THE ABS ON WET PAVEMENT IN THE PAST, BUT TO A LESSER DEGREE.

24. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Dec 7, 2010

    I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA ON THE HIGHWAY AND BEGAN DRIVING ON THE EXIT RAMP WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED THE CAR ACCELERATED TO A SPEED OF 85MPH. I HAD BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND IT SLOWED TO 20MPH. AT THAT POINT I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED IT OFF. THE CAR WAS SMOKING AND I COULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. CAR WAS TAKEN TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY TOLD ME THE THROTTLE CABLE HAD DEBRIS ON IT AND MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE THROTTLE TO ACCELERATE TO HIGH SPEED. THE CAR HAD ACCELERATED TWICE BEFORE BUT NOT TO SUCH HIGH SPEEDS AND WOULD REACT TO THE BRAKES BEING APPLIED. *TR

25. Other or unspecified, Nov 4, 2010

    I PURCHASED A NEW 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA IN APRIL, 2008. IN JUNE OF 2008, CAR SURGED WHILE AT RED LIGHT. DEALER COULD NOT REPLICATE PROBLEM, NO REPAIR MADE. SURGING HAPPENED AGAIN IN JUNE OF 2008, DEALER REPLACED CRUISE CONTROL CABLE. IN APRIL OF 2009, SURGE HAPPENED AGAIN, DEALER REPLACED FUEL SENSOR. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, SO WHEN IT FIRST HAPPENED, I OPENED A CASE FILE WITH HYUNDAI. EACH SUBSEQUENT TIME, I REPORTED IT TO HYUNDAI, AS WELL. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS IN OCTOBER OF 20L0. AT THIS POINT, I TRADED THE CAR IN AT THE HYUNDAI DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT. I TOLD THEM THAT THE CAR WAS UNSAFE AND SHOULD NOT BE PUT ON THEIR USED CAR LOT FOR SALE. TODAY, I DISCOVERED THAT THE CAR IS FOR SALE ON THEIR LOT. I SPOKE WITH THE OWNER OF THE DEALERSHIP WHO SAID THAT HE WOULD REQUEST TIME FROM HYUNDAI TO "TEAR THE CAR DOWN" IN AN ATTEMPT TO LOCATE AND REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THIS CAR IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THE SURGING HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS IDLING AT A STOP, SO A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN FRONT OF THE CAR IS IN DANGER, OR A REAR-END COLLISION COULD EASILY HAPPEN AT A STOPLIGHT. I REPORTED THIS TO HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS TODAY. *TR