2008 Hyundai Sonata
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 425 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 26 Sonata model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 19 involved a crash and 11 involved a fire. 14 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, rearAug 12, 2013
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.
Control arm separation may suddenly change the rear wheel alignment, affecting the handling of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 13V354000 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
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
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.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsApr 10, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 08V161000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMar 7, 2008
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.
IMPROPER AIMING OF THE HEADLAMP MAY RESULT IN POOR VISIBILITY POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Campaign 08E021000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
137 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Jul 23, 2011
MY 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS HAS A "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT THAT LIGHTS UP EVEN WHEN A GROWN ADULT IS IN THE SEAT. I FEAR THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT EVEN WHEN AN ADULT IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS LIGHT HAS BEEN ILLUMINATING FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS. I TOOK IT TO A HYUNDAI DEALER IN ILLINOIS, AND THE DEALER REFUSED TO FIX THE ISSUE, SAYING IT WAS NOT COVERED BY A CERTAIN RECALL. *TR
Visibility, Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 24, 2011
DRIVER SIDE VISOR IMPAIRS VISIBILITY SIGNIFICANTLY. THE VISOR HANGS DOWN IN DRIVERS VIEW AND STAYS THERE. WE HAVE HIT OUR HEAD ON THE VISOR MANY TIMES, WHICH HURTS AND CAUSES MORE DISTRACTION FROM DRIVING. WE HAVE NOT HAD LUCK IN FIXING IT AND DO NOT HAVE MONEY TO REPLACE IT DUE TO JOB LOSS AND HIGH MONTHLY PAYMENTS. WHEN I SIT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE, I GET THE "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT WHICH COMES ON RANDOMLY AND I AM WAY OVER THE LIMIT IN WEIGHT FOR IT TO HAPPEN. I HAVE SAT CORRECTLY AND STILL DO AS TOLD BY MY DEALER. (WHICH WAS TOLD TO ME WAS THE CAUSE OF THE LIGHT ON/OFF RANDOMLY). THE ESC LIGHT COMES ON RIGHT AFTER STARTING TO DRIVE EX. LETTING OFF EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND PLACING IN 1ST GEAR. THIS CONTINUES FOR SEVERAL WEEKS MAYBE A MONTH OR MORE, THEN WILL RANDOMLY GO AWAY. THIS IS A DANGER AS WE RELY ON OUR CAREFUL DRIVING AND THE ESC WHICH HAS SAVED US MANY TIMES IN OUR OTHER VEHICLE. THE PAINT STARTED WEARING A MONTH AFTER WE BOUGHT THE CAR (WHICH WE BOUGHT OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR AND IT ONLY HAD 32 MILES ON IT) AND "WARRANTY" DOES NOT COVER IT. WE NOW HAVE A POLKA-DOTTED CAR. IT CONTINUES TO RUST AND PEEL AND MAKES US EXTREMELY DISSATISFIED WITH OUR CARS LOOKS AS WE WERE SO PROUD TO HAVE BOUGHT OUR 1ST BRAND NEW CAR. THE PAYMENTS ARE PAINSTAKING BUT WE SAID, "IT HAS SUCH GREAT REVIEWS AND IT IS A SAFE CAR FOR US AND OUR SON, SO IT'S WORTH IT" BUT YOU CAN NOT PUT A PRICE ON SAFETY AND THERE ARE SEVERAL THINGS THAT ARE IMPAIRING A SAFE DRIVE ESPECIALLY WHEN MY HUSBAND HAS TO DRIVE 45 MINUTES TO WORK EVERYDAY-YES, ONE WAY. *TR
Air bags, Mar 22, 2011
2008 HYUNDAI SONATA RED AIR BAG LIGHT WENT ON AND WOULD NOT GO OFF AFTER STARTING VEHICLE. PROBLEM BEGAN ON 11/28/10 AT APPROX. 61000 RECORDED MILES. PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT HAD TO BE REPAIRED UNDER RECALL FOLLOWING THE PURCHASE OF THE CAR (NEW). LIGHT CONTINUES TO STAY ON AT 68,000 MILES AND WILL NOT GO OFF WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED. VEHICLE IS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY. DEALER WANTS $124.00 TO CHECK OUT THE PROBLEM. *TR
Air bags, Jan 17, 2011
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG REMAINS OFF EVEN WHEN OCCUPIED BY MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER (115LBS) AND WIFE (125LBS). HYUNDAI INITIALLY CLAIMED THE SEAT WAS OPERATING NORMALLY. I THEN RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. THE SEAT HAS SINCE BEEN RE-CALIBRATED AT LEAST TWICE AND THE ENTIRE SEAT REPLACED ONCE. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM IS STILL EXISTS.
Air bags, Aug 15, 2010
OWN A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE AIR BAG LIGHT JUST CAME ON AND WON'T RESET. DEALER SAID IT COULD BE SEVERAL THINGS ... REPLACE SEAT BELT OR THE SEAT AT A VERY HIGH PRICE. DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE THAT THE LIGHT WOULD NOT COME ON AGAIN AFTER MAKING THE SO-CALLED REPAIR. THEY COULDN'T EVEN TELL ME IF THE AIR BAGS WOULD FUNCTION WHILE THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON IN MY CAR. I'M PRETTY MUCH AT A LOSS ON THIS ONE. WHATEVER HAPPENED TO SAFETY FIRST?? *TR
Air bags, Tires, Jun 18, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER'S AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE RECEIVED UNKNOWN REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V161000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER ADVISED THE PASSENGER WOULD HAVE TO MEET A CERTAIN HEIGHT AND WEIGHT SPECIFICATION IN ORDER FOR THE AIR BAG TO REGISTER AND ACTIVATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH ANY FURTHER REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED REPEATEDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 27,540. UPDATED 07/29/10 *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM FAILED. UPDATED 08/03/10*JB
Air bags, Jun 15, 2010
2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THERE IS A RECALL BUT WE ARE TOLD OURS IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. HOWEVER AT LEAST 75% IF THE TIME WHEN I OR MY HUSBAND ARE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED. WE HAVE TAKEN IT IN TO HYUNDAI OVER AND OVER, THEY HAVE REPROGRAMMED IT SEVERAL TIMES EVEN REPLACED THE ENTIRE SEAT BUT WE STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE SEAT DOES NOT RECOGNIZE ME OR ANYONE AS AN ADULT, COMPUTER REGISTERS ME AS NOT BEING HEAVY ENOUGH AND I WEIGH ALMOST 200LBS. I AM TOLD BY HYUNDAI THEY WILL NOT GIVE US A LOANER TILL THE PROBLEM IS RESOLVED AND THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE IS WE ARE IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAG DOES NOT DEPLOY AND IT CAUSES MORE SERIOUS INJURY. IT HAS BEEN OVER A WEEK SINCE THE SEAT WAS REPLACED AND THEY HAVE MADE NO DETERMINATION OTHER THAN OUR SEAT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. WE HAVE BEEN TAKING IT IN FOR THIS PROBLEM SINCE LAST SUMMER, NOT LONG AFTER IT WAS PURCHASED IT!! WHAT CAN WE DO? *TR
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Apr 23, 2010
I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA IN NOVEMBER OF 2007. I RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL BACK IN EARLY 2008 ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE AIRBAG SENSOR. I TOOK THE CAR IN A NUMBER OF TIMES AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WAS NO ISSUE. I TOOK THE CAR IN ANOTHER TIME AND THE DEALERSHIP SAW THE DEFECT. WHAT HAPPENS IS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL COME ON SAYING THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF, EVEN IF THERE IS AN ADULT OVER 150LBS SITTING IN THE SEAT IN THE UP-RIGHT POSITION. THE DEALERSHIP SENT THE SEAT TO SOME PLACE IN CALIFORNIA TO BE FIXED AND THEN WAS RETURNED AFTER THREE DAYS. I GOT THE CAR BACK AND I WAS STILL HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN A NUMBER OF TIMES TO GET THE ISSUE FIXED. I SHOWED THEM PICTURES AND VIDEOS BUT THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NO ISSUE WITH THE AIRBAG. MY SALES-WOMAN SUGGESTED THAT I FILE THE LEMON LAW ON THE CAR. SHE SAID THAT AS LONG AS I WAS STILL UNDER THE WARRANTY THAT I WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE LEMON LAW. I CALLED THE HOTLINE NUMBER SHE GAVE ME AND THEY SAID I JUST MISSED THE DEADLINE BY ONE MONTH. THE REP FOR THE LEMON LAW SAID I HAD TWO YEARS PLUS 60 DAYS TO FILE. MY DEADLINE WOULD OF BEEN JANUARY OF 2009. I CALLED THE HOTLINE IN FEBRUARY OF 2009. THEY REFERRED ME TO THE BBB AUTO LINE. THE ONLY THING BBB DID FOR ME WAS CONTACT HYUNDAI TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT WITH ME FOR THE DISTRICT PARTS MANAGER TO LOOK AT THE CAR. THE FIRST APPOINTMENT WAS GIVEN TO ME WITH TWO DAYS NOTICE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO LET THEM KNOW THAT I WAS NOT ABLE TO MAKE THE APPOINTMENT ON SUCH SHORT NOTICE. I AM A MANAGER OF A STORE AND I WORK 9AM-6PM EVERYDAY EXCEPT SUNDAYS. I WAS TOLD THAT HYUNDAI WOULD SCHEDULE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT WITH ME BUT I HAVE YET TO HEAR FROM THEM. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE DISTRICT PARTS MANAGER WOULD NOT ARRIVE BEFORE 9:30AM AND THE DEALERSHIP CLOSES BEFORE I WOULD HAVE A CHANCE TO GET THERE IN THE EVENINGS AND THEY ARE CLOSED ON SUNDAYS. I ALSO RECENTLY FOUND TWO MORE RECALLS ISSUED FOR MY CAR FOR THE HEADLIGHTS. *TR
Air bags, Mar 25, 2010, crash
I T BONED A ANOTHER PERSON FRONT END OF CAR WAS COMPLETELY SMASHED IN MY CAR WAS TOTALED . MY AIRBAG SENSOR WAS CHECKED AT THE NORTH LITTLE ROCK SERVICE HYN SONATA. 2008 IT WAS CLEARED AND SAID TO BE OK. .MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY . THE POLICE WERE SURPRISED THEY DID NOT GO OFF CONSIDERING MY WHOLE FRONT END WAS SMASHED AND MOVE BACKWARDS A GOOD 2 FEET COMPLETELY ACROSS MY FRONT END THEY MADE NOTE OF IT IN THE REPORT AND DID MY INSURANCE COMPANY . I DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION . THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS MY NECK WAS TIGHT ..
Air bags, Jan 25, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT TURNED THE IGNITION ON AND THE "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN ADDITION, THE "FASTEN SEAT BELT" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHILE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS WORN BY AN OCCUPANT. THE FAILURES OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE WARNING INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V161000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,443. THE VIN WAS REJECTED FROM THE SYSTEM WHICH WILL BE UPDATED UPON RECEIPT OF THE SAFETY COMPLAINT FORM.
Air bags, Oct 28, 2009, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION WITH A 30FT MOUND/RAILROAD TRACK. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF DAMAGE, ENOUGH TO DEEM THE CAR A "TOTAL LOSS", YET NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, I SUFFERED PHYSICAL INJURIES TO TOP HALF OF BY BODY BY LITERALLY SLAMMING INTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND WINDSHIELD. HAD MY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN MINIMAL INJURIES TO MY BODY. *TR
Air bags, Sep 30, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BECAUSE HE RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE # 08V161000 (AIR BAGS). UPON INSPECTION THE TECHNICIAN DID NOT MAKE REPAIRS, BECAUSE HE COULD NOT IDENTIFY A FAILURE. HOWEVER AFTER INSPECTION HE NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG SENSORS MISCLASSIFIED AN ADULT AS A CHILD. AS A CONSEQUENCE IN A SITUATION THAT WARRANTS, THE AIR BAGS MAY FAIL TO DEPLOY. THE DEALER WAS RECONTACTED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Air bags, Sep 21, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHEN SOMEONE WAS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHICH ALSO INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAILURE WITHIN THE AIR BAG. THE SEATS WERE TAKEN OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND REPROGRAMMED ON TWO OCCASIONS WITH NO CHANGE IN THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT IT WOULD BE COSTLY TO REPLACE THE SEAT OR THE AIR BAG SENSORS. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED MULTIPLE CASES EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK IF THE AIR BAGS FAIL TO DEPLOY IN A CRASH AND THE POSSIBILITY THAT A SERIOUS INJURY COULD OCCUR. THE CONTACT IS ALSO CONCERNED THAT ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Air bags, Aug 23, 2009
IT WAS PURCHASED MARCH 2008 FROM DAVE MENGAY IN RAINBOW CITY, ALABAMA. WITHIN WEEKS OF OWNING THIS VEHICLE, I NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT WAS NOT GOING OFF WHEN ADULTS WERE SEATED. PER THE MANUAL, THIS LIGHT SHOULD ONLY BE ON WHEN PASSENGERS LESS THAN FIFTY POUNDS WERE SEATED IN MY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. FOR MY FIRST OIL CHANGE IN JUNE 2008, I TOOK MY CAR TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER IN HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA TO HAVE SERVICED AND TO CHECK THE PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT. AT THE TIME, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUES. I LATER CALLED BACK, AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND THAT MY SEAT MAY NEED TO BE SERVICED IN CALIFORNIA. AFTER MY MOVE TO ILLINOIS, I TOOK MY CAR TO BE SERVICED FOR THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT. AT THIS TIME, I HAVE HAD MY CAR SERVICED FOR THIS ISSUE AT LEAST EIGHT TIMES. THIS IS TRULY RIDICULOUS. THE AIRBAG IS ONE OF THE SAFETY FEATURES THAT HAVE DECREASED ACCIDENT RELATED FATALITIES. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, MY PASSENGER MAY NOT BE PROTECTED DUE TO THE ISSUE. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO FOLLOW UP WITH MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER MANY TIMES WITH THIS ISSUE. JUST RECENTLY, A SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE, TOLD ME THAT SHE WAS WORKING WITH THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY WANTED TO TRY ONE LAST OPTION BEFORE SEEING WHAT ELSE COULD BE DONE. ON THE SAME DAY OF MY LAST SERVICE APPOINTMENT, THE PROBLEM REAPPEARED. I CONTACTED HER A FEW DAYS LATER. DESPITE HER PROMISES OF CALL BACKS, I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ONE. I CALLED LAST SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2009 TO INFORM THE MANAGERIAL STAFF THAT I WAS ABOUT TO WRITE TO CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND WANTED TO GIVE THEM ONE MORE ATTEMPT TO HELP ME. THE SALES MANAGER, PROMISED TO CALL ME BACK ON MONDAY AFTER 2 PM. NOT ONLY DID HE NOT CALL ME BACK, BUT WHEN I CALLED HIM ON THE MONDAY, HE TOLD ME THAT HE WAS WAITING ON A CALL BACK AND WOULD CALL ME BACK BY 9 PM WHICH HE DID NOT. NOW MY ESC LIGHT IS COMING ON WHILE I AM DRIVING. I HAVE HAD IT SERVICED FOR THIS BUT IT STILL DOES IT. *TR
Air bags, Jul 27, 2009
44 TIMES THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT HAS STAYED ON WITH A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT(6-17-08/7-22-09) HYUNDAI CO. HAS REPAIRED ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AUG, 08, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. I MUST TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTART THE VEH.. TO CLEAR THE PROBLEM. VERY CONCERNED FOR SAFETY REASONS. *TR
Suspension, Air bags, Jul 26, 2009
WE HAVE A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA AND WE HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE IN THE SHOP 5 TIMES FOR THE SAME DEFECTS. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT UNLESS YOU SIT COMPLETELY STILL IN THE SEAT IT WILL NOT COME ON. THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIXED IT THE LAST TIME IT WAS IN BUT SHORTLY AFTER WE GOT IT BACK IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN, ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THERE IS A NOISE UNDER THE FRONT END AND EVERY TIME IT HITS BUMPS IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING IS BROKE. *TR
Air bags, Apr 17, 2009
THE AIR BAG SYSTEM STAYS OFF WHEN MY WIFE (120 POUNDS) IS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT ABOUT 50% OF THE TIME. WHEN FIRST TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP WITH MY WIFE, THEY REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING BECAUSE THE WARNING LIGHT DID NOT GO ON. THE PROBLEM STILL CONTINUED. ANOTHER DEALER SENT THE SEAT TO CALIFORNIA TO BE REPAIRED IN MARCH 2009. THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. NOW, HYUNDAIUSA WANTS ME TO RETURN TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN WITH MY WIFE OR SOMEONE OF SIMILAR STATURE. THIS TIME, A HYUNDAI REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE WILL BE PRESENT. HYUNDAI USA CONSUMER AFFAIRS WOULD NOT GIVE ANY MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT THE PROCESS IS IF THE PROBLEM PERSISTS THEREAFTER NOR WOULD THEY GIVE ME THE NAME AND/OR CONTACT INFORMATION OF THE ANYONE TO SPEAK TO. THEY SAID THEY WOULD FORWARD ON MY CASE AND I MAY OR MAY NOT BE CONTACTED BY SOMEONE AT HYUNDAI USA WITH ANSWERS TO MY QUESTIONS. OTHERWISE, I JUST HAVE TO WAIT TO HEAR WHAT THE HYUNDAI REP HAS TO SAY WHEN MY APPOINTMENT IS FINALLY SCHEDULED. CURRENTLY, WAITING TO HEAR FROM THE DEALER. *TR
Air bags, Mar 31, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. IN NOVEMBER OF 2008, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V161000 (AIR BAGS). AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS, THE SENSOR WAS TURNING THE AIR BAG OFF WHENEVER AN OCCUPANT WOULD SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT LOCATE THE FAILURE OR PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE WHEN HIS CHILDREN ARE SEATED IN THE VEHICLE, THE SENSOR SHUTS OFF THE AIR BAG. THIS COULD BE FATAL IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Air bags, Dec 3, 2008
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG REMAIN DEACTIVATED (SIGN SHOWS THAT), SEVERAL TIMES, WHEN MY WIFE (120LBS, 5'3) SITS ON IT. HAVE BEEN TO DEALERSHIP ONCE AND THEY SENT THE SEAT TO HYUNDAI SERVICE CENTER FOR RECTIFICATION, BUT THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. THIS CAN BE A SERIOUS SITUATION IN CASE OF CRASH, AS HAVING PROPERLY WORKING AIRBAG IS ESSENTIAL FOR PASSENGER SAFETY. *TR
Air bags, Nov 19, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. EACH TIME A 260 LBS. OCCUPANT IS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OF THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY. THIS INDICATES THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS DEACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY SEVEN TIMES TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THERE IS A RECALL REGARDING THIS ISSUE, BUT THE FAILURE HAS STILL NOT BEEN RESOLVED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,351 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,200.
Air bags, Nov 18, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. EVERYTIME THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATES AND WILL NOT DIM. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST SEVEN TIMES. THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IF A CRASH OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,600. UPDATED 12/1/08 *CN THE WOULD ALWAYS REPLACE A SENSOR, BUT THE PROBLEM REMAINED THE SAME. UPDATED 12/05/08. *JB
Air bags, Nov 13, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER HIS 115 LBS. SPOUSE SITS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATES AND EVENTUALLY DIMS. THE VIN IS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V161000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR THE RECALL AND THE SEAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SHIPPED AWAY WITH HIS SPOUSE'S WEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG LIGHT CURRENTLY NO LONGER DIMS WHEN SHE SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,800.
Air bags, Nov 6, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR. THROUGH RESEARCH, THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V161000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE RECALL DEFECT; HOWEVER, THE REMEDY DID NOT PROPERLY CORRECT THE SAFETY DEFECT. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,655. UPDATED 11/28/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE WIFE SAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON. UPDATED 12/02/08. *JB
Air bags, Oct 10, 2008
2008 HYUNDAI SONATA HAS A RECALL FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HIS WIFE SAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WOULDN'T HONOR THE RECALL BECAUSE WHEN THE CONSUMER SAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WENT OFF. THE CONSUMER STATED HE WEIGHED 175 POUNDS AND THE RECALL LETTER CLEARLY STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT PERTAINED TO SMALLER ADULTS. *JB
Air bags, Sep 30, 2008
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM HYUNDAI INDICATING THAT THERE IS A DEFECT AND THE "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" LAMP ILLUMINATES WHILE THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT IS OCCUPIED BY AN SMALL STATURE ADULT. I HAVE TWIN 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTERS AND WHEN THEY SIT IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT THE LIGHT SOMETIMES GOES OFF AND IT SOMETIMES STAYS ON. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND LET HIM KNOW THE SITUATION AND I WAS TOLD TO GIVE IT ANOTHER WEEK. ON 9/23 I CONTACTED THE DEALER AGAIN IN NEWARK OHIO AND AGAIN EXPLAINED THE SITUATION AND CRAIG BARGER INFORMED ME HE WOULD HAVE TO CONTACT HIS REP. HE LET ME KNOW VIA EMAIL ON 9/26 THAT AGAIN UNLESS I COULD SHOW THEM THAT THE LIGHT DID NOT GO OUT THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING. I THEN CONTACTED THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AND INFORMED THEM OF THE SITUATION AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING UNLESS I PROVED TO THEM THE LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OUT. HE TOLD ME TO GO STRAIGHT TO THE DEALER AND I INFORMED HIM THAT DURING THE WEEK I WORK AND AFTER WORK THE DEALER IS CLOSED AND HAS MINIMAL HOURS ON THE WEEKEND. I AM FRUSTRATED AND CONCERNED THAT THE SAFETY FEATURES OF THIS CAR IS NOT WHAT I BOUGHT. *TR