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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 425

Of the 2008 reports, 19 involved a crash and 11 involved a fire. 14 people were injured.

Primary concernAir bags137 reports · 32% of complaints
Owner complaints425Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship5 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Air bags137
  2. Visibility67
  3. Service brakes55
  4. Engine48
  5. Electrical system32
  6. Electronic stability control (ESC)30
  7. Hydraulic30
  8. Visibility/wiper30

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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: service brakes

55 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 29, 2011

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKES WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 22,000. UPDATED 12/12/11*LJ THE CONSUMER BELIEVED SUBSTANDARD MATERIAL WERE USED IN THE INITIAL PRODUCTION OR DESIGN OF THE BRAKES. UPDATED 06/22/12

  2. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 4, 2011

    WHEN I BOUGHT A NEW 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA, I SOON EXPERIENCED A SQUEALING SOUND FROM THE REAR BRAKES. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICED THE BRAKES. THEY SAID IT WAS THE SHIMS CAUSING THE BRAKES TO SEIZE AND KEEP FROM SLIDING PROPERLY. WITHIN 30,000 MILES THE REAR BRAKES WERE WORN OUT. I NOW HAVE 54,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND THE REAR BRAKE PADS ARE WORN OUT. I DISCOVERED FROM MY MECHANIC THAT THIS MODEL IS KNOWN FOR A PREMATURE WEAR PROBLEM WITH THE REAR BRAKES. THE PADS SEIZED IN PLACE UNABLE TO BACK OFF THE ROTOR. I'M PROMPTED TO NOTIFY YOU DUE TO THE MANY POSTINGS OF THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET. I'M NOT SURE IF IT IS A WEATHER CONCERN WITH CORROSION OR A DESIGN FLAW IN THE CALIPER. *TR

  3. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Visibility, Equipment, May 21, 2011

    OUR 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA , AT AROUND 25000 MILES BEGAN TO HAVE INTENSE SCREECHING FROM REAR BRAKES. LOCAL MECHANIC INFORMED US HYDRAULIC PISTON WAS STUCK/RUSTED OPEN AND WAS WEARING BRAKES TOTALLY DOWN. HE WAS ABLE TO GREASE AND DO PAINSTAKING REPAIRS TO PISTONS . HAD TO REPLACE SHOES/ROTORS. NEITHER VISOR WILL STAY UP THEY HAVE SAGGED TO THE POINT THAT WE HAVE ESCORTED TO INDUSTRIAL VELCRO TO KEEP THEM UP.THIS HAS NEARLY CAUSED 2 ACCIDENTS. *TR

  4. Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 6, 2011

    I HAVE BEEN CONCERNED ABOUT THE REAR BRAKES DUE TO THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON MYCARSTATS.COM. OFTEN WHEN I GET THE CAR SERVICED BY THE DEALER I HAVE MENTIONED THAT THEY SHOULD CHECK THE REAR BRAKES. THIS TIME WAS THE 45000 MILE SERVICE AND I BROUGHT A PRINTOUT OF THE 26 EXISTING COMPLAINTS. THE SERVICE MANAGER ASSURED ME THAT THEY ALWAYS CHECK AND CLEAN REAR BRAKES, CALIPERS, ROTORS, ETC TO PREVENT AN EARLY FAILURE. SHORTLY AFTER LEAVING THE CAR, THE SERVICE MANAGER CALLS ME TO SAY THAT INDEED THE REAR BRAKE PADS WERE WORN OUT AND NEEDED REPLACING. I TOLD HIM I THOUGHT THAT IT SHOULD BE UNDER THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS A KNOWN DEFECT IN THESE SONATAS. HE SAID BRAKES ONLY HAD A 1 YEAR WARRANTY AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY. THERE WAS NO SOUND OR WARNING IN ADVANCE. IF IT WASN'T FOR THE MYCARSTATS.COM WEBSITE, I WOULD HAVE NEVER KNOWN TO KEEP ASKING. THE FRONT BRAKES ARE FINE AND HAVE NOT YET BEEN REPLACED. DRIVING IS MOSTLY HIGHWAY. IS THERE A CLASS ACTION SUIT FOR THIS YET? *TR

  5. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 29, 2011

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENGAGING THE BRAKES IT PRODUCED A GRINDING NOISE. A LOCAL MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

  6. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 3, 2011

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LEFT REAR BRAKES WERE GRINDING ABNORMALLY. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE BRAKES WERE WORN AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH REAR BRAKES AND PADS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,279 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000. UPDATED 03/31/11*LJ UPDATED 04/05/11

  7. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Wheels, Feb 11, 2011

    TOOK CAR TO DEALER FOR ANNUAL STATE VEHICLE INSPECTION AND TO HAVE "CHIRPING" NOISE FROM BRAKES CHECKED. REAR BRAKE PADS WERE AT 3/32"; MIN ALLOWED IS 2/32". FRONT PADS OK AT +7/32". REPLACED REAR PADS, MACHINED ROTORS. MILEAGE WAS 23,226; CAR PURCHASED FEB2008 AND WAS REGULARLY SERVICED AT DEALER. DEALER SA ADVISED THAT PAD WEAR WAS NORMAL AND THAT 'ON THIS MODEL THE REAR BRAKES ALWAYS WEAR FASTER'. WHEN THIS WAS DISPUTED THE SA SAID THAT CORROSION ON CALIPER DID NOT ALLOW PADS TO WITHDRAW AND THAT CONSTANT CONTACT WORE OUT THE PADS. WHEN ASKED ABOUT WARRANTY COVERAGE SA SAID THAT BRAKES ARE ONLY COVERED FOR 12 MONTHS. SUBSEQUENTLY NOTED THAT ON SIDE OF CAR WITH STICKING CALIPER THAT THE PAINT ON BOTH STEEL WHEELS HAS PEELED AND WHEELS HAVE RUSTED. TIRES HAVE BEEN ROTATED, FRONT-TO-BACK, SEVERAL TIMES SINCE NEW. POSSIBLE THAT EXCESSIVE HEAT FROM DRAGGING PADS OVERHEATED WHEELS AND DAMAGED PAINT. ALSO POSSIBLE THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE HEAT TO WHEEL BEARINGS. WILL HAVE THIS CHECKED AT NEXT SERVICE, OR SOONER. THIS PREMATURE REAR PAD WEAR IS NOT NORMAL FOR HYUNDAI. ALSO, PRESENTLY DRIVING A 2001 ELANTRA THAT WENT 60K+ BEFORE NEEDING BRAKES. NEVER OWNED ANY CAR THAT HAD REAR BRAKES WEAR BEFORE FRONT. THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS REGISTERED INDICATES THAT THIS IS A DESIGN/MATERIAL ISSUE THAT NEEDS CORRECTING BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT. *TR

  8. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 21, 2011

    NO FAILURE OCCURRED. THE PROBLEM WAS DETECTED BEFORE FAILURE. I HAD THE BRAKES CHECKED AT JUST UNDER 45,600 MILES EXPECTING TO HAVE THE BRAKE PADS REPLACE. INSPECTION SHOWED THAT THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS WERE MADE OF DEFECTIVE METAL WHICH CORRODED AND PITTED BADLY. IT DESTROYED THE OUTER PART OF THE BRAKE PADS SO THEY DID NOT MAKE CONTACT WITH THE ROTOR. LESS THAN ONE HALF OF THE BRAKE PAD WAS PROVIDING BRAKING ABILITY. THE ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED ON THE REAR WHEELS AS WELL AS ALL BRAKE PADS ON ALL 4 WHEELS. THE BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT IS EXPECTED MAINTENANCE. THE REAR WHEEL ROTORS WERE DEFECTIVE PARTS. *TR

  9. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 3, 2010

    REAR BRAKE ROTORS RUSTED. REAR BRAKES WORN. REPLACED REAR BRAKES AND RESURFACED ROTORS. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 35,570 MILES. FRONT BRAKES FINE. REAR BRAKES SHOULD BE RUSTED AND NEED REPAIR AT 35,570 MILES. *TR

  10. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 28, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20-25 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND NOTICED A VERY LOUD RUBBING SOUND, LIKE METAL TO METAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THERE WERE NO REPAIRS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER POLISHED THE DRUMBS AND RESET THE BRAKE PADS BUT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AT LEAST EIGHT TIMES AND THE DEALER POLISHED THE DRUMS AND RESET THE PADS ON EACH VISIT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,500.

  11. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 21, 2010

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND HEARD A METAL TO MEDAL LOUD SCREECHING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PRODUCED THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT LUBRICATE THE PISTONS PROPERLY; AND THE QUALITY OF THE LUBRICANT WAS INSUFFICIENT. THE REAR ROTORS WERE REPLACED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. ADDITIONALLY, THE OWNER'S MANUAL INSTRUCTED THAT THE BRAKES BE DIAGNOSED EVERY 15,000 MILES, AND IF THE BRAKES LUBRICATION WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY THEN THE CALIPERS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MANUAL WAS NOT COMMUNICATED TO HIM AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, WHICH WAS A SIGNIFICANT CONCERN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

  12. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 9, 2010

    I HAVE A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA AND HAD TO REPLACE MY REAR BRAKES AT 24,000 MILES. MY DEALER SAID THAT IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE CALIPERS STICKING AND THIS CAUSED MY REAR BRAKES TO WEAR PREMATURELY. MY DEALER ALSO INDICATED THAT THIS IS "A HYUNDAI PROBLEM" AND THEY SEE THIS A LOT WITH "THESE CARS." I CONTACTED HYUNDAI AND INFORMED THEM OF THIS ISSUE, AND THEY WERE VERY RUDE TO SAY THE LEAST WITH REGARD TO THEIR RESPONSE. THEY CLEARLY TOOK NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE AND FOR THE MOST PART LAYS THE BLAME ON THE DRIVER AND THE DRIVING CONDITIONS. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE REAR BRAKES REQUIRE REPLACING AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE. THERE ARE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS LISTED HERE WHERE OTHER OWNERS OF THESE CARS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS, YET NO INVESTIGATION IS BEING LAUNCHED AND HYUNDAI CLEARLY REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR CLEARLY SUBSTANDARD BRAKING SYSTEMS. *TR

  13. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 3, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. SHE HEARD A NOISE NEAR THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKES SHOULD BE INSPECTED EVERY 15,000 MILES BUT OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 27,100.

  14. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 16, 2010

    AT 10K MILES REAR BRAKE ROTORS WERE GLAZED FROM STICKING BRAKE PADS; ROTORS WERE MACHINED AND BRAKE PADS REPLACED. AT 26.8K MILES THE REAR BRAKES WERE "METAL TO METAL" AND BRAKE PADS COMPLETELY WORN DUE TO DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE PAD BEING SEIZED INTO ROTORS (DEALERS LANGUAGE). DEALER ATTRIBUTED BRAKE FAILURE TO INCREASED CORROSION DUE TO OUR MAINE LOCATION. NONE OF THE OTHER VEHICLES WE HAVE HAD EXHIBITED THESE PROBLEMS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN THAT I HAVE BEEN OPERATING THE CAR FOR AN INDETERMINATE TIME WITH NO REAR BRAKES. THE DEFECT WAS DISCOVERED DURING A NORMAL TIRE ROTATION. I SUSPECT HYUNDAI ENCOURAGES TIRE ROTATION AT EVERY SERVICE INTERVAL IN ORDER TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXAMINE REAR BRAKES. *TR

  15. Service brakes, Electric, Jul 12, 2010

    I HAVE A 2008 SONATA WITH 46,000 MILES AND THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE BRAKES HAVE GIVEN ME A PROBLEM. THE FIRST TIME I HAD TO REPLACE THE ROTORS TOO. THIS TIME REAR BRAKES ARE GOING OUT AGAIN AND ARE DOWN TO THE ROTORS. I THINK THERE SHOULD BE SOME KIND OF WARNING LIGHT TO WARN THE DRIVER THAT THE BRAKES ARE GOING BAD. BUT TWICE AT 46,000 MILES THAT IS NOT NORMAL! THE DEALER HAS SAID IT IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I HAVE MOSTLY DRIVEN HIGHWAY MILES AND CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. *TR

  16. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 6, 2010

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THERE WAS A SQUEAKING AND A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. THE PIN THAT CONTROLS THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WAS WORN. THE PIN CONTROLLED THE MOVEMENT IN THE BRAKE CALIPERS AND WHEN IT DOES NOT MOVE IT DETERIORATES THE CALIPERS AND ROTORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT SHE HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES AT HER EXPENSE SINCE THEY WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY OR RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27,000.

  17. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 12, 2010

    REAR BRAKES STICKING ON. FIRST OCCURRED AT 35,000 MILES AND DEALER NOTIFIED ME THAT THE BRAKE PADS NEEDED REPLACED, BUT UPON INSPECTION I SAW THAT ONLY ONE PAD WAS WORN TO THE METAL, AND THE OTHERS WERE AT > 50% LIFE. I REPLACED THE PAD BUT THE CALIPER AND SLIDER DESIGN IS DEFECTIVE AND THE FAILURE HAPPENED AGAIN AT 40,000 MILES. THIS TIME THE CAR BEGAN JERKING AND SUFFERED LOSS OF BRAKE PERFORMANCE AS THE INDICATOR, ALONG WITH NOISE, SMOKE, AND ODOR. THE HYUNDAI DEALER (MIKE MILLER IN PEORIA, IL) WOULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY, INSTEAD SAYING IT WAS A NORMAL WEAR ITEM. *TR

  18. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 1, 2010

    BEGAN HEARING A DRAGGING NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE CAR AND THOUGHT SOMETHING WAS DRAGGING UNDERNEATH LOOKED AND SAW NOTHING. GOT HOME AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS SIGNIFICANTLY MORE BRAKE DUST ON THE PASSENGER REAR HUBCAP THAN ALL THE OTHERS. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION IT APPEARS THAT THE PAD IS COMPLETELY WORN BECAUSE THE BRAKE IS LOCKING AND THEN NOT RELEASING WHEN IT SHOULD. I HAVE DONE QUITE A BIT OF RESEARCH AND NOTICED THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD VERY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS MODEL YEAR AND MALFUNCTION. THE COMMON TREND IS LOW MILEAGE SO THIS IS NOT A DRIVER ISSUE. THIS WILL ULTIMATELY RESULT IN THE REPLACING OF THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS AT THE VERY LEAST. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY WITH THE DEALERSHIP SO THEY CAN TELL US EVERYTHING THAT IS WRONG. *TR

  19. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 30, 2010

    RECENTLY BROUGHT MY 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA IN FOR A FREE INSPECTION BY MY DEALER. MY BRAKES WERE INSPECTED AND MY REAR BRAKES WERE FOUND TO BE 70% WORN AND THE PADS, ETC... WERE FROZEN RESULTING IN PREMATURE WEAR!!! MY FRONT BRAKES ARE ONLY 50% WORN. MY SERVICE MANAGER SAID THAT THIS IS TYPICAL FOR HYUNDAI SONATAS OF THIS YEAR BUT NO FINANCIAL REMEDY CAME FROM MY DEALER. I HAD TO PAY TO HAVE MY BRAKES "UNFROZEN" AND WAS TOLD THAT WITHIN THE NEXT 3 MONTHS I WILL NEED TO HAVE NEW REAR BRAKES PUT ON. OF NOTE, MY CAR ONLY HAS 24,000 MILES AND MY REAR BRAKES SHOULD NOT HAVE WORN OUT THIS SOON AND CERTAINLY NOT BEFORE MY FRONT BRAKES. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO GET ON THE BALL HERE AND ISSUE SOME TYPE OF RECALL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE - I HAVE A CHILD THAT RIDES IN THIS CAR CONSTANTLY.

  20. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 3, 2010

    CAR HAD 19,000 MILES ON IT, I BOUGHT IT NEW. GRINDING NOISE FROM REAR DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL TOOK IT TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR CALIPER WAS NOT RELEASING WHICH RUINED THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTOR. TOLD THE CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE ROTOR, CALIPER AND PADS HAD TO BE REPLACED. DEALER COVERED THE COST. NEVER HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS WITH ANY OTHER OF THE OTHER CARS I OWNED. MY MILES ARE HIGHWAY MILES AND I DO NOT HAVE TO USE THE BRAKES AS OFTEN AS I WOULD IN THE CITY. *TR

  21. Service brakes, Electric, Feb 22, 2010

    PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SNOW ON THE ROAD. STARTED TO MOVE OUT TO THE ROAD AGAIN WHEN I NOTICED A LOUD GRINDING COMING FROM THE REAR BRAKES. MADE IT HOME AND TOOK THE CAR TO THE SHOP WHERE I BOUGHT IT, HEALY HYUNDAI IN BEACON NY. REAR BRAKES DOWN TO METAL AND ROTORS GOING. THEY RESURFACED ROTORS AND SAID IT WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. NO OTHER EXPLANATION. I DID NOT APPRECIATE THIS BECAUSE EVEN NOT HAVING NOT MUCH OF A MECHANICAL BACKGROUND, I NEVER HAD TROUBLE LIKE THIS WITH BRAKES THIS EARLY ON AND I HAVE DRIVEN MANY A CAR AND MANY MILES. THE CAR HAS 36,014 MILES AND HEAELY SAID THE FRONT BRAKES HAVE AT LEAST A YEAR TO GO. SOMEONE AT HYUNDIA NEEDS TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS BEFORE THIS BECOMES ALOT WORSE. PLEASE I HOPE SOMEONE LOOKS INTO THIS. ALSO THE DEALERS NEED TO BE HONEST WITH PEOPLE AND NOT BLAME AN PERCEIVED DEFECT IN MY OPINION WITH THE BRAKES ON THE DRIVER. I HAVE CHILDREN AND DON'T WANT THE BRAKES TO FAIL. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. *TR

  22. Service brakes, Electric, Feb 15, 2010

    I AM DRIVING A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA AND HAD MY REAR BRAKES DETERIORATE TO NOTHING WITH OUT ANY WARNING. THEY WERE TO THE POINT WHERE IT WAS METAL TO METAL AND I HAD TO REPLACE MY BRAKES AND MY ROTORS. THE SCARY PART WAS THAT THE SOUNDS METAL TO METAL WERE NOT CONSTANT SO IF YOU DID NOT KNOW BETTER YOU MIGHT DEBATE ON WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. *TR

  23. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 25, 2010

    PREMATURE WEAR OF REAR BRAKE PADS ON A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. REAR BRAKE PADS WERE COMPLETELY GONE AT 35000 MILES. MY WIFE HAD BRAKE FAILURE WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE. REMOVED WHEELS AT HOME AND FOUND CALIPERS WERE DIGGING INTO ROTORS BECAUSE OF COMPLETE EROSION OF BRAKE PADS. CALLED DEALER HE SAID IT HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. NOT SURE WHY, HYUNDAI OFFERS NO EXPLANATION OR SUGGESTIONS EITHER. REPLACED PADS WITH NEW ONES, WILL WAIT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS. I WILL INSPECT EVERY 10000 MILES TO DETERMINE EXTENT OF FUTURE WEAR ON THE BRAKE PADS. FRONT PADS WERE AT 8/32 REAR PADS WERE 0/32.. PISTONS WERE CLEAN ON THE REAR AND APPEARED TO BE WORKING FINE, BOTH REAR PADS WERE GONE EQUALLY. *TR

  24. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 4, 2009

    2008 HYUNDAI SONATA WITH ONLY 12,600 MILES, WHILE DRIVING WITH 2 SMALL CHILDREN HEARD LOUD NOISE FROM BACK OF CAR WHILE TAKING A TURN. BROUGHT TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD NEEDED NEW BRAKE PADS DUE TO RUST ON THE ROTOR. DIDN'T HAVE THEM DO THE WORK AS THE COST WAS LARGE. BROUGHT TO OUR OWN MECHANIC WHO SHOWED US THE LEFT REAR BRAKE PAD WAS DOWN TO METAL BUT THE RIGHT WAS NORMAL SMALL WEAR. HE CALLED HYUNDAI DEALER AS THIS DIDN'T SEEM NORMAL TO HIM EITHER. WARRANTY ONLY COVERS UP TO 12,000 MILES SO WE WERE OUT OF LUCK. HYUNDAI GOES ON IN EVERY COMMERCIAL ABOUT SAFETY AND WHEN I THINK OF A CAR BRAKES ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE THERE IS. *TR

  25. Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 2, 2009

    REAR BRAKE SQUEALING AND GETTING HOT. REAR BRAKES ON 2008 HAVE PREMATURE WEAR DUE TO BRAKE PADS HANGING UP ON THE SLIDES. HAD TO REPLACED THE OLD PADS WITH NEW PAD @ 16K MILES. *TR