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, Sep 24, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN AN OCCUPANT IS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND WILL NOT DIM. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY SENT THE CUSHION SEAT TO THE MANUFACTURER IN CALIFORNIA FOR REPAIR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE DEALER WAS ALSO UNABLE TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,200.
Air bags, Sep 19, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHEN HIS SMALL STATURED WIFE SAT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWICE ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V161000 (AIR BAGS). BOTH REMEDIES HAVE BEEN INSUFFICIENT IN PROPERLY REPAIRING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 7,000.
Air bags, Sep 8, 2008
RECALL NOTICE FOR 2008 SONATA HYUNDAI ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DEALERSHIP TOLD HIM NOT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN UNLESS HE WAS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH AIR BAGS. *NJ
Air bags, Jul 30, 2008
MY 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA WAS AFFECTED BY THE AIRBAG SENSOR RECALL. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. MY CAR WAS IN THE SHOP FOR 3 DAYS AND IT WAS RETURNED TO ME BUT THE AIRBAG SENSOR PROBLEM STILL PERSISTED INCONSISTENTLY. I AM A 120LB ADULT AND THE AIRBAG SENSOR DOES NOT RECOGNIZE ME AS A PASSENGER WHEN I SIT IN THE SEAT. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK 10+ TIMES TRYING TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED AND ULTIMATELY THEY GAVE ME A BRAND NEW PASSENGER SEAT BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH MINE. UNFORTUNATELY THE PROBLEM IS STILL CONTINUING EVEN WITH THIS BRAND NEW SEAT. I AM SCHEDULED TO TAKE THE CAR BACK IN TO THE SHOP NEXT WEEK AND AM HOPING THEY WILL GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS FIASCO SOON. I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS FOR A MONTH NOW. *TR
Air bags, Jul 28, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. INTERMITTENTLY, WHEN THE CONTACT'S 106 POUND WIFE IS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG LIGHT DIMS AND THEN ILLUMINATES AGAIN, AS IF NO ONE IS IN THE SEAT. THIS INCIDENT HAS OCCURRED THREE SEPARATE TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE, BUT WITH NO RESOLUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V161000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,400 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. UPDATED 09/13/08.*LJ THE DEALER REPLACED THE AIR BAG MODULE.
Air bags, Jul 17, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 008V161000 (AIR BAGS). HE WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLE OR SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT UNLESS HIS WIFE CAME WITH HIM TO SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AND THEY AGREED THAT HIS WIFE HAD TO BE PRESENT. HE STATED THAT THE AIR BAG FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 2,700. UPDATED 09/10/08. *LJ UPDATED 09/11/08*JB
Power train, Air bags, Tires, Feb 12, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE AIR BAG LIGHT INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS DEACTIVATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PASSENGER MAY NOT WEIGH ENOUGH TO ACTIVATE THE AIR BAG FEATURE. THE CONTACT'S WIFE IS THE ONLY PASSENGER THAT SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND SHE WEIGHS 135 LBS. THE VIN WAS VERIFIED, BUT APPEARS TO BE INVALID. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,600. UPDATED 03/04/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE VIBRATES AT THE SPEED OF 40 TO 45 MILES PER HOUR. UPDATED 03/04/08 *TR
Power train, Air bags, Feb 6, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHEN A PASSENGER IS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG LIGHT DIMMED. THE PASSENGER WEIGHED 105 LBS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAG REMAINS OFF BECAUSE OF THE WEIGHT OF THE PASSENGER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND MADE A NOISE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A TORQUE CONVERTER SHUTTER THAT WAS CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE BECAUSE THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A FUEL ECONOMY FEATURE AND THE REPAIR WAS NOT ALLOWED. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOT OF WIND NOISE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,900.
Air bags, Dec 31, 2007
THE AIRBAG LIGHT DOES NOT GO OFF WHEN A LIGHTER WEIGHT PASSENGER IS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WHICH WE FIND VERY UNSAFE FOR OUR PASSENGERS. THE WEIGHT IT SHOULD REGISTER TO GO OFF AS WE UNDERSTOOD IS A BODY BEING OVER 85 LBS., BUT THERE SEEMS TO BE NO RHYME OR REASON AS TO WHEN IT STAYS ON OR GOES OFF TO MAKE THE PASSENGER SAFER. MANY DRIVERS ARE LIGHT WEIGHT AS ARE MANY PASSENGERS AND THIS SHOULD BE FIXED FOR SAFETY. OCCASIONALLY WHEN RESTARTING THE CAR, THE LIGHT SUDDENLY GOES OFF AND SETS THE AIRBAG READY FOR USE IF NEEDED, BUT IT IS VERY ANNOYING TO RESTART YOUR CAR SEVERAL TIMES AND A WASTE OF GAS. AFTER SEVERAL RESTARTS AND HOPING, THE LIGHT SOMETIMES NEVER GOES OUT. THIS IS WITH THE SAME LIGHT WEIGHT PASSENGER SO IT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE. ALSO THE AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS COME ON MUCH LATER THAN DUSK AND THEREFORE MAKE UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS IF THE DRIVER THINKS THEY HAVE COME ON AND YET THEY ARE DELAYED MUCH LONGER THAN NORMAL. PAYING FOR THIS FEATURE JUST TO NOT HAVE THEM COME ON IN TIME FOR DUSK MAKES FOR BUYER DISSATISFACTION AMONG THE FEELING OF BEING UNSAFELY DRIVING WITH OUT LIGHTS AT DUSK. *TR
Air bags, Dec 23, 2007
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT REMAINS ON EVEN WHEN AN ADULT IS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. SOMETIMES THE CONDITION CAN BE CLEARED BY RESTARTING THE VEHICLE BUT OTHER TIMES THE CONDITION REMAINS THE SAME. ADJUSTING THE SEATING POSITION AND SEAT LOCATION DO NOT SEEM TO AFFECT THE PROBLEM AT ALL. *TR
Air bags, Nov 23, 2007
THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN A PASSENGER WHO WEIGHS OVER 115 LBS IS SEATED IN THE SEAT. THE LIGHT STATES THE AIRBAG IS OFF. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IF THE AIRBAG IS OFF IT WILL NOT DEPLORE IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT. THEREFORE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE SEATBELT, THERE IS NO OTHER SAFETY FEATURE IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED UNDER THE ASSUMPTION THERE WERE FRONT AND SIDE AIRBAGS WHICH APPARENTLY WILL NOT BE THE CASE BECAUSE OF SOME SORT OF DEFECT IN THE SENSOR FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS IS INTERMITTENT BUT NONETHELESS IS NOT A CHANCE I SHOULD HAVE TO TAKE WITH MY PASSENGERS. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND FIXED IMMEDIATELY OR MY MONEY SHOULD BE REFUNDED SO I CAN PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH RELIABLE SAFETY FEATURES. THE FACT THAT THIS VEHICLE IS RATED 5 STARS IN SAFETY FEATURES NEEDS TO BE REEVALUATED. *TR
Air bags, Nov 19, 2007
MY 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA PASSENGER AIR BAG SYSTEM REMAINS OFF WHEN PASSENGER IS IN SEAT. I HAVE TAKEN CAR TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND HYUNDAI STILL HAS NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM. I HAVE ASKED FOR INFORMATION SHOWING WEIGHT RESTRAINTS OR LIMITS OF SYSTEM WITH NO ANSWERS. I FEEL THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. *TR