2008 HYUNDAI Sonata Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
424
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
AIR BAGS
95 complaints
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V161000 (Air Bags); however, the dealer informed the contact that he had to pay for a diagnostic test prior to the recall repair. The contact declined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 181,000.
Aug 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the passenger's side occupancy sensor and occupant classification system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was unknown.
Feb 01, 2024
AIR BAG light is on, with defect in Occupant Classification System (passenger weight sensor), with OCS system lights flashing erratically with no passenger in seat. Hyundai dealer and corporation keep telling me that there is no relevant campaign related to my vehicle. There is information for "Campaign 083 – 2006 – 2008 Sonata – Occupant Classification System (OCS) Reprogramming" online. Internally labeled as 08-01-006 Body Electrical issue. Campaign clearly states that problem is to be fixed on individual customer basis, meaning it wouldn't show up as a official recall. Hyundai currently refuses to take responsibility.
Nov 10, 2022
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT INITIALLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HER OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V161000 (AIR BAGS) WHICH HE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GURNEE HYUNDAI (6251 GRAND AVE, GURNEE, IL 60031) WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM MAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,900.
Nov 30, 2020
THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR MAT IS MALFUNCTIONED. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THE ITEM AND IT'S EVERYWHERE ONLINE BUT YET MY CAR WASN'T IN THE RECALL BUT IT'S THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. I HAVE CONTACTED COMPANY THEY WON'T SAY WHY ONLY SOME CARS WERE IN THE RECALL BUT YET MINE WASN'T EVEN THOUGH IT'S SAME PROBLEM.
Aug 24, 2020
+ 90 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
57 complaints
THE SUN VISORS ON MY 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA (68,865 CURRENT MILES) ARE EACH (PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDES) DEFECTIVE. WE HAVE LIVED WITH THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FOR THE PAST YEAR, AND NOW, WITHIN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, THE VISOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE ALSO GAVE WAY, HANGING LIMPLY, OBSTRUCTING THE VISION OF THE DRIVER AND CREATING A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS RESOLUTION. THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THESE VISORS (OBSTRUCTION OF VISION WHILE DRIVING). *TR
Dec 13, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN VISOR FAILED TO CLOSE AND OPENED INDEPENDENTLY, OBSTRUCTING THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
Aug 21, 2014
MY DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR HAS ALSO HAD PROBLEMS FOR SEVERAL YEARS -- IT GOT STUCK AND VERY HARD TO MOVE AND WHEN I TRIED MOVING IT TO THE DOWN POSITION ONE TIME IT "CLICKED" AND SINCE THEN IT CONSTANTLY FALLS -- USUALLY WHEN I HIT A BUMP -- THEN IT IS DIRECTLY AT MY FOREHEAD. IF I WERE TO EVER GET IN AN ACCIDENT I BELIEVE THE VISOR WOULD FALL TO THIS POSITION (DUE TO THE BUMP) AND CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO MY HEAD OR POSSIBLE DEATH. I'VE BEEN TOLD IT WOULD BE $155 TO FIX THIS. THE PASSENGER SIDE VISOR IS ALSO NOT WORKING PROPERLY IN THAT THE PLASTIC PIECE HAS BROKEN AND IT DOESN'T FIT IN THE HOLDER WELL. *TR
Aug 04, 2014
BOTH SUN VISORS NO LONGER STAY IN THE UP ( AGAINST THE HEADLINER ) POSITION, ONE IS AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE THE OTHER HANGS DOWN AT 90 DEGREE ANGLE. THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MANY HYUNDAI'S FROM ABOUT 2005 AND UP, I BELIEVE THERE IS A RECALL ON 2006 OR 2007, OR VOLUNTARY ACTION BY HYUNDAI, BUT THEY REFUSE TO FIX 2008 AND IT IS THE IDENTICAL PART. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON MANY MESSAGE BOARDS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. LIVING IN ARIZONA WITH CONSTANT SUN GLARE MAKES DRIVING THESE VEHICLES DANGEROUS. *TR
Aug 01, 2014
THE SUNVISOR CLIP TO HOLD IT UP FAILED. IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS HAPPENING TO A LOT OF OWNERS AS THERE IS MUCH INFO ON THIS IN THE INTERNET. THEY ALREADY HAVE PUT A RECALL IN FOR THE 2006 AND 2007 MODELS FOR THE SAME THING BUT DIDN'T INCLUDE THIS YEAR. *TR
Feb 21, 2014
+ 52 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
29 complaints
MY ERVIN CEASED UP ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH. IT THRU AN ENGIN ROD.THE ENGIN OIL MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE ANYTHING. NOW AFTER JUST BUYING THIS CAR USED, THERE ARE NO ENGINES AVAILABLE FOR REPLACEMENT. TOO MANY HAVE BLOWN UP. AND HYUNDAI SAYS THEY ARE NOT BEING RECALLED. SAME ENGIN AS THE FAILURES WITH THE FATALITIES.I AM STUCK.
Sep 07, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WITH THE LOW OIL LEVEL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NEITHER A DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 236,000.
Mar 18, 2020
WAS HEADING TO WORK ON INTERSTATE 81, ENGINE MADE LOUD BOOM SOUND SCARED ME PULLED OVER BEING AFRAID TO DRIVE HAD IT TOWED TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP. NO ENGINE LIGHT ON. REPAIR DONE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST SAID ENGINE WAS BLOWN, OLL GOOD NO ENGINE LIGHT BUT ENGINE WOULDN'T TURN OVER TRYING TO DO MANUALLY. MY CAR ONLY HAD 180,000 MILES ALWAYS DID BELTS AND MAINTENANCE.
Aug 16, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL TAPPING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO COCONUT CREEK HYUNDAI (4960 N. STATE ROAD 7, COCONUT CREEK, FL 33073, (954) 283-1002), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. ADDITIONALLY, THE ENGINE FAILED THREE TIMES PREVIOUSLY AND WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. *DT
Feb 27, 2019
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM A SMALL CAR DEALERSHIP, WHEN PURCHASED THE VEHICLE HAD A PRETTY HIGH MILEAGE HOWEVER WHEN TEST DRIVED NO SERVICE LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE CAR RAN SMOOTHLY. AFTER FOUR MONTHS OF OWNING THE CAR WITH ONLY AROUND 2K MILES ADDED TO IT, WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY A KNOCKING NOISE SUDDENLY BECAME APPARENT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, I PULLED OVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SINCE THERE WAS VISIBLE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE.
Jan 28, 2019
+ 24 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
28 complaints
THE BRAKING SYSTEM ON THIS VEHICLE IS POORLY ENGINEERED AND EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING TO THE CAR OWNER. AFTER 16,000 MILES, MY REAR BRAKES BEGAN SQUEALING. AFTER INSPECTION, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BACK BRAKES ARE STICKING ON AND GRINDING OFF AGAINST THE ROTOR. THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM THAT CAN NOT BE FIXED, WITH MULTIPLE REPLACEMENTS THE ONLY CHOICE. IN THE FOUR YEARS I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE, I HAVE GONE THRU 5 SETS OF BRAKE PADS AND 4 ROTORS, WITH NO END IN SIGHT AS LONG AS I KEEP THIS CAR. *TR
Feb 28, 2012
REAR BRAKES ON MY SONATA STARTED GRINDING AT 25000 MILES. CONTACTED HYUNDAI HEADQUARTERS BY EMAIL AND THEY STATED THE BRAKES WERE OUT OF WARRANTY AND NO RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. I WAS INFORMED BY THEM TO TAKE IT TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER. SINCE THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AT THIS MILEAGE I HAD TAKEN IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO IS STATE CERTIFIED. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO DO A RECALL ON THIS SAFETY PROBLEM. I HAVE KEPT THE EMAIL RESPONSE THAT HYUNDAI HEADQUARTERS SENT TO ME. *TR
Jan 16, 2012
PURCHASED DEMONSTRATOR CAR WITH APPROXIMATELY 2,500 MILES FOR NORMAL USE. REAR DISK BRAKE NOISE AT 15,976 MILES REQUIRED BOTH REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS TO BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN AT 33,356 MILES, AGAIN REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF PADS AND TURNING OF ROTORS (THIS TIME IT WAS NOT COVERED - CONSIDERED NORMAL WEAR ITEMS). ONCE AGAIN, AT APPROXIMATELY 52,000 MILES, LOUD GRINDING FROM THE LEFT REAR BRAKE REVEALED THAT BOTH INNER AND OUTER PADS HAD BEEN TOTALLY SCRUBBED OFF WITH LIGHT METAL TO METAL CONTACT, WHILE THE RIGHT REAR PADS STILL HAD GREATER THAN 50% OF ORIGINAL PAD THICKNESS. THE CALIPER SLIDES OPERATED SMOOTHLY AND WERE WELL LUBRICATED AND SEALED, AND THE PAD SLIDES WERE DIRTY WITH BRAKE DUST, BUT NOT CORRODED OR BLOCKED WITH DIRT. THE PADS APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO HIGH HEAT. I REPLACED THE PADS TO FINISH MY TRIP AND UPON RETURN IT WAS APPARENT THAT THE NEW PADS HAD BEEN DRAGGING AS EVIDENCED BY A STRONG SMELL AND GLAZED APPEARANCE. IT DOES NOT SEEM NORMAL FOR THIS CONDITION TO HAPPEN - THERE WAS NO GRINDING OR ABNORMAL NOISE OBSERVED DURING THE MOST RECENT EVENT, UNTIL PULLING INTO OUR DESTINATION, WHEN IT WAS VERY LOUD. APPEARS THAT THE CALIPER OR CALIPER PISTON IS STICKING TO KEEP THE PADS IN CONTACT WITH THE DISK, THUS OVERHEATING AND CHALLENGING THE BRAKE PAD LIFE. THIS SEEMS TO BE ONLY ON THE LEFT (DRIVER'S SIDE) CALIPER. HYUNDAI DISCUSSION FORUMS HAVE INDICATED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT HYUNDAI IS NOT FORMALLY ADDRESSING. I WILL TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER THIS WEEK, BUT WANTED TO REGISTER WITH NHTSA SINCE IT IS A BRAKE ISSUE WITH SAFETY IMPLICATIONS. *TR
Jan 01, 2012
REAR BRAKES WORE OUT. FRONT BRAKES 'LIKE NEW'. SHOULDN'T FRONT BRAKES WEAR OUT FIRST AS THAT IS WHERE THE ENGINE WEIGHT IS? *TR
Oct 09, 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
Sep 29, 2011
+ 23 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY/WIPER
25 complaints
Passenger side sun visor suddenly rotated down and will not stay up. This blocks drivers view. A few weeks prior to total failure, the visor would not stay completely up but was only about 10 degrees down. There is a plastic tube with a metal tube inside which the visor pivots on. The plastic tube is broken allowing it to hang straight down. If/when the same breakage occurs on the drivers side it could cause an accident due to blocking vision.
Sep 27, 2022
The driver side sun visor on my 2008 hyundai sonata is defective. The visor will not stay up and hangs down obstructing the drivers vision. This is a serious safety issue! This seems to be an issue on many 2008 hyundai sonatas The only recall is for 2006-2007. Yet this dangerous issue is happening on other years. Please resolve this
Oct 11, 2021
I HIT A MINOR BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE SUN VISOR SUDDENLY DROPPED DOWN IN FRONT OF MY FACE - BLOCKING THE VIEW OF THE ROAD. I PUSHED IT BACK UP INTO ITS NORMAL "RESTING" LOCATION. UPON HITTING ANOTHER BUMP IN THE ROAD IT SWUNG DOWN AGAIN IN FRONT OF MY FACE. THIS IS THE SECOND SUN VISOR IN THIS VEHICLE TO DO THIS. THIS ONE STARTED FAILING AROUND 10/1/2016, AND IS STILL DOING SO.
Nov 29, 2016
THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISORS BOTH DROPPED TO A DOWNWARD POSITION AND WILL NOT HOLD THIER PLACE SO THEY BLOCK VIEW OF ROAD. THE DRIVER SIDE DROPPED WHILE DRIVING WHICH CAUSED MOMENTARY INABILITY TO VIEW THE ROAD. AFTER READING OTHER COMPLIANTS THIS DOESNT APPEAR TO BE ISOLATED AND HYUNDAI SHOULD SOLICIT A RECALL OF THESE VISORS AS THEY IMPAIR THE DRIVERS ABILITY TO SEE THE ROAD. THIS EVENT HAPPENED RANDOMLY WITH NO WARNING AND I WOULD CONSIDER A SAFETY HAZARD.
May 22, 2015
BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER VISORS LOST THEIR GRIP AND FALL DOWN AUTOMATICALLY AND CAUSE SUDDEN IMPACT TO THE VIEW AND COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Apr 30, 2015
+ 20 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
13 complaints
On November 4, 2024 while coming to a stop in traffic, the brake pedal went to the floor without any warning. Just prior to using the brakes, there was no feeling of softness in the pedal, and no indication a low pedal situation, and there was no indicator of pending brake failure. The brake light indicator only lit when the brake pedal went to the floor. I was fortunate that I did not rear end the vehicle ahead, or more seriously had there been a jay walker, because i quickly pumped the brake pedal with what little braking I had while shifting the automatic transmission to second gear. I was able to slowly drive ten miles home in second gear while using the hand brakes. eom
Nov 23, 2024
Hello, I recently purchased a 2008 Hyundai Sonata in Germany and entered the VIN on your website. I noticed that there is an outstanding recall, Manufacturer Recall Number 110 and NHTSA Recall Number 13V113000. I contacted the local dealership in Frankfurt and they informed me that I needed to coordinate with Hyundai North America because my vehicle had U.S. specifications. I contacted [email protected] in July 2021 and provided all of the information/documentation requested. Hyundai assigned a Consumer Affairs Case number: 18365036 and assured me that they would send the part to the dealership in Frankfurt ad that they would notify me once the part arrived so that they could take care of the recall. I never heard back or received any further updates. In December 2021, while I was in the U.S., I called Hyundai and requested to speak to someone at their Executive Office that handled complaints. I spoke with "Momo" who informed me that my case had been closed. I provided my contact information, including email, and asked that she look at the numerous email strings related to my case, including one that confirmed that the issue would be resolved. "Momo" assured me that she would escalate the matter and that someone would contact me to resolve the issue. I have not heard from Hyundai since my conversation with "Momo" and have sent a couple of emails requesting an update but haven't received a response. I would respectfully request that a formal investigation be initiated by your office to look into the negligent and unresponsive attitude by Hyundai towards recalls. My experience has reinforced the concern that I had that Hyundai is not committed to the safety of the American consumer and a complete disregard to your office's authority. Hyundai has al of the information that they need to take fix the issue with their vehicle but choose to ignore it. I have bent over backwards to provide everything requested and Hyundai has the string of emails to confirm.
Jan 15, 2022
AS OTHERS HAVE REPORTED, THE BRAKE LINES ON MY 2008 SONATA RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING BRAKE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. REPAIR COSTS NEAR $600. SERVICE MANAGER STATES THAT "EVERY ONE OF THESE CARS WILL BE IN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM" DUE TO THE DESIGN. THE TWO BRAKE LINES AND TWO FUEL LINES WHICH RUN FROM FRONT TO REAR ON THE VEHICLE (UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT) ARE HELD IN PLACE WITH CLIPS AND THEN THE ENTIRE LENGTH IS COVERED WITH A RECTANGULAR PLASTIC COVER (OR RACEWAY). WHILE THIS MIGHT WORK WELL IN OTHER CLIMATES, HERE IN THE NORTHEAST "SALT BELT", THIS COVER TRAPS THE ROAD SALT WHICH COLLECTS AT THE CLIPS AND ROTS THROUGH THE STEEL BRAKE LINES. FUEL LINES ARE NOT STEEL AND ARE NOT AFFECTED. AT THE VERY LEAST, HYUNDAI SHOULD REQUIRE CUSTOMERS TO BRING THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE TO HAVE THE COVER REMOVED AND DISCARDED, AND THE LINES WASHED OFF AND INSPECTED. IF CORROSION IS PRESENT, THEY SHOULD REPAIR THE DAMAGE. DUE TO THE WAY THE LINES ARE ROUTED, THE POSITION OF THE MASTER CYLINDER AND OTHER COMPONENTS, THE REPAIR IS COSTLY - BUT IS ALL LABOR. IT IS ABOUT $50 IN PARTS AND $500 IN LABOR.
May 04, 2017
WE RETURNED TO THE CHICAGO AIRPORT FROM A VACATION AND WERE GOING TO DRIVE THE REST OF THE WAY HOME, 200 MILES TO GREEN BAY. THE BRAKE PEDAL SEEMED TO DEPRESS FURTHER THAN NORMAL RIGHT AWAY BUT WE FIGURED IT WAS DUE TO THE CAR SITTING FOR A WEEK. WE PROCEEDED WITH OUR DIVE BUT AFTER ABOUT 100 MILES NEEDED TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. THE BRAKES WERE NOT RESPONDING AS THEY SHOULD. WE PUT BRAKE FLUID IN THE VEHICLE BUT STILL THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. AT ONE POINT I HAD DEPRESSED THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR WAS STILL MOVING. I FOUND A MECHANIC TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE ISSUE RIGHT AWAY AND WAS TOLD THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED THROUGH. AFTER GETTING A LOANER TO GET HOME, I HAD TO DRIVE BACK THE NEXT DAY AND RETRIEVE MY CAR. THIS WAS AT A COST OF $750.00. THIS COULD HAVE KILLED MY FAMILY OR SOMEONE ELSE HAD WE CONTINUED OUR DRIVE AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RECALL ISSUED. I HAVE REVIEWED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THIS IS NOT THE FIRST ISSUE OF BRAKES FAILING ON THIS VEHICLE, YET A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED FOR THE BRAKE LINES. THERE WAS NO NOTIFICATION OR WARNING LIGHT THAT WENT ON IN THE CAR, ONLY THE PRESENCE OF MIND THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG. I HAVE THE INVOICE FROM THE REPAIR THAT SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT BOTH BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED. I HAVE ASKED THE MECHANIC IF HE COULD SALVAGE THE PARTS FOR ME TO KEEP IN CASE WE NEED THEM. I HAVE NOTIFIED HYUNDAI AS WELL VIA E-MAIL.
Mar 28, 2017
BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING DOWN AN INCLINE IN PARKING LOT IN TYSONS CORNER, VIRGINIA. HAD TO PUMP BRAKES TO STOP HITTING THE EXIT GATE. BRAKE LINE RUSTED, BROKE, AND ALL BRAKE FLUID LEAKED OUT. CAR HAD 102127 MILES. NEVER HAD A CAR WITH A BRAKE LINE THAT RUSTED THROUGH. MECHANICS FIXED BY REPLACING SECTION OF STEEL BRAKE LINE UNDER RIGHT SIDE OF BODY SUBFRAME THAT HAD RUSTED AND SPLIT. *TR
Dec 29, 2016
+ 8 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
13 complaints
"AIR BAG" light stays on. Passenger side seatbelt light blinks on and off. Likely a Sensor issue, but seems to be a recurring problem with 2008 Sonatas.
May 18, 2021
THE PASSENGER BUCKLE WAS REPLACED IN APRIL 2017 AFTER AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. OCTOBER 2019 WENT TO DEALER TO HAVE AIRBAG LIGHT CHECKED AND THEY AGAIN SAY THE PASSENGER BUCKLE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THEY SAY IT IS NOT COVERED BY HYUNDAI 15 YEAR WARRANTY ON SEAT BELT BUCKLE ISSUES. CODE IS B1518. THEY SAY IT HAS TO FLASH A DIFFERENT CODE FOR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. PAID $406 IN 2017 FOR THE REPAIR AND WILL NEED TO PAY $480 TO HAVE IT REPLACED AGAIN. I RARELY USE THE PASSENGER SEATING BECAUSE I USUALLY DRIVE ALONE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER.
Oct 26, 2019
THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND WHEN RAN ON DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE IT IS THE OCS MAT FAULT. IT HAS BEEN REPORTED AN ACKNOWLEDGED ISSUE ON THE 2008 HYUNDAI BUT WHEN I INFORMED THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID MY BODY TYPE VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED? WHY WOULD THIS BE?
Apr 01, 2019
MY HYUNDAI SONATA 2008 GLS HAS AIRBAG SIGN ON AND WOULD NOT GO OFF. THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT SIGN IS FLASHING WITHOUT ANYBODY SEATING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE DEALER SAID MY CAR IS NOT BEING RECALLED THEY SAID I HAVE TO GET IT FIXED. EVEN THOUGH MANY OTHER OWNERS THAT I CHECKED ONLINE HAD SAME ISSUES AND THEIR CARS GOT FIXED BY THE DEALERS AT NO COST BECAUSE THEY WERE RECALLED. PLZ RECALL MY CAR.
Aug 12, 2018
THE AIRBAG LIGHT PREVIOUSLY WOULD GO ON AND OFF AT TIMES. BUT NOW IT STAYS ON PERMANENTLY AND THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT LIGHT BLINKS ON AND OFF.
Jun 04, 2018
+ 8 more complaints for this component
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
11 complaints
ESC OFF LIGHT FLASHES INTERMITTENTLY AFTER THE STOP LIGHT SWITCH RECALL "FIX". ISSUES WITH BRAKE LIGHTS STILL ILLUMINATING AFTER CAR HAS BEEN PUT IN PARK AND TURNED OFF. HAS BEEN HAPPENING IN ALL TYPES OF WEATHER, NO SPECIFIC INCIDENT CAUSED IT TO OCCUR. IT BEGAN TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY SINCE OCT 29.
Nov 13, 2017
THE ESC OFF DOES NOT TURN OFF EVEN AFTER PRESSING THE ESC SWITCH. BOTH ESC AND ESC OFF TURNS ON AFTER THE IGNITION IS SWITCHED ON AND STAYS FOR A FEW SECONDS. POST THAT THE ESC LIGHT GOES OFF. BUT AFTER FEW MINUTES ESC OFF LIGHT TURNS ON. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE WITH MOST OF THE HYUNDAI SONATA
Feb 07, 2016
ESC OFF WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY AT START UP AND DURING DRIVING OF VEHICLE, STALLS AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS AND FIND THAT SHUTTING OFF VEHICLE FOR A FEW SECONDS AND RESTARTING SEEMS TO CLEAR THE ISSUE BUT THE ESC LIGHTS COMES BACK ON WITHIN MINUTES. HAPPENED 10 TIME IN PAST 2 MONTHS, THEN TWICE OVER THIS PAST WEEKEND,NOW THE LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF AND THE ESC SWITCH DOES NOT WORK.
Jan 06, 2016
ESC OFF WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY AT START UP AND DURING DRIVING OF VEHICLE WHERE THE ENGINE IS SLUGGISH, STALLS AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS AND FIND THAT SHUTTING OFF VEHICLE FOR A FEW SECONDS AND RESTARTING SEEMS TO CLEAR THE ISSUE. HAPPEN ONE TIME IN PAST 2WKS, THEN TWICE OVER THIS PAST WEEKEND. SURPRISED TO FIND ALL THESE CLAIMS ON THIS ISSUE AND NO RECALL NOTICE.
Nov 09, 2015
THE ABS ESC OFF DASH LIGHT IS COMING ON WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, WILL NOT GO OFF UNTIL CAR IS TURNED OFF. BEGAN DOING THIS ABOUT ONCE A WEEK, NOW IT IS DOING EVERY DAY. DOES NOT HELP TO TURN THE BUTTON ON/OFF.
Jul 28, 2015
+ 6 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
10 complaints
The car was parked and turned off, not being driven and ignited on its own. The entire front end of the vehicle was on fire, according to the fire department it was some type of electrical short that started the fire. Vehicle was totaled out as it was a complete loss.
Sep 27, 2023
OIL LEAKS FROM FRONT VALVE COVER GASKET DRIPS ONTO THE ALTERNATOR CAUSES ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO SHUT DOWN CAUSING ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN IN TRAFFIC WHILE IN MOTION
Jul 30, 2018
I HAVE THE 3.3L V6 ENGINE THAT IS ALSO IN TWO OTHER VEHICLES MADE BY HYNDAI. BOTH OF THOSE VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RECALLED DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE ENGINE LEAKS OIL FROM A FAULTY GASKET AND DRIPS ONTO THE ALTENATOR. THIS CAUSES THE ALTERNATOR TO FAIL PREMATURELY AND OFTEN WITHOUT WARNING. I AM ON MY THIRD ONE NOW AND IT IS SHOWING SIGNS OF FAILURE. THIS CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE ALL OF A SUDDEN LOSES ALL ELECTRICAL POWER. THIS SCENARIO HAS HAPPENED TO ME TWICE NOW. NO HEADLIGHTS, NO DASHBOARD INDICATORS, NO BRAKE LIGHTS, NO TURN SIGNALS. AT 70MPH THIS CREATES AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SCENARIO.
Feb 05, 2018
NOTICED OIL WAS LEAKING ONTO MY ALTERNATOR, CAUSING THE CAR TO SHUT OFF. ISSUE WITH THE VALVE COVER GASKET.
Jan 17, 2018
I FIRST NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH MY 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA ON FRIDAY 08-05-16 WHEN I EXITED A HIGHWAY AND MY SEAT BELT AND BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHTS BEGAN TO ALTERNATE FLASHING. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY MECHANIC A FEW DAYS LATER (THEY ARE CLOSED ON WEEKENDS). WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE OVER THAT WEEKEND THOSE SAME TWO INDICATOR LIGHTS WOULD CONTINUE TO ALTERNATE FLASHING WHEN DRIVEN BELOW 40 MPH. ON 08-09-16, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY TO THE MECHANIC, NUMEROUS OTHER INDICATOR LIGHTS ON THE DASH BEGAN TO TURN ON ONE BY ONE. AFTER EXITING THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE BEGAN STALLING AND ULTIMATELY LOST POWER. MY MECHANIC REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR AND NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT OIL LEAK NEAR THE ALTERNATOR. HE STEAM CLEANED THE ENGINE AND THEN FOUND AN OIL LEAK FROM THE "FRONT VALVE COVER GASKET" WAS THE CAUSE. HE REPLACED IT. I'M AWARE OTHER HYUNDAI MODELS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. WE ALSO OWN A 2007 HYUNDAI VERACRUZ AND WE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM TO THAT VEHICLE ONE YEAR AGO, WHEN THE VERACRUZ WAS 8 YEARS OLD. THIS HAPPENED TO MY SONATA AT THE SAME "AGE", 8 YEARS OLD. THE VERACRUZ DAMAGE WAS COVERED BY A HYUNDAI RECALL. I BELIEVE THE 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA NEEDS TO BE INCLUDED IN HYUNDAI'S RECALL.
Aug 28, 2016
+ 5 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
10 complaints
FIRST THERE WAS A KNOCKING SOUND AND THE CAR WOULD DRAG TO ACCELERATE. THIS LASTED 3 DAYS EACH DAY IT GRADUALLY GETTING WORSE. BY THE THIRD DAY I WAS DRIVING THE KNOCKING SOUND GREW LOUDER, SOMETHING FELL OFF THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR COMPLETELY STOPPED DRIVING, THEN UP UNDER THE HOOD IT WAS A FIRE AND UNDER THE FRONT PART OF THE CAR.
Jan 01, 2018
I AM A OWNER OF A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA, I HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS ISSUE OF WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR WILL FALL DOWN BLOCKING MY VIEW. I DONT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS BUT THE VISOR WONT JUST STAY UP AND DOING THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THEY COME DOWN ALL THE TIME ONCE THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND DOES NOT MATTER THE SPEED AND IT BLOCKS YOUR VIEW SUDDENLY. I TRIED TO FIX IT BUT NOTHING SEEMS TO HELP,SO I TOOK TO THE INTERNET TO RESEARCH THIS PROBLEM AND I WAS SURPRISED TO FIND OUT THAT MANY HYUNDAI OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. IT SEEMS LIKE MORE ON THE OLDER MODELS SAY 2001 UP TO 2008 OR SO. HYUNDAI NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE BEFORE SADLY SOMEONE DIES OR GETS HURT. IT IS A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS, IT IS NOT SAFE AT ALL TO HAVE THE VISOR BLOCK YOUR VIEW WHILE DRIVING. YOU HAVE CUSTOMERS REPLACING THESE VISORS AND GUESS WHAT DOWN THE ROAD THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM COME BACK. I LOVE MY HYUNDAI BUT WITH THIS HAPPENING WITHOUT ANY WARNING I DONT FEEL SAFE BEING ON THE ROAD. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO FIX THIS VISOR PROBLEMS, THAT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT CUSTOMERS HAVE TO DEAL WITH SINCE IT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT IS IN USE ALL THE TIME. THIS IS UNSAFE AND VERY DANGEROUS, DONT WAIT TO A LIFE PERISHES OR SOMEONE GETS MAIMED BY THIS DEFECT.
Aug 24, 2017
SUN VISORS FALL DOWN WHILE DRIIVING, BLOCKS VISION.
Apr 10, 2017
VISORS DROOPING DOWN WILL NOT STAY UP, BROKEN UNABLE TO DRIVE VISUALY.
Apr 10, 2017
SUN VISOR DROOPS DOWN WILL NOT STAY UP BLOCKING VISUAL FIELD.
Apr 10, 2017
+ 5 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
9 complaints
WHILE PASSING A VEHICLE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH IN A 50MPH ZONE, MY 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA EXPERIENCED 'SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION' APPROACHING A SPEED OF 65-70 MPH. EVEN AFTER APPLYING FIRM CONTINUOUS PRESSURE ON BRAKE PEDAL WAS UNABLE TO SLOW VEHICLE DOWN. WHILE CONTINUING TO APPLY PRESSURE TO BRAKE PEDAL, I SHIFTED AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND WAS ABLE TO GRADUALLY COAST ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. WHEN VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AT A VERY HIGH RPM AND SOUNDED AS IF IT WERE A JET AIRPLANE TAKING OFF. TURNED IGNITION OFF AND LET CAR SIT FOR 1-2 MINUTES WHILE I CONTEMPLATED 'NOW WHAT?' WAS UNABLE TO PUT CAR IN PARK, SO STARTED CAR IN NEUTRAL. WAS ABLE TO MOVE GEAR SHIFT TO DRIVE AND CAREFULLY DROVE CAR HOME. CALLED HYUNDAI CORPORATE OFFICE NEXT MORNING (MONDAY AUGUST 31, 2020) TO REPORT MY FRIGHTENING AND VERY DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE. THEN CALLED MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER TO REPORT AND REQUEST THEY COME AND PICK THE VEHICLE UP AS I DID NOT FEEL IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE.
Sep 04, 2020
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITH NO WARNING. THE FIRST OCCURRED SAT SEPTEMBER 30. I FILLED MY CAR WITH GAS AND WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING PLACE WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ALMOST CRASH THROUGH A RESTAURANT WALL. THE SECOND WAS OCTOBER 14, WHEN I PULLED INTO MY GARAGE, I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO STOP AND WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AND HIT MY FREEZER. I READ SEVERAL ARTICLES ON THE INTERNET WHERE THIS IS NOT A RARE OCCURRENCE.
Oct 15, 2017
I TPS WAS ON IT WAS -12 OUTSIDE I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AT A LOW SPEED AND I I TRIED TO TURN BECAUSE AHEAD OF ME WERE 2 CARS THE CAR DID NOT WANTED TO BREAK OR SLOWDOWN. I TRY TO.HRWK BUT THE CAR WAS ACCELERATING IT DID NOT WANT TO STOP. I HAD TO TURN MY HAZARD LIGHT ON AS SOON THAT I FELT THE CAR NOT WANTING TO STOP. I NOTICE THE RIM WAS GOING HIGH EVEN THOUGH I WAS TRYING TO.BREAK. I HAD TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TRIED TO.PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BREAK BUT THE CAR DIDN'T WANT TO.STOP SO I CAN PUT ON BREAK. I HAD TO KEEP.PULLING ON THE EMERGENCY BREAK FINALLY IT STOP I PUT IT ON P. TURNED THE CAR OFF WAITED 5 MINUTES TO TURN THE CAR BACK ON AND IT SEEMS FINE NOW. BUT I WAS REALLY SCARED WHAT IF I WAS WAS ON THE EXPRESS WAY GOING FAST AND CAN'T BREAK. EVER SINCE THAT DAY I BEEN DRIVING REALLY SLOW AND CAUTIOUS.
Jan 16, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT GEARS, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. THE CONTACT THEN HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO LOOK INTO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 30,000. UPDATED 09/07/2012 *JS
Aug 01, 2012
WHILE DRIVING OUR VEHICLE THE THROTTLE HAD STUCK, I PULLED ON THE FLOOR MAT AS I WAS APPLYING THE BRAKES THINKING THIS WAS THE PROBLEM. THIS WAS NOT THE CASE AS THE CAR WASN'T SLOWING DOWN. I POPPED THE THROTTLE WITH MY FOOT HOPING THIS WOULD FREE UP THE THROTTLE, WHICH JUST MADE THE PROBLEM WORSE. I PLACED THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF, KEPT APPLYING THE BRAKE UNTIL I SAFELY GOT THE VEHICLE TO STOP. I HAD THE DEALERSHIP LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM THAT SAME DAY TO FIND OUT THAT THE COMPUTER CHIP HAD FAILED. I DON'T WANT THIS TO HAPPEN TO ANYONE. *TR
Nov 03, 2010
+ 4 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
7 complaints
FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR HANDLE AND FRONT PASSENGER'S DOOR HANDLE HAVE FALLEN OFF. TO GET INTO CAR TO DRIVE ANYWHERE I MUST CLIMB THROUGH CAR FROM BACK SEAT. RECALLS DO EXIST FOR LATER YEARS OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL.
Oct 28, 2019
THIS EVENING AT OUR LOCAL NEWS CHANNEL WFLX I SAW A STORY ABOUT HYUNDAI SONATAS'S DOOR HANDLES FALLING OFF.THIS LADY HAD ALL 4 OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES BREAK OFF. THE NEWS STATION SAID HYUNDAI TOLD THEM THIS IS AN ISOLATED CASE. NOT TRUE. I HAVE REPLACED ALL OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES AND TWO OF THE INSIDE HANDLES ON MY VEHICLE. JUST LIKE THE ONE THE NEWS SHOWED. MY SISTER IN LAW WHO LIVES IN JACKSONVILLE FL. HAD THE SAME ISSUE. SO IT'S NOT AN ISOLATED ISSUE. FIRST TIME MY DOOR HANDLE BROKE. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER (NAPLETON'S HYUNDAI) AND IT COST ME $600 TO GET IT FIXED. SINCE THEN I'VE BEEN FIXING IT MYSELF. GUESS WHAT, THE DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF AGAIN. THIS WILL BE MY 5TH TIME FIXING THE DOOR HANDLES. SOMEONE NEEDS TO LOOK AT THIS ISSUE. IF YOU NEED A PICTURE I CAN UPLOAD ONE TOMORROW. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME.
Jan 11, 2018
A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO, MY DRIVER-SIDE INNER DOOR HANDLE BEGAN TO BECOME LOOSE AND POP OUT. IT IS STILL PARTIALLY FUNCTIONAL SO THAT I CAN OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. THE OTHER DAY, THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF WHEN I WAS OPENING THE CAR DOOR. I NOW HAVE TO ENTER FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. NOTHING TRAUMATIC HAPPENED TO CAUSE THIS, AND I DON'T USE EXCESSIVE FORCE ON MY DOOR.
Jul 31, 2017
EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES ARE SHEARING OFF. LEFT REAR DOOR HANDLE CAME OFF ON 4/24/2016. RIGHT FRONT DOOR HANDLE CAME OFF TODAY 11/29/2016. HANDLES BOTH CAME OFF WHEN I PULLED ON THEM TO OPEN THE DOOR. NO UNUSUAL FORCE INVOLVED. HANDLES ARE COMPLETELY PLASTIC. SHEAR POINT IS NARROW PIECE WHICH CONNECTS HANDLE TO INTERIOR CONNECTOR TO DOOR LATCH. I HAVE NEVER BEFORE HEARD OF CAR DOOR HANDLES FAILING.
Nov 29, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REMEDIED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V354000 (SUSPENSION). INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE CROSS MEMBER ON THE VEHICLE, THE TECHNICIAN APPLIED A WAX COATING TO PREVENT CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.
Apr 13, 2016
+ 2 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
6 complaints
ONE OF THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT TURNING ON WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES. ON INVESTIGATION I FOUND THAT IT MIGHT BE DUE TO THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH ISSUE MENTIONED ON HYUNDAI'S WEBSITE AND THEY RECALLED A LOT OF VEHICLES IN LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. WHEN I CHECKED ABOUT THE CAR'S ELIGIBILITY ON HYUNDAI'S WEBSITE, I FOUND MY CAR AS ELIGIBLE FOR REPAIR FREE OF COST. AFTER TALKING TO THE DEALER FOR FIXING OF THE ISSUE, THEY SAID THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. THEN I SENT AN EMAIL TO THE HELPDESK WITH THE DETAILS. ALSO, I CONTACTED THEM ON THE HELPLINE NUMBER. AS PER THEM, MY VEHICLE WAS ALREADY RECALLED A COUPLE OF YEARS BACK AND THE SWITCH WAS REPLACED WITH A HIGH QUALITY PART WHICH SHOULD NOT CREATE ANY MORE PROBLEMS AND I'LL HAVE TO BEAR THE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT COST. I WOULD LIKE THE COMPANY/DEALER TO GET THIS FIXED ASAP SINCE THE PART HAS AGAIN STARTED CREATING PROBLEMS IN JUST 2 YEARS AND I AM WORRIED WITH THE FURTHER PROBLEM IT MAY CAUSE TO MY AND MY FAMILY'S SAFETY. I CAME TO KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE TODAY MORNING WHILE COMMUTING TO OFFICE.
Jun 01, 2016
I WAS UNAWARE WHEN I HAVE TURNED ON MY PARKING LIGHTS - NOT MY HEADLIGHTS. DASHBOARD LIGHTS ARE THE SAME FOR EITHER CHOICE. TOO OFTEN I AM UNAWARE WHEN I HAVE NOT TURNED MY HEADLIGHTS ON.. DEALER RESPONSE WAS - NO CARS GIVE YOU VISUAL INDICATION OF THE SELECTED LEVEL OF OUTSIDE LIGHTING. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND HAS CAUSE NEAR MISSES OFTEN AT DUSK. *TR
Nov 24, 2014
I CANT KEEP HEADLIGHTS WORKING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE WIRES ARE MELTED SO ITS HARD TO EVEN CHANGE THE BULBS. ANYWAYS I HAVE BEEN THROUGH 4-6 BULBS SINCE FEB. BUT MOST OF THE TIME I GO WITHOUT LIGHTS ON THAT SIDE EVEN THOUGH IT MAKES IT HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT. *TR
Aug 30, 2014
REAR BRAKE LIGHTS (BOTH ALONG BUMPER AND IN THE BACK WINDOW) FAILED TO COME ON ALTHOUGH ALL FUSES AND BULBS ARE WORKING PROPERLY. PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED SINCE. *JS
Sep 02, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT NONE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 09V122000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:SWITCHES:BRAKE LIGHT). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,925.
Sep 20, 2012
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
4 complaints
ON THE 3.3L ENGINE THERE IS A FAULT IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET THAT CAUSES OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE ALTERNATOR CAUSING PREMATURE ALTERNATOR FAILURE. IF THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING THIS CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED ON OTHER VEHICLES WITH THIS SAME ENGINE SUCH AS THE VERACRUZ AND A RECALL HAS BEEN INITIATED. FOR SOME REASON THE RECALL DOES NOT EXTEND TO THE SONATA AS IT SHOULD. THE FOLLOWING IS FROM THE VERACRUZ RECALL INVOLVING THE SAME ENGINE. "HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY (HYUNDAI) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2012 VERACRUZ VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 26, 2006, THROUGH JULY 24, 2012. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE AN OIL LEAK FROM THE FRONT CYLINDER BANK VALVE COVER GASKET. IF THERE IS A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF OIL DROPPED ONTO THE ALTERNATOR, THE ALTERNATOR WILL BE DAMAGED CAUSING THE CHARGING SYSTEM TO BECOME INOPERATIVE." MY ALTERNATOR HAS FAILED TWICE NOW, ONCE WHILE DRIVING AND I EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE POWER. I WAS ABLE TO FORCE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT INCIDENT BUT IT EASILY COULD HAVE GONE BAD ON ME AS I WAS ON THE FREEWAY IN TRAFFIC. ONCE MY ALTERNATOR AND SUBSEQUENTLY MY BATTERY DIED I WAS LEFT WITHOUT CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND WITHOUT LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE TO WARN OTHER DRIVERS OF MY SITUATIONS.
Apr 05, 2017
ENGINE CONTROL MODULE(ECM) FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, REQUIRING EXTENSIVE REPAIRS. MAY HAVE ALSO CAUSED BATTERY, ALTERNATOR, BRAKE SWITCH, CONDENSER FAN, AND OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS TO FAIL.
Oct 27, 2016
WHILE DRIVING THE SEAT BELT LIGHT CAME ON. ABOUT A MINUTE LATER THE RADIO SHUT OFF. NEXT MOST OF THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON , THE ENGINE WOULD NOT MAKE POWER/ACCELERATE, AND THE BRAKING SEEMED WEAK/JERKY. PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AS SOON AS I COULD. NOW ALL DASH LIGHTS WERE ON/BLINKING AND THE RADIO, SUNROOF, WINDOWS ETC WOULD NOT WORK. THINKING IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE I LEFT IT RUNNING TO INVESTIGATE. NEXT THING I KNOW THE CAR IS OVERHEATING EVEN THOUGH THE GAUGE ISN'T SHOWING IT. STEAM EVERYWHERE AND THE OVERFLOW POPPED THE CAP OFF. SHUT THE CAR OFF. ONCE THE CAR COOLED I WAS ABLE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED. OIL HAS BEEN DRIPPING ON TO THE ALTERNATOR FROM A LEAK IN THE VALVE COVER GASKET. THIS KILLED THE ALTERNATOR WHICH IN TURN CAUSED THE CONTROL/BRAKING/ACCELERATION ISSUES ONE IT WAS ON BATTERY ONLY. I'M ASSUMING THE FAN WAS NOT COOLING EITHER WHICH RESULTED IN THE OVERHEATING.
Apr 25, 2016
ENGINE DIED WHILE DRIVING. THE CAUSE WAS ALTERNATOR FAILURE DUE TO OIL LEAK FROM FRONT VALVE COVER. THIS IS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA 2008 WITH 3.3 LITERS V6. *TR *JS
Oct 26, 2014
POWER TRAIN
4 complaints
WHILE STOPPED AT A BUSY INTERSECTION, WITH ENGINE RUNNING AND CLUTCH TO THE FLOOR (DISENGAGED), THE CAR BEGAN TO LURCH AGAINST THE BRAKE. THE CLUTCH BEGAN ENGAGING BY ITSELF BECAUSE THE CONCENTRIC SLAVE CYLINDER HAD FAILED AT 61,500 MILES. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CAR WAS 1,500 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY, TOTAL COST TO REPAIR WAS $1950.00 AND 3 DAYS OF SERVICE. BECAUSE THE LEAKING HYDRAULIC FLUID "SOAKED" THE CLUTCH, THE $794.00 CLUTCH/PRESSURE PLATE NEEDED REPLACEMENT AS WELL. HYUNDAI WILL NOT HONOR ANY "GOODWILL" ADJUSTMENT. *TR
Jan 09, 2012
WENT TO DEALERSHIP AND ADVISED OF A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. SUPPOSEDLY A SERVICE FLAG WAS SENT TO DEALERSHIPS AND JUST "FLUSH" THE TRANSMISSION. 5 DAYS LATER AND 550 MILES FROM HOME, THE CAR BROKE DOWN, WAS TOWED AND ADVISED I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. STILL SITTING OUT OF STATE WAITING FOR THE PART TO ARRIVE. *TR
Nov 17, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE CONTACT'S DRIVEWAY, HIS CHILD WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARD, STRUCK A UTILITY BOX, AND DROVE OVER A BICYCLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE STRUCK THE UTILITY BOX, THE PASSENGER DOOR WAS ALMOST TORN OFF. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER SENT A PACKET WITH PAPERWORK ASKING FOR THE VEHICLE DESCRIPTION, INSURANCE REPORTS, AND PICTURES. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE COLLISION CENTER BEING REPAIRED. THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE WAS DAMAGED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 19,000. UPDATED 06/23/09. *LJ UPDATED 06/23/09.*JB
May 18, 2009
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER. *TR
Apr 29, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
4 complaints
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
Jul 12, 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
Feb 22, 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
Feb 15, 2010
GRINDING OF REAR BRAKES BEGINNING AT 37,000 MILES. CAR IS DRIVEN ALL HIGHWAY MILES. BROUGHT IN FOR SERVICE AND MECHANIC WAS SHOCKED TO SEE PADS WERE GONE AND ROTORS WORN BEYOND REPAIR. HE SAID FRONT BRAKES SHOULD USUALLY GO FIRST. HYUNDAI CLAIMED PADS SHOULD BE REMOVED AND CLEANED EVERY 15,000 MILES. ASSUMING A CUSTOMER WAS DENYING THE BRAKE PROBLEM DUE TO THE LOW MILES THE LOSS OF BRAKES COULD LEAD TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. BRAKES AND ROTORS WILL BE CLOSE TO $400 FOR REPAIR. *TR
Jun 10, 2009
AIR BAGS,SEATS
3 complaints
Took vehicle to independent Hyundai factory trained technician due to air bag light. Was advised this is due to failure of Occupant Classification System sensor in front passenger seat. This is related to NHTSA Campaign 08V161000, but technician advised my VIN was not listed under this recall. Technician advised me to contact Hyundai due to the recall and inquire if my vehicle could be covered, since leaving unaddressed could cause injury or death during collision. Manufacturer is aware of issue due to previous recall cited above. Spoke with Hyundai customer service phone line on 12/13/2022 and informed of issue, asking if the recall would cover my vehicle even though my VIN was not indicated in the previous recall. Customer service advised this could not be done. Asked customer service to file complaint about known safety issue and was given case #20713402. Customer service advised I could pay for repairs out of pocket and receive refund if recall was later issued. Action requested: expand recall 08V161000 to include additional 2008 Hyundai Sonatas exhibiting same manufacturer defect which is a risk to public safety.
Dec 13, 2022
WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY OF MY HOME, I TURNED THE VEHICLE ON AND THE AIRBAGS LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASH. I DROVE IT WORK AND HOPING THE AIRBAG LIGHTS WILL TURN OFF AND IT DID NOT. I TOOK THE PROBLEM TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP FOR EVALUATION. A LITTLE HISTORY, MY AIRBAG LIGHTS CAME ON BACK IN 2012, CASE #10352554, THE VEHICLE HAD A RECALL FOR IT. THE DEALERSHIP SENT THE FRONT RIGHT PASSENGER SEAT TO CALIFORNIA FOR REPAIRS. THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. NOW JUMP FORWARD 2017, MY AIRBAGS LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED ME THE PROBLEM IS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL BACK IN 2012. THE DEALERSHIP ADVISED ME THE PROBLEM NOW HAD TO DO WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT PRESSURE SENSOR (CUSHION) FOR THE AIRBAGS. ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT TO FIX THE PROBLEM IN ORDER FOR MY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG TO DEPLOY PROPERLY DURING AN ACCIDENT. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A DEFECT WITH THIS HYUNDAI VEHICLE AND A SECONDARY PROBLEM RELATED TO THE AIRBAG RECALL. I FEEL THE PROBLEM SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FURTHER TO PREVENT ANY INJURY OR DEATH.
Jul 10, 2017
BOTH AT A COMPLETE STOP WHILE IN GEAR AND WHILE MOVING AT ABOUT 35 MPH WITH MY WIFE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ON. IN THIS VEHICLE THAT LIGHT IS SUPPOSED TO GO OFF WHEN SOMEONE OVER 85LBS SITS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. TOOK VIDEO OF THREE INCIDENTS OVER A PERIOD OF TWO DAYS. SPOKE TO JENKINS HYUNDAI, OCALA, FL WHERE WE PURCHASED THE CAR & THEY WERE UNABLE TO PULL A CODE. THEY WERE ALSO UNINTERESTED IN THE VIDEOS AND STATED THAT THE FRONT SEAT SENSOR IS CALIBRATED FOR 115 LBS +/-. AS MY WIFE IS 128 LBS THEY FEEL THAT IT IS WELL WITHIN LIMITS & THAT SOMETIMES THE AIRBAG SENSOR WILL NOT SENSE HER PRESENCE. I THOUGHT THE LIMIT WAS 85 LBS FOR SMALL CHILDREN. IF WE HAVE AN ACCIDENT WITH MY WIFE IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THE AIRBAGS MIGHT NOT DEPLOY. *TR
Mar 22, 2013
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
FUEL LINE LEAKING UNDER DRIVERS SIDE, PASSENGER SEAT. THERE IS A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF FUEL LEAKING. WHY WOULDNT THE MANUFACTURER MAKE THE LINES FROM A MATERIAL THAT CANNOT CORRODE OR RUST.
Sep 20, 2019
FUEL GAUGE "FLOATS" AND THEN DROPS TO EMPTY. PRETTY MUCH ALWAYS ON "EMPTY" NOW WHICH LIGHTS MY CHECK ENGINE SENSOR, BUT EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE IT WILL RISE ABOVE EMPTY FOR A FEW MILES AND THEN DROP LIKE A ROCK AGAIN! HAVE BEEN TRACKING GAS MILEAGE WITH MY TRIP ODOMETER, BUT HAVING BEEN READING THAT THIS "FIX" IS NOT ALWAYS ACCURATE, AND PEOPLE ARE RUNNING OUT OF GAS LEFT AND RIGHT ON MAJOR, BUSY HIGHWAYS. AS THE MILEAGE INDICATES, I DRIVE MORE THAN 100 MILES PER DAY AND CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE MY CAR JUST STOP RUNNING LIKE SOME OF THE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE MENTIONED. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED WELL BEFORE NOW. ARE WE GOING TO WAIT FOR A REPEAT OF THE NATIONAL AIRBAG RECALL CURRENTLY UNDERWAY, TROUBLE THAT SHATTERED COUNTLESS LIVES, BECAUSE A LARGE CAR COMPANY IS TOO CHEAP TO FIX A PROBLEM THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF AND MAKE THEIR CARS SAFE? GOVERNMENT STEP IN!
Jun 11, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING, FUEL SPEWED FROM THE FILLER NECK. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FUEL PURGE CANISTER AND FUEL TANK FILTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
Nov 08, 2013
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
3 complaints
LOUD KNOCKING SOUND FROM UNDER HOOD. GETS LOUDER AS ENGINE HEATS. UNSAFE TO DRIVE
Apr 08, 2017
WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED FROM A COLD START, THERE IS A NOTICEABLE RATTLE COMING FROM ENGINE THAT LASTS ABOUT 3-7 SECONDS. ALSO WHILE ACCELERATING, THE RATTLE IS PERSISTENT WITH THROTTLE INPUT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM IS THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER AND THAT THE HYUNDAI SONATAS HAVE DEFECTIVE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONERS. I WENT TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND THEY QUOTED ME $1,100 TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND MADE ME AWARE THAT THERE WAS A TSB BUT NOT A RECALL ON THE PART EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A REVISED TENSIONER. THIS IS A ONGOING ISSUE AND A HAZARD BECAUSE THE CHAIN COULD HAVE TO MUCH SLACK AND CAUSE THE THE TIMING TO BE OFF AND FUTURE DAMAGE FOR THE ENGINE. *TR
Jan 03, 2015
ENGINE FAILURE -LOWER ROD BENT NO CAUSE BY OPERATOR CAR WELL MAINTAINED. *TR
Oct 03, 2014
TIRES
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE REAR DRIVER 'S SIDE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND DISPLAYED AN INACCURATE PRESSURE READING. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE CONTROL MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000.
Sep 21, 2015
FIRST INCIDENT, TRAVELING MD 4 WHEN TIRE INDICATOR CAME ON DASH BOARD (MAY 2014) BACK PASSENGER TIRE HAD HUGE BULGE AT RIM OF HUBCAP WITH HISSING SOUND DUE TO ESCAPING AIR (4 31816 215/60R16 YOKO AVID TOURING -S DOT CCF1 F2712 PURCHASED AUGUST 2013). TIRE REPLACED AT NO COST TO ME DUE TO NO EVIDENT OF DAMAGE INSIDE THE TIRE, THUS A "DEFECT" ACCORDING TO SERVICE TECH. DECEMBER 24, 2014 TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 97 S; FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING; ABS SYSTEM SLOWED CAR DOWN WAS ABLE TO MOVE FROM SECOND LANES TO RIGHT SHOULDER WITHOUT INCIDENT. TIRE HAS ABOUT A 3-INCH RIP FROM RIM UP. WITH BOTH TIRES, I WAS ASKED WHAT DID I HIT AND BOTH TIMES THE ANSWER WAS NOTHING. THIS IS THE SECOND OF FOUR TIRES TO GO BAD IN A LITTLE OVER ONE YEAR. I NOW FEEL THE OTHER TWO TIRES ARE TICKING TIME BOMBS AND MY FAMILY AND I MAY NOT BE SO FORTUNATE THE NEXT TIME THIS HAPPENS. *TR
Dec 27, 2014
THE SIDEWALLS HAVE CRACKS IN THEM, ALL 4 TIRES. THEY HAVE BEEN ON THE CAR FOR 2 YEARS (INSTALLED NOVEMBER 2011) AND HAVE 6000 MILES ON THEM. THE EXACT SAME TIRE THAT CAME ON THE CAR NEW, HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 17,000 MILES BECAUSE OF SIDEWALL CRACKING. THE ORIGINAL TIRES WERE 4 YEARS OLD AND ALL 4 HAD SIDEWALL DAMAGE THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN DAMAGED AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PROPERALLY INFLATED. THE ORIGINAL TIRES WERE NEVER DAMAGED OR UNDER INFLATED. THIS IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT AND A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CAR HAS NEVER GONE MORE THAN 7 DAYS WITHOUT BEING DRIVEN. IT'S USUALLY DRIVEN EVERY DAY OR EVERY OTHER DAY. *TR
Nov 28, 2013
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
3 complaints
SEVERAL TIMES THE ESC LIGHT HAS COME ON AND I NOTICED A LOT OF DRIVERS HAVE THEIR BRAKE LIGHTS GOING OFF. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS HAPPENING BUT I MADE AN APPOINTMENT AND THE LIGHT WILL NOT STAY ON SO I CANCELLED. IT DID STAY ON ONCE FOR 3 DAYS ALONG WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BUT I GOT MY TIRES CHANGED AND BOTH LIGHTS WENT OFF. SINCE THEN THE ESC LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON BUT AFTER IT SETS OR YOU PARK IT AND RESTART, THE LIGHT RESETS AND GOES OFF. *TR
Nov 10, 2013
ESC LIGHT ILLUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY. SOMETIMES THE BRAKE LIGHTS DO NOT LIGHT. NOTICED THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON PREVIOUS YEARS BUT NOT THE 2008. *TR
Jun 07, 2013
THE ESC OFF LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD OF MY 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA COMES ON AFTER IT HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR A FEW MILES. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS STOP WORKING. IF I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTART THE CAR, THE ESC OFF LIGHT IS UNLIT AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS FUNCTION NORMALLY. I UNDERSTAND THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2006 AND 2007 SONATAS FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V280000) THAT INVOLVED A DEFECTIVE STOP LAMP SWITCH. MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I MUST FIX THIS PROBLEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE DUE TO EXTREME SAFETY CONCERNS FOR MY FAMILY. *KB
Aug 03, 2011
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
Bought in 2023 @ 98k miles. Have had trouble with 1.it would only start in drive, then that seems to have self corrected. 2. In drive, car would not accelerate properly, and would slow as though I was braking, but no foot on brake. Had rear brake sensor replaced, seemed better for a while. 3. Developed oil leak at 120 miles which valvoline characterized as "not serious...just keep checking it and topping it off." So, have been doing that. Today after oil change, it began running rough, lots of vibration, then the shifting problem, sluggishness, and new..smoke from under hood on driver's side. No check engine lights at all. Nothing registered as hot or overheating. Turned off car, checked oil and trans fluid, both in proper range for warm engine. Let car sit and cool for an hour. Decided I had parked too close to the propane tanks for a smoking car, so I decided to start car just to back it into a space across the lot. Car had no issues- No smoke, no jerking or vibration, no sluggishness, no phantom braking. This car has done this same thing about once every 6 months since I've had it. Changed a tire sensor, that seemed to fix it once. Stopped using cruise control altogether, that seemed to help once. My brother is an ASE certified high school auto mechanics teacher who ran his own shop for 20 years and worked on trucks for VDOT for another 7 years and he cannot diagnose it. I know it has something to do with not being in the correct gear, but it's not reliable, and I have a hard time believing it's just my vehicle.
Apr 25, 2025
DRIVING WHILE USING CRUISE CONTROL AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE CHECK ENGINE, AIR BAG, AND E.S.C LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ALSO, A SIMULTANEOUS INTERNAL ENGINE EXPLOSION RESULTED IN AN INSTANT FIRE AS WELL AS A ROD THROWN FROM THE VEHICLE DAMAGING BLOCK AND SETTING THE CAR ON FIRE FROM A RESULTING MASSIVE OIL LEAK. THERE WAS NO PRIOR DAMAGE LEADING UP TO THE INCIDENT NOR ANY INDICATION TO MY KNOWLEDGE THAT THERE WERE ANY CONCERNS WITH MY CAR TILL IT WAS TOO LATE UNFORTUNATELY. *TR
Sep 12, 2014
STEERING,SUSPENSION
2 complaints
The contact's grandson owns a 2008 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds and driving over a bump in the roadway, the rear end of the vehicle started fishtailing from left to right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the tie rod and control arms needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
Jul 29, 2024
STEERING THE CAR BECAME DIFFICULT AND A LOUD WHINING NOISE WOULD OCCUR TURNING RIGHT OR EVEN SLIGHTLY MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD CAUSE THAT NOISE. PARKED CAR IN ALLEY TO WAIT ON IT TO BE FIXED SOMEONE DROVE ONTO MY PROPERTY AND SWIPED MY CAR. HAVE RECALL ON CROSSMEMBER ASSEMBLY BUT IS THE FRONT COVERED ALSO?
Sep 03, 2019
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
2 complaints
THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF FROM TIME TO TIME. I NOTICE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUES ON 2008 MODEL. HOWEVER BY MY VIN NUMBER IT WON'T SHOW THAT NEEDS AN ATTENTION ON IT. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT TO DO. ALSO, THERE IS MOOSE ON THE FRONT SIDE , PASSENGER SIDE. ON THE BACK THE CAR WIGGLES OVER 60MPH OR IF I HAVE 3 PEOPLE ON THE BACK. THANKS
Sep 08, 2019
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
Jul 26, 2009
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING OR MAKING TURNS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL THUMPING NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SHIMMIED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE REAR CONTROL ARM WAS RUSTED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Jul 29, 2019
REFUSAL OF HYUNDAI TO REVIEW LEVELS OF REAR CROSSMEMBER CORROSION ON VEHICLES OPERATED IN THE SALT BELT STATES BECAUSE OWNER REGISTERED IT IN CITY/STATE ADJOINING THIS RECALL. AFTER FURTHER REVIEWING THE SURVEY RESULTS, HYUNDAI HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL IN AFFECTED SALT BELT STATES ON 2006-2010 SONATA VEHICLES. I HAVE NOTIFIED MY LOCAL HYUNDAI SERVICE CENTER ABOUT THIS RECALL. THEIR REPLY WAS SINCE I LIVE IN THE SAME CITY BUT ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE STATE LINE (KANSAS CITY, KS NOT KANSAS CITY, MO) MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED AND THEY WILL NOT REVIEW MY VEHICLE FOR FREE NOR WILL THEY REPLACE THE CORRODED CROSSMEMBER FOR FREE SINCE MY STATE DOES NOT BELONG TO THIS RECALL ALTHOUGH MY DRIVING PRIMARILY TAKES PLACE IN THIS AFFECTED AND INCLUDED STATE. *TR
Oct 18, 2013
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
CAR MADE A POPPING NOISE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THEN LOST ACCELERATION. THE CAR THEN BURST INTO FLAMES.
Apr 02, 2019
I READ YOUR RECALL TODAY RE: THE SAME MAKE/MODEL OF CAR THAT I OWN. MY HYNDAI SONATA IS A 2008. I AM EXPERIENCING EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUES LISTED IN THE RECALL SINCE THE BEGINNING OF 2015. I HAVE SPENT MORE MONEY THAN I HAVE TRYING TO FIX THIS CAR (WHICH I AM FINANCING CURRENTLY). THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON, THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE CAR WILL NOT "GET UP AND GO" AND FEELS AS IF IT MAY STALL OUT UPON TAKING OFF FORWARD AFTER COMING TO A STOP. LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHEN YOU STEP ON THE GAS. THEY ONLY WAY TO GET RID OF THE NOISE IS TO LET OFF OF THE GAS.
Sep 28, 2015
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. IN ADDITION, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BECAME MISALIGNED TO THE LEFT AND FAILED TO ILLUMINATE THE FULL VIEW OF THE ROAD AHEAD. DOWNEY HYUNDAI (7550 FIRESTONE BLVD, DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA 90241, (562) 314-4331) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE AIR BAG INDICATOR FAILURE AND DISCONNECTED THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. KEYES MISSION HILLS HYUNDAI (10240 SEPULVEDA BLVD, MISSION HILLS, CALIFORNIA 91345) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE HEADLAMP LIGHTING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT PARTS AND LABOR WOULD NOT BE COVERED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08E021000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) IN REGARDS TO THE HEADLIGHTS. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 08V161000 (AIR BAGS) AND 08E021000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) AS POTENTIAL CAUSES OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,605.
Nov 14, 2018
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
Apr 23, 2010
SUSPENSION
2 complaints
RECEIVED NOTICE FOR RECALL
Aug 26, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO BECOME UNCONTROLLABLE. THE CONTACT MOVED OFF THE ROADWAY AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS TILTED AWKWARDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE REAR PASSENGER UPPER CONTROL ARM WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 137,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. *TR
Apr 01, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2 complaints
WHEN I PUT MY CAR IN PARK TURN OFF THE CAR MY PARKING LIGHTS COME ON CANT TURN THEM OFF AT SWITCH HAVE TO DISCONNECT MY BATTERY FOR FEAR MY CAR WONT START, ALSO AT DARK WHILE IM DRIVING I SWITCH MY LIGHTS TO JUST THE RUNNING LIGHTS MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME ON. NO MATTER IF MY SWITCH IS ON AUTO OR OFF MY LIGHTS STILL STAY ON. WHEN I TURN OFF THE CAR AND AT TIMES I CANT GET MY KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION I HAVE TO WIGGLE THE SHIFTIER, AND IF THAT DOSE NOT WORK THEN I PUT MY SEAT BELT BACK ON AND PUSH THE LOCK AND UNLOCK BUTTON ON MY KEY FOB. SO WITH ALL OF THIS I CANT USE THE ALARM NOR THE ABILITY TO UNLOCK MY DOOR AND TO HAVE MY INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON AT NIGHT. THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED BECAUSE OF THE NIGHT TIME SECURITY FEATURES.
Jul 12, 2017
BOTH THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE REAR DASH LIGHTS STOPPED ILLUMINATING (11-12-2011). I ALSO HAVE THE ESC INDICATOR LIGHT GOING ON AND OFF (PAST 6 MONTHS) THERE WAS A WARRANTY REPLACEMENT ON THE STOP LAMP SWITCH DONE ON 10-23-2009. SERVICE DEPARTMENT INVOICE STATES ESC OFF LIGHT ON CAUSED BY: RECOVERED C1513 DUE TO FAULTY BRAKE LAMP SWITCH. WORK PERFORMED: INSTALLED 93810-3K000-QQH STOP LAMP ASSEMBLY SWITCH. PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING!!!! *TR
Nov 13, 2011
AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2 complaints
ESC OFF LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY ALONG WITH AIRBAG WARNING.
Jan 27, 2017
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. ESC LIGHT COMES ON WHALE DRIVING AND SOME TIME IT WILL GO OUT. TURNING ON AND OFF ESC SWITCH WILL NOT TURN IT OFF. WOULD THIS BE COVERED UNDER RECALL? THANKS JERRY
Sep 19, 2015
VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
THE PASSENGER SUN VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP, AT ALL. THE DRIVER SIDE WILL SUDDENLY FALL AND IT'S VERY UNPLEASANT TO SUDDENLY NOT BE ABLE TO SEE WHILE DRIVING. THEY ARE RIDICULOUSLY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE ($200.00) AND MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THIS IS QUITE COMMON WITH HYUNDAI VEHICLES. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE APPROX. 6 MONTHS AND IT HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 5 TIMES. IT REALLY IS STARTLING. I'M REALLY GLAD I WASN'T ON A FREEWAY. *TR
Dec 05, 2016
SUN VISOR ON BOTH PASS AND DRIVE SIDE WILL NOT STAY IN THE UP POSITION CAUSING A HAZARD AS THE VISOR IS IN THE LINE OF SIGHT AND WILL COME DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY. *JS
Jul 08, 2014
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LATCHES ON THE REAR PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE DOORS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCHES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
Nov 10, 2016
THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT DOOR LOCK DOES NOT LOCK OR MOVE AND THE DOOR REMAINS OPEN WHILE DRIVING. IT HAPPENED IN THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS. NOTICED WHEN DOORS WERE LOCKED REMOTELY AND THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WAS ABLE TO BE OPENED, WE SEE THERE ARE A NUMBER OF DOOR LOCK LINKAGE RECALLS AND SERVICE NOTICES. *TR
Oct 17, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED TO WORK WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE KEY OVER. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START RANDOMLY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. IN ADDITION, THE DOOR LATCHES FAILED TO OPEN FROM OUTSIDE AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WERE NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
Apr 01, 2016
TRUNK WAS OPENING ON ITS OWN INTERMITTANTLY. THIS WAS OUR 55000 MILE SCHEDULED SERVICE SO WE REPORTED IT. THEY CHECKED AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG BUT TOLD US THEY GREASED THE TRUNK LATCH AND IT SHOULD BE FIXED. A FEW WEEKS LATER IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN. WE THINK ITS AN ELECTRONIC DEFECT, BUT BY THE TIME THEY FIGURE IT OUT WE'LL BE OUT OF WARRANTY. WE DON'T DARE PUT ANYTHING OF VALUE IN THE CAR. *TR
Jan 17, 2012
AIR BAGS,VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaints
2008 HYUNDAI SONATA : RECEIVED RECALL FOR PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP AND TOLD CAR WAS NOT PART OF RECALL EVEN THOUGH PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT WHICH SHOWS THAT AIR BAG SYSTEM IS DEACTIVATED CAME ON WHEN PASSENGER WAS IN FRONT SEAT INTERMITTENTLY. NOW DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT ON STEADY, MECHANIC STATES SENSOR ISSUE AND AIR BAG WILLNOT DEPLOY IN CRASH, CALLED HYUNDAI AND INFORMED 'AFTER SOME DIGGING' MY CAR MAY BE COVERED UNDER OCS RECALL??? HYUNDAI CALL CENTER ASSISTED ME IN GETTING APPOINTMENT WITH DEALERSHIP IN A FEW DAYS, UNSURE WHAT REPAIRS WILL BE DONE. ALSO BOTH VISORS ARE BROKEN, WILL NOT STAY UP, ISSUE WITH VISIBILITY,. *JS
Dec 31, 2014
FRONT PASSENGER WARNING LIGHT:"PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" REMAINS LIT EVEN WHEN OCCUPIED. HAZARD: DO NOT KNOW IF AIR BAG IS ACTIVATED OR NOT. BAD OCS MODULE? WANT RECALL HONORED 08V161000. FRONT VISOR REMAINS STRAIGHT DOWN POSITION BLOCKING VISIBILITY. WHEN MOVED TO THE RIGHT BLOCKS ENTRY/EXIT FROM VEHICLE BY HITTING PEOPLE IN THE HEAD. HAZARD! WHAT DO I DO IF MFG. REFUSES TO FIX THESE ITEMS--MY RECOURSE?? *TR
Dec 22, 2012
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
PEDAL TO THE METAL RUSTED OUT BRAKE LINE CLOSE TO $1,000 TO REPAIR
Aug 07, 2014
LAST WEEK WE NOTICED THAT THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT WAS ON. TONIGHT ON 5/24/2012 WE NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. I HAD TO JUST BARELY PLUG IN THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WIRE FOR THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO WORK AGAIN. THIS WAS A PROBLEM WITH EARLIER SONATAS THE RECALL WAS NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE09003. MY 2008 EXHIBITED THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE ESC LIGHT AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS. *TR
May 24, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
MY 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY ON NOVEMBER 24, 2013 AT AROUND 11 AM. I OPENED MY TRUNK WITH THE REMOTE KEY AND THE TRUNK OPENED UP SO FAST, THE HINGE TOPS ON BOTH SIDES THAT SUPPORT AND GUIDE THE TRUNK LID BROKE OFF AT THE TOP. JUST DISINTEGRATED. THESE ARE DEFECTIVELY MANUFACTURED PLASTIC CAPS/COVERS ON THE TWO HYDRAULIC HINGES. *TR
Nov 25, 2013
TRUNK OPENS BY ITSELF. WILL ENTER CAR AND SEE THAT" TRUNK OPEN" SIGNAL ON DASH IS ON. HAS HAPPENED DOZENS OF TIMES. I CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS CAUSING IT. ONE TIME THE TRUNK WAS OPEN BUT THE LATCH WAS IN THE CLOSED POSITION AND I COULD NOT CLOSE THE TRUNK UNTIL I MANUALLY OPENED THE LATCH, BUT ALL OTHER TIMES I WAS ABLE TO SIMPLY CLOSE THE TRUNK. THE DEALER SAYS I MUST BE UNINTENTIONALLY PUSHING THE REMOTE TRUNK BUTTON, BUT THAT IS NOT THE CASE FOR DOZENS OF INCIDENTS. THEY SAY I MUST LEAVE THE CAR SO THEY CAN CREATE THE PROBLEM, EVEN THOUGH THIS ISSUE IS ALL OVER THE INTERNET IN CAR FORUMS. IN FACT MY FRIEND HAS SAME CAR AND SAME PROBLEM. *TR
May 03, 2013
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
2 complaints
DASHBOARD AIR BAG LIGHT HAS COME ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY SINCE SEPTEMBER 2012. AT THIS TIME THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS OFF. THE PASSENGER SAFETY BELT LIGHT REMAINS PERMANENTLY ON SINCE SEPTEMBER 2012 AS WELL. CALLED THE DEALER HYUNDAI OF EL PASO AND THEY SAID MY CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. HOW CAN IT BE? *TR
May 05, 2013
THE OTHER DAY, I FOUND THE SRS AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT KEEPS ON ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND THEN I FOUND THAT THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE IS ALSO ON AND THE "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" INDICATOR IS TURNED OFF WHEN THERE IS NO PASSENGER OR LUGGAGE ON THE SEAT. I WENT TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND IT TURNED OUT TO BE THAT VEHICLE HAS NO COMMUNICATION FROM OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) MODULE UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT. *TR
Jul 09, 2012
SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
I PURCHASED A USED 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA FROM A HYUNDAI DEALER THERE WAS NO INDICATOR LIGHTS ON THE SAID THE CARE HAD BEEN INSPECTED. I HAD THE CAR FOR 3 WEEKS THEN A AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON. SO I TOOK TO THE DEALER BECAUSE I HAD BOUGHT A 2 YEAR WARRANTY ON THE CAR. THEY TOLD ME THAT I WOULD NEED A NEW SEAT BELT BUCKLE AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPROGRAM THE COMPUTER. THEM I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OVER 400 DOLLARS TO GET IT REPAIRED. HOW IS THIS LEGAL TO SELL A VEHICLE THAT IS KNOWING SELL A VEHICLE WHICH THEY KNOW ABOUT? *TR
Jan 19, 2013
THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT RELEASE LATCH DOES NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. IN COMPARISON TO PASSENGER SEAT BELT LATCH THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE IN SMOOTH OPERATION TO RELEASE THE LATCH. ANY TENSION PLACED UPON THE STRAP CAUSES THE PROBLEM TO AMPLIFY DRASTICALLY. IN CASE OF A VEHICLE ROLLOVER AND A DRIVER BEING STOPPED WHILE THE VEHICLE COMES TO REST WITH THE VEHICLE ON IT'S ROOF, IT WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT TO ESCAPE THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE DRIVERS WEIGHT PRESSURE ON THE RELEASE LATCH. *TR
Apr 22, 2009
VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
I HAVE A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE SUN VISORS CONTINUE TO FALL DOWN OR SAG. I'VE HAD BOTH VISORS REPLACED WITHIN THE LAST YEAR AND HALF. LUCKILY, MY CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, THEY HAVE FAILED AGAIN SINCE THEN, AND NOW MY SONATA IS OUT OF WARRANTY (I HAVE EXCEEDED 60K MILES). MY RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THE VISOR TENSION ROD LOSES TENSION OVER TIME AND EVENTUALLY FAILS RESULTING IN VISOR SAG. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM BECAUSE THE REPLACEMENT VISORS HAVEN'T BEEN RE-ENGINEERED, THIS ACCORDING TO A HYUNDAI REP. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A ROCKET SCIENTIST TO SEE THE HAZARD HERE -- THE VISOR CAN BLOCK THE DRIVER'S VIEW OR WORSE SCALP YOU IF IN AN ACCIDENT. WHAT DOES HYUNDAI DO? THEY CHECK YOUR WARRANTY STATUS AND REPLACE IT WITH SAME DEFECTIVE PART, OR WORSE, IF OUT OF WARRANTY, THEY OFFER TO SELL YOU A REPLACEMENT AT $85.00. REALLY!! THE DEALERSHIPS CLAIM NO RESPONSIBILITY AS DOES APPARENTLY THE HYUNDAI CORPORATION, WHICH SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED BY THE NHTSA FOR FAILURE TO ACKNOWLEDGE A RECALL. HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DOES IT TAKE? AND WHY ARE HYUNDAI CONSUMERS STUCK PAYING FOR A SAFETY DEFECT THAT IS UNAMBIGUOUSLY CLEAR? IF YOU DON?T BELIEVE ME, TALK TO ANY OWNER OF AN ?06, ?07, OR ?08 SONATA. THIS IS REALLY UPSETTING TO ME BECAUSE I THOUGHT HYUNDAI WAS DOING A GOOD JOB. NOW, I'M HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS. ISSUE A RECALL ALREADY!! THE P/N FOR THE RIGHT SIDE VISOR IS 85202 0A750QDQQH BY HYUNDAI AMERICA. I DON'T HAVE THE OPTION TO SELECT THAT UNDER THE EQUIPMENT TAB SO I POSTED IT HERE. *TT
Aug 26, 2011
2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. AT 20,000 MILES THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR STARTED TO SAG, AND NOT RETURN TO ITS FULL UPRIGHT FOLDED POSITION. AT 40,000 MILES IT FULLY FAILED, IN THE FULLY DOWN POSITION IT BLOCKS A TALL PERSONS FIELD OF VISION. I RESORTED TO SEWING VELCRO TO TO THE VISOR AND CEILING TO HOLD THE VISOR IN PLACE. NOW AT 60,000 MILES THE PASSENGER VISOR IS STARTING TO DROOP, AND NOT RETURN TO THE FULL UPRIGHT POSITION. THE PASSENGER VISOR IS USED A FRACTION OF THE AMOUNT OF THE DRIVER VISOR; THEREFORE IS EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEM LATER. IT APPEARS THAT INFERIOR SPRINGS HAVE BEEN USED. ONLINE FORMUMS INDICATE THIS PROBLEM GOING BACK TO 2006 MODELS. *LN
Feb 01, 2011
STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
I find replacing the light bulbs for head lights and brake lights and flood lights more often than any other cars I have owned. The steering wheel makes a noise when turning left. And a noise is getting louder not sure what it’s related to.
Nov 06, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
Just about 2 months ago i exit my vehicle after parking up. As i exit i smelled a burning smell and heard sparks so i stepped away from vehicle asap and then the horn start honking and lights flashing on own. Then the car started up by itself and started to run without me in car and keys in my hand. Police came from noise distubing and took the battery off to stop. After that i couldnt start car so had towed in shop for 5 weeks. Hot out of shop and can start now but now my a.c. and windows doesnt work because mechanic said that something keep blowing those fuses out and if he puts yhem back in then the car will go back to not starting. I am guessing this is part of the recall.
May 25, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
Manufacturer has REFUSED to return My calls. Dragged me down there for an appointment, made me wait. Just to tell me they didn't order the specific part even though I made the appointment months in advanced.... and to call back in a week. That was September (6 months ago). I called, multiple times. Either I get no answer, voice mail, hung up on, laughed at OR told that they will urgently call me right back. All to no call back . I've reached out on social media, email, called managers, no one has followed up, Horne Hyundai AZ is a joke! And so is the surrounding certified dealers. No one has reached out and I've tried all outlets to dealers (somewhat) near me. No one finds this serious so if I get injured on the campus much longer and i will regret it.
Mar 10, 2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I put the car in reverse while parked in a parking lot, when I put the car in reverse, the car took off at a high rate of speed striking one vehicle and continued at a high speed in reverse about 20 or 30 feet also hitting a return cart station, knocking it over and the car still proceeded to crash into a large parked pickup truck causing significant damage to the truck and also my vehicle. The brakes would not stop the car. The car finally stopped after the hard impact with the truck. My car has been deemed a total by my insurance.
Nov 29, 2021
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE HAS CAME OFF AND SO HAS THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE HAS CAME OFF AND THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR IS TOTALLY INOPERABLE. THIS S A TOTAL SAFETY HAZARD IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, A CAR CRASH GOD FORBID OR EVEN THE CAR CATCHING FIRE. GETTING TO SAFETY WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT. I CANT AFFORD TO CONTINUING FIXING AN ISSUE THAT IS DEFECTED TO BEGIN WITH. THE BRAKE LIGHTS DOESN'T ILLUMINATE ALL TIME WHEN ENGAGED AND MY AIR BAG LIGHTS ARE ON AND MY CAR SWAYS IN THE BACK DUE TO THE CONTROL ARM BEING RUSTED
Dec 14, 2020
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY CAR ARE ANGLED TOO LOW WHILE USING LOW-BEAMS AND THE VISIBILITY AT NIGHT IS BAD. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR THE ENTIRE TIME I HAVE HAD THIS CAR AND I AM NOW AWARE THAT I CAN FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST IT. HIGH-BEAMS SEEM TO FUNCTION OK.
Jun 28, 2020
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TODAY MY ABS LIGHT WENT ON AND THE BRAKES BECAME ROCK HARD COULD NOT PRESS DOWN ON THEM. THEN I PARKED THE CAR CHECKED ALL FLUIDS AND BELTS, TURNED THE CAR ON AGAIN THE ABS LIGHT TURNED OFF. STARTED TO DRIVE TRIED ACCELERATING FROM 25MPH TO 30MPH THEN ESC LIGHT WENT ON LOCKED MY BRAKES TRIED DRIVING TO PARK IN A SAFE PLACE AS SOON AS I PARKED THE CAR AND TURNED IT OFF A BAD SMELL AND LOTS OF SMOKE CAME OUT OF MY FRONT TIRES AND REAR TIRES. GOT CAR TOWED BREAKS ARE OK MY MECHANIC PRESSED THE ESC BUTTON OFF AND NOW BREAKS ARE SOFT. I BELIEVE THERE IS A MALFUNCTION THAT YOU SHOULD LOOK INTO THAT WILL CAUSE A RECALL. ALSO TPMS LIGHT RANDOMLY GOES ON AND OFF. TIRE PRESSURE AGAIN IS FINE. PLEASE CONSIDER LOOKING INTO THIS. IT?S THE ONLY CAR WE?VE HAD FOR ABOUT 9 YEARS AND NOW MY DAUGHTER DRIVES IT TO SCHOOL. SAFETY PLEASE!! THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Aug 15, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CROWN HYUNDAI (5301 34TH ST N, ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33714, (888) 727-9161) REGARDING THE REAR BACK-UP SENSORS AND AN UNKNOWN NHTSA RECALL RELATED TO THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) CLUSTER. WHEN THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO UPDATE THE ECM CLUSTER, THEY DISABLED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR TWELVE DAYS, BUT DID NOT PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
Apr 03, 2019
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
2008 HYUNDAI SONATA 6CYL DOHC 3.3L / 152812 WATER PUMP WENT OUT. REPLACED IT. THEN WATER ENDED UP IN THE OIL THAT GOT INTO THE LIFTERS. ENDED UP GETTING ANOTHER MOTOR. THEN MY A/C STOPPED WORKING (DIDN'T BLOW COOL OR COLD AIR). CHANGED OIL AND OIL FILTER MYSELF ALONG WITH THE OIL SENSOR ( CONNECTED TO OIL FILTER SPOT) THAT WAS LEAKING BAD AS LONG AS THE CAR WAS RUNNING.I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, IN FRONT OF A LOADED 18 WHEELER, DRIVING 75 THEN MY CAR JERKED REAL HARD THEN DROPPED DOWN TO 40. I HAD TO PULL OVER ILLEGALLY TO KEEP FROM GETTING HIT BY THE TRUCK. AS I WAS CATCHING MY BREATH I TURNED THE CAR OFF. WHEN I STARTED IT BACK UP IT MADE A WEIRD TICK NOISE. HAVEN'T HEARD THAT NOISE SINCE. WHEN I PULLED OFF IT HESITATED TO CHANGE GEARS FROM 2 TO 3. IT FINALLY CHANGED AND DID NOT COME OUT OF 3RD. GOT IT TOWED HOME. HAD MY MOMS BOYFRIEND TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION. HE DROVE IT AND IT WAS FINE. NEXT MORNING STARTED CAR AND IT SOUNDED LIKE A VACUUM CLEANER. (LOW VOLUME) FINALLY IT WENT AWAY. WHEN I HEADED TO WORK, IT HESITATED AT FIRST. THE VACUUM NOISE CAME BACK AND WAS LOUDER. THEN I SPED UP TO 50, IT HARD JERKED AGAIN, AND STAYED IN 3RD GEAR. AS I WENT FURTHER LOSS POWER IN INSIDE LANE OF HIGHWAY AND CAR WAS SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD. LIKE IT DIDN'T KNOW I WAS PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL. STARTED SHAKING AT AROUND 20 MILES AN HOUR. PULLED OVER AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CALLED A FRIEND TO PULL ME BACK HOME. IT WAS REVERSING FINE BUT WOULD NOT GO FORWARD. SO I CHANGED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR (WHOLE PEDAL) THAT WASN'T THE PROBLEM. SO THEN I CHANGED THE ENTIRE FUEL PUMP/ INJECTOR. STILL HAVE ALL PARTS BY THE WAY. THAT WASN'T THE PROBLEM EITHER. PUT IT ON THE MACHINE AND IT GAVE A CODE FOR ECM AND OXYGEN SENSOR. ESC LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL AS TPMS, WHEN I STARTED THE CAR. I COULD MOVE FORWARD BUT IT WAS LIKE I WASN'T. THIS ALL STARTED IN FEBRUARY 2019
Mar 31, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CAR WILL NOT START. IT'S NOT BATTERY RELATED. I'VE FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FROM SONATA OWNERS OF MODEL YEARS 2006-08. PEOPLE HAVE COME TO FIND OUT THAT IT'S IGNITION SWITCH RELATED. MY CAR WAS PARKED, IT HAS A BRAND NEW BATTERY IN IT.
Dec 03, 2017
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA AND I HAVE WELL MAINTAINED MY VEHICLE BUT ONE DAY I HEAR A SMALL TICKING NOISE I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE SPARK PLUGS SO I GOT THE FULL TUNE UP. THE VERY NEXT DAY THE CAR DIDNT WANT TO START. IVE TRIED EVERYTHING BUT NOTHING SEEMS TO WORK. I ALSO DID RESEARCH AND A FEW OTHERS WERE HAVING THE SAME EXACT SYMPTOMS IN THEIR CARS. ALSO LOTS OF PEOPLE WERE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE 2011 HYUNDAI SONATAS ALSO. I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT THEY USE THE SAME ENGINES FOR THE 2008 I THINK WE ALLL SHOULD GET A FAIR PLAY
Nov 16, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS
1 complaint
AIR BAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF, DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT RECEIVER, WHICH I REPLACED WITH A NEW PART, AIRBAG LIGHT IS STILL ON AND NOW I AM TOLD IT IS THE PASSENGER SEAT PRESSURE SENSOR. I SAW THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS BUT WAS TOLD MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED. I AM UNABLE TO INSPECT THE CAR IN THE STATE OF MAINE NOW.
Apr 29, 2017
AIR BAGS,TIRES,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED FOR THE DRIVER SIDE WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE AND TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND TURNED OFF INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000. ...UPDATED 06/13/17 *BF UPDATED 10/11/2017*JS
Apr 26, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
MY DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR QUITE SOME TIME, AND MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT IS NOT DETECTING ANYONE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I TOOK MY CAR TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD IT'S AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH MY AIRBAGS AND MAY BE DUE TO A FAULTY WIRING ISSUE UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. ADDITIONALLY, THE LOW BEAM ON MY DRIVER SIDE LIGHTING FIXTURE IS NOT WORKING, ALTHOUGH I'VE HAD THE BULB REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES. FURTHER, THE HEADLIGHTS, ALTHOUGH ALSO REPLACED, DON'T WORK AT ALL.
Feb 19, 2017
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT GO OFF! A LIGHT SAYS ESC OFF, WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF , LATER THE LIGHT IS OUT BUT I STILL DO NOT HAVE FUNCTIONING BRAKE LIGHTS THEY JUST STAY ON WHILE IN MOTION.
Dec 23, 2016
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,SEATS
1 complaint
IM JUST WRITING BECAUSE IM GETTING ALOT OF ALERTS FROM YOU GUYS AND I DONT LIVE AT THE SAME ADDRESS WHEN I PURCHASED MY CAR. SO IM NOT GETTING MY RECALL LETTERS OR NOTICES. SO WHAT IM WOUNDERING IS WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO MAKE SURE MY CAR IS NOT BEING EFFECTIVE BY THESES RECALLS. THANK YOU AND HAVE A NICE DAY.
Dec 17, 2016
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
ON JULY 19, 2016 AT OR ABOUT 1500 HOURS, I WAS DRIVING TO THE STORE TO GET SOME FOOD, ON THE WAY OUT MY APARTMENT COMPLEX, I BELIEVE MY HYUNDAI SONATA 2008 ALLOWED ME TO GO ABOUT TWO BLOCKS DOWN FROM WHERE I LIVE TO SHUT OFF IN THE STREET RIGHT BEFORE I APPROACHED THE STOP SIGN. I ALSO REMEMBER HEARING TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO MY VEHICLE SHUT OFF, WHILE DRIVING I HEARD THIS KNOCKING SOUND IN MY ENGINE, I THOUGHT IT WAS THE NEW STARTER THAT WAS REPLACED BUT THEN A DAY OR TWO LATER IT STOP MAKING THAT KNOCKING NOISE. I CALLED AROUND TO FIND ANSWERS NO ONE HAD A CLUE TO WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH THIS VEHICLE. EVERYTHING WAS WORKING JUST FINE UNTIL JULY 16, 2016. I HAD THIS VEHICLE SINCE APRIL 17, 2009 AND I CAN'T NOT BELIEVE THIS VEHICLE HAS A MAJOR ISSUE LIKE THIS AT POINT AND TIME. I COULD DEAL WITH REGULAR MAINTENANCE SERVICES BUT ON THIS FLIP SIDED COIN; NOT HAVING A VEHICLE TO CRANK OR ONE THAT JUST SHUTS OFF WITH OUT ANY ENGINE LIGHTS OR WARNING IS A COMPLETE MYSTERY FOR ME, BUT I THINK IT IS TIME HYUNDAI GIVE ME SOME ANSWERS TO THIS PROBLEM... LETS ALSO BE CLEAR THERE WAS OIL AND GAS IN THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME OF VEHICLE IN MOTION SHUT OFF.
Jul 24, 2016
AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I WAS IN A PARKING LOT WITH THE CAR TURNED OFF AND USED THE KEYLESS ENTRY FOB TO OPEN THE TRUNK. THE TRUNK FLEW UP SO QUICKLY THAT THE HYDRAULIC HINGE SUPPORT, THAT PROPS IT OPEN, BROKE OFF AT THE TOP. THE ABS & ESC LIGHTS STAY ON WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING. SOMETIMES WHILE I'M DRIVING THOSE 2 WARNING LIGHTS WILL FLASH OFF, THEN BACK ON A FEW SECONDS LATER. WHEN THAT HAPPENS MY BRAKES DON'T WORK CORRECTLY, AND MAKE A RUBBING SOUND THAT I CAN FEEL THROUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE AUTOMOTIVE INSTRUCTOR AT THE COLLEGE I WORK AT LOOKED AT THE BRAKES AND IT'S THE CALIPERS STICKING. THE DASHBOARD SRS WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON, AND THE PASSENGER SAFETY BELT LIGHT FLASHES CONSTANTLY WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF THERE IS SOMEONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OR NOT. THE TPMS MALFUNCTION INDICATOR IS THE MOST RECENT WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON AND STAY ON UNTIL THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. SEEMS LIKE HYUNDAI PRODUCED NOTHING BUT LEMONS FOR QUITE A STRETCH AND NOT MUCH IS BEING DONE TO HELP THE CONSUMER'
Apr 11, 2016
STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR BECAME INOPERABLE AND FAILED TO OPEN USING THE KEY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Apr 01, 2016
STEERING
1 complaint
12/23/2015. 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS. STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION THIS EVENING. I WAS DRIVING ON SECONDARY STREETS IN TOWN AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 30MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND WOULD NOT TURN WHILE NEGOTIATING A VERY SLIGHT LEFT HAND CURVE IN THE ROAD. I BRAKED WITH INTENT TO ATTEMPT TO PULL OVER AND THE STEERING UNLOCKED AND STARTED MOVING FREELY AGAIN. I HAD MADE A 90 DEGREE RIGHT HAND TURN ABOUT 1/4 OF A MILE PRIOR TO THE STEERING LOCKING UP AND HAD NO PROBLEM OR TIGHTNESS IN THE MOTION. CAUSE FOR THE INCIDENT IS UNKNOWN. I WAS NOT USING CRUISE CONTROL, ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WERE NOT IN USE / ACTIVATED. WE DID NOT EXPERIENCE ANY SIGNIFICANT BUMPS IN THE ROAD. WE REACHED OUR DESTINATION WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT AND MADE THE RETURN TRIP ALSO WITHOUT INCIDENT. NO POLICE REPORT OR INSURANCE CLAIM HAS BEEN FILED YET AS OF THE TIME OF THIS POST.
Dec 23, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH WILL NOT GO OUT. PASSENGER SEATBELT AIR BAG LIGHT ALSO WILL NOT GO OUT WITH OR WITHOUT SOMEONE IN THE SEAT. BOTH LIGHTS ARE STILL ON AFTER A WARRANTY VISIT AT THE DEALERSHIP. THEY CLEARED THE CODES AND DID THE TENSIONER REPAIR, BUT LIGHTS ARE STILL ON. SEVERAL BLOGS WITH SIMILAR SITUATIONS HAVE COME UP WITH AN INTERNET SEARCH BUT EVEN THOSE PEOPLE HAVE SPENT THE $ TO FIX THE ISSUE AND THE LIGHTS ARE STILL ON FOR THEM TOO. PLEASE FIX!!!!!
Jun 03, 2015
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ESC LIGHT GO ON SIMULTANEOUSLY. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE CAR GOES INTO REDUCED POWER MODE ("LIMP MODE") AND YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO DRIVE ABOVE 15 OR 20 MPH. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH HYUNDAI IN WHICH THEY ISSUED TSB #'S 09-FL-003-2 AND 10-FL-010. THE TSB'S ADDRESS A FAULTY THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WHICH IS TO BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE WITH DIFFERENT SETTINGS THAN THE ORIGINAL. ONE THE PART IS CHANGED, AN UPDATE TO THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE IS REQUIRED. THERE ARE NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS OF THIS INCIDENT HAPPENING. HOW CAN A FLAW OF THIS MAGNITUDE NOT WARRANT A RECALL?
May 26, 2015
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
ESC LIGHT ON ALONG WITH CHECK ENGINE....NEED PUSH BUTTON AND TURN OFF ENGINE A COUPLE OF TIME. *TR
Nov 30, 2014
TIRES,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
EVER SINCE THE PURCHASE OF MY 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TPMS AND ESC LIGHTS/SYSTEM. OVER THE YEARS IF I WOULD TURN THE CAR OFF THEN BACK ON IT SEEMED TO RESET THE SYSTEM AND THE LIGHTS WOULD GO OUT. I DID HAVE THE TPMS SYSTEM REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY YEARS BACK AND IT SEEMED TO LESSEN THE PROBLEM HOWEVER NOW 8/29/2014, THE LIGHTS WILL NOT GO OFF EVEN AFTER STOPPING AND STARTING THE CAR. I HAD THE WHEEL SENSORS TESTED AND THEY ARE ALL WORKING. THE REPAIRS DONE WHEN I FIRST HAD THE CAR TOOK DAYS AND I REMEMBER THEY HAD TO REPLACE SOMETHING BEHIND MY GLOVE BOX WHICH THEY SAID WAS A RADIO THAT READ THE SIGNAL FROM THE WHEEL SENSORS. SEEMS LIKE THE SAME PROBLEM AND I SEE OTHERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH THESE LIGHTS. I HAVE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP (PRESTON HYUNDAI IN BOARDMAN, OH) AND AM WAITING FOR A RETURN CALL. *TR
Aug 29, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
1 complaint
I RECENTLY REVIEWED HYUNDAI RECALL CAMPAIGN 121 (NHTSA CAMPAIGN #14V415000), WHICH DESCRIBES THAT 2007-2012 VERACRUZ MODELS MAY HAVE AN OIL LEAK AT THE FRONT VALVE COVER GASKET. THE RECALL STATES THAT "IF A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF OIL DRIPS ONTO THE ALTERNATOR, THE ALTERNATOR CAN BE DAMAGED RESULTING IN THE CHARGING SYSTEM BECOMING INOPERATIVE." IT GOES ON TO STATE A RISK OF VEHICLE RUNNING ON BATTERY POWER, UNTIL BATTERY VOLTAGE DROPS, AND THEN POTENTIAL FOR ENGINE SHUT OFF, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH. IN JULY, I TOOK MY 2008 SONATA TO THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT NOTED ON MY INVOICE THAT "LEFT AND FRONT VALVE COVER GASKETS ARE LEAKING", AND THAT "THE FRONT IS LEAKING ON THE ALTERNATOR." THIS APPEARS TO BE THE SAME MECHANICAL ISSUE NOTED IN RECALL CAMPAIGN 121, IT IS JUST HAPPENING ON A DIFFERENT HYUNDAI MODEL. IN MY OPINION, THE RISK OF DAMAGE TO THE ALTERNATOR ON MY SONATA (VIA THE CONFIRMED OIL LEAK ONTO IT) IS THE SAME AS WHAT IS DESCRIBED IN HYUNDAI RECALL CAMPAIGN 121. I BELIEVE THE VALVE COVER GASKET LEAK ISSUE WITH MY SONATA SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY HYUNDAI IN THE SAME MANNER AS HOW RECALL CAMPAIGN 121 IS ADDRESSING THE VALVE COVER GASKET LEAK ON THE VERACRUZ MODELS. *TR
Aug 15, 2014
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I AM #84 HAVING THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE AND THE $300 REPAIR SO THE AIR BAG WILL WORK IN CASE OF A CRASH. *TR
Aug 07, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON I25 IN COLORADO NEAR DENVER. THE CAR WAS ON CRUISE CONTROL, GOING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. I SAW A BUS A COUPLE OF HUNDRED YARDS AWAY. THE BUS WAS EITHER STOPPED OR GOING VERY SLOWLY. I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND MY 2008 SONATA WOULD NOT GO OUT OF CRUISE CONTROL. I TRIED CANCELING CRUISE CONTROL AND BRAKING AND CAR REMAINED IN CRUISE CONTROL. AT THE LAST MOMENT, I TRIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AS I CRASHED INTO THE BACK OF THE BUS GOING ABOUT 55 MPH. I NEARLY DIED. I COULDN'T BREATHE FOR 20 SECONDS. I HAVE FRACTURED RIBS AND FRACTURED BONES IN MY BACK. THE CAR IS TOTALED. IT LOOKS LIKE A SQUASHED ACCORDION. *TR
Jul 16, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
SINCE BUYING MY VEHICLE IN FEB 2013. I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IT. AIR BAG LIGHT, TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR HAS BROKEN DOWN ON ME. TOOK CARE TO GET FIXED FROM DEALERSHIP WITHIN IN MY 30 DAYS WARRANTY. ROBERTSONS HONDA FIXED THE BATTERY PROBLEM AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BUT NOT THAT OTHER 2. THEY STATED TO ME THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE CORRECT EQUIPMENT TO FIX IT. WHICH IS NOT MY PROBLEM. *TR
Jun 09, 2014
STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
ON 04/08/2014, I WAS DRIVING WITH MY FAMILY WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED; THEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND I WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF MY CAR. ONCE WE GOT TO OUR DESTINATION I PARKED THE CAR. LATER, WHEN I GOT IN THE CAR TO RETURN HOME, MY CAR'S IGNITION SWITCH WAS NOT TURNING AND THE STEERING GOT LOCKED AS WELL. ON 04/09/2014, I TOWED MY SONATA CAR TO THE DEALER AT MOMENTUM HYUNDAI: 2775 AUTO MALL PKWY, FAIRFIELD, CA 94533 FOR SERVICE. I DESCRIBED THE ISSUES TO THE SERVICE AGENT AND I ASKED HIM IF MY ISSUE WAS A RECALL AND HE SAID "NO". THE DEALER CHARGED ME $736.40 FOR LABOR AND FOR THESE CAR PARTS: BODY & SWITCH ASS [FP NUMBER: 81910-3K010] CYLINDER ASSY-STR [FP NUMBER: 81920-3KA10] BOLT-SAFETY LOCK [FP NUMBER: 81919-31000] NOTE: ON 04/06/2014, THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD LOCKED; BUT I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT AND THE IGNITION SWITCH FINALLY TURNED AND THE CAR STARTED. BUT ON 04/08/2014,I COULDNT SOLVE THE ISSUE MYSELF. THIS IS SCARY, ESPECIALLY WHEN I WAS DRIVING AND HAD MY FAMILY WITH ME. GM, AND TOYOTA HAVE RECALLED MILLIONS OF CARS BECAUSE OF THE SAME ISSUE; AND I DONT KNOW WHAT HYUNDAY IS WAITING FOR TO DO THE SAME. I HOPE HYUNDAI IS NOT WAITING ON PEOPLE TO GET SEVERELY HURT TO RAISE A FLAG AND ANNOUNCE A RECALL ON THEIR MODELS. HYUNDAI SHOULD RECALL ITS MODELS TO PREVENT THE LOSS OF LIVES. IF HYUNDAI DOES A RECALL OF ITS MODELS TO SOLVE THE ISSUE I HAVE EXPERIENCED, I WOULD APPRECIATE THEY REFUNDED MY MONEY. THANKS. *TR
Apr 10, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
THERE IS NO SHUTOFF WHEN FILLING THE GAS TANK. ONCE THE TANK IS FULL OR APPROACHING FULL, GASOLINE FORCEFULLY SPEWS OUT AND DOUSES THE INDIVIDUAL WHILE HOLDING THE NOZZLE. *TR
Dec 02, 2013
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE PROBLEMS SHIFTING INTO REVERSE OR PARK AND FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH . *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HER SON DROVE THE VEHICLE TO SCHOOL, AND WHEN HE TRIED TO STRAIGHTEN THE VEHICLE, HE DISCOVERED THAT IT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR PARK. HER SON HAD TO GET ASSISTANCE, TO PUSH THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE, SO HE COULD SHIFT INTO DRIVE. HER SON WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY, AND WHILE DRIVING, IT BECAME APPARENT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT RESPONDING NORMALLY BY DISENGAGING WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES. HE IMMEDIATELY DROVE TO AN AUTO CENTER. THE AUTO CENTER DETERMINED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS FAULTY AND REPLACED IT. THE CONSUMER STATED SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, SHE BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BOWER/FAN SWITCH, WHICH WOULD OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. AFTER SEVERAL VISITS TO THE DEALER, THEY FINALLY REPLACED THE FAN ON DECEMBER 6, 2011. ON OR ABOUT JULY 2012, SHE AGAIN BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE THE BLOWER/FAN OPERATING INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER OFFERED TO DO A DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED BY ONE WEEK. UPDATED 11/25/13
Oct 29, 2013
SEATS
1 complaint
DRIVERS SEAT LUMBAR ADJUSTING CAM BROKE WHILE DRIVING, THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAS BROKEN AND THE LOWER BACK OF THE SEAT PUSHED IN ABRUPTLY. THIS WAS VERY DISTRACTING WHILE DRIVING ON HIGH SPEED TOLL ROAD IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. THE METAL CAM WHICH WAS BROKEN OFF, WAS FOUND BEHIND THE DRIVERS SEAT. THIS IS SUCH A SMALL PIECE OF METAL AND DOES NOT SEEM TO BE STRONG ENOUGH FOR WHAT IS REQUIRED. MY DEFINITION OF THE CAM IS THE MECHANICAL PART THAT ACTUALLY MAKES THE ADJUSTMENT INSIDE OF THE SEAT AND ALSO SUPPORTS THE WEIGHT OF THE DRIVERS LOWER BACK. SIMILAR TO A S CAM OF A BRAKING SYSTEM. *TR
Aug 24, 2013
STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE, THE DRIVER'S SUNVISOR DROPPED DOWN FROM THE UPRIGHT POSITION AND PARTIALLY BLOCKED MY FORWARD VISION. SUBSEQUENTLY THE PASSENGER SIDE ALSO REFUSED TO STAY IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. WHEN I CONSULTED WITH THE DEALER I WAS INFORMED THAT I WAS 4 MONTHS OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD. I THEN CONTACTED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE AND RECEIVED A CASE NUMBER AND WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THE WARRANTY DID NOT APPLY. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT I COULD HAVE THE PARTS REPLACED AND APPLY TO THEM FOR REIMBURSEMENT BUT THAT THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE THAT I WOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE PARTS OR THE REPLACEMENT. I HAVE SINCE SEEN A HYUNDAI TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR 2008MY HYUNDAI SONATA SUNVISOR REPLACEMENT (SERVICE CAMPAIGN T97) DATED NOVEMBER 2009 WHICH STATES THAT IT APPLIES TO THE WESTERN,SC, AND SOUTHERN REGIONS ONLY. SINCE IT'S DESCRIPTION STATES "ON SOME 2008 SONATA VEHICLES, THE SUN VISOR MAY NOT STAY IN THE STORED (UP) POSITION. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES THE SERVICE PROCEDURE TO REPLACE THE SUN VISOR ASSEMBLIES." APPLICABLE PRODUCTION DATE RANGE, MARCH 6, 2007 TO JANUARY 10, 2008. SINCE MY VEHICLE WAS BUILT JANUARY 02, 2008 THIS WOULD APPLY IF I LIVED IN ANY OF THOSE STATES (WHICH I DO NOT). SINCE THIS A NOT ONLY A DEFECTIVE ASSEMBLY BUT A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, I FAIL TO SEE WHY THIS SHOULD BE LIMITED TO ONLY THOSE REGIONS AND NOT TO ALL AREAS. AT THE VERY LEAST IT SHOULD BE HANDLED AS A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION ISSUE EVEN PAST THE WARRANTY PERIOD. *TR
Jul 23, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED USED HYUNDAI SONATA 2008 A FEW MONTHS AGO AND WE DECIDED TO TEST IT ON A LONG DRIVE. WE CHANGED THE OIL, FILLED UP THE TANK AND MAKING SURE THAT WE HAVE EVERYTHING WE NEED WE TOOK OFF TO BOSTON (MA) A 750 MI DRIVE FROM COLUMBUS (OH) FOR A FAMILY REUNION. ON OUR WAY BACK THE ESC OFF LIGHT CAME UP CAUSING AN INSTANT LOSS OF ACCELERATION AND A DEAD GAS PEDAL. I LEARNED THAT IF I TURNED OFF THE CAR THE LIGHT WENT AWAY AND I COULD DRIVE FOR ANOTHER 10-15 MIN UNTIL THE LIGHT CAME UP AND WE HAD TO POOL OVER AGAIN. WE DROVE 10-15 MILES AT THE TIME ALL THE WAY HOME PRAYING THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE TO POOL OVER IN A CONSTRUCTION AREA WHERE THERE WAS NO PLACE TO POOL OVER AND TRAFFIC WOULD HAVE TO STOP UNTIL I WOULD RESTART MY CAR. IT WAS NERVE WRECKING BECAUSE I HAD TO STOP VERY OFTEN IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE DURING THE NIGHT WITHOUT KNOWING IF THE NEXT RESTART WILL WORK AGAIN. MY WIFE AND OUR 11 MONTHS OLD WERE IN THE CAR WITH ME AND I ALL I WANTED WAS TO GET THEM HOME SAFE. *TR
Jun 14, 2013
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
VISOR ABOVE DRIVER WILL NOT STAY UP. WHENEVER DRIVING HAVE TO PUT THE VISOR TO THE SIDE TO HAVE A CLEAR VISION OF THE STREET. THIS IS A HAZARD EVEN WHEN THE SUN IS NOT SHINING. *TR
May 16, 2013
VISIBILITY,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR BROKE AND NOW HANGS DOWN, SIGNIFICANTLY OBSTRUCTING DRIVER'S VIEW. *TR
May 25, 2012
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, A LOUD TICKING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO DECELERATE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE FRACTURED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 02/14/12*LJ UPDATED 02/24/12
Jan 06, 2012
VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN VISOR FAILED AND SEPARATED FROM THE HOLDER. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ALSO FAILED AND THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SUN VISOR AND ADVISED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR FAILED, BUT THE PASSENGER SEAT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE SENSOR COULD NOT BE REMOVED. THE AIR BAG FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92, 5000.
Oct 26, 2011
VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
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
May 24, 2011
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
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
May 21, 2011
VISIBILITY,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR WAS PULLED DOWN, THE VISOR COULD NOT BE RETURNED TO THE UP POSITION. THE VISOR IS IN LINE OF SIGHT OF THE DRIVER. I REPLACED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR AND NOW THE PASSENGER SIDE SUN VISOR IS DOING THE SAME THING. A WEEK AGO THE ESC OFF LIGHT TURNED ON AND NOW IT TURNS ON RANDOMLY BUT RESETS IT SELF WHEN CAR IS TURNED OFF.
Apr 14, 2011
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,WHEELS
1 complaint
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
Feb 11, 2011
AIR BAGS,TIRES
1 complaint
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
Jun 18, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
AFTER SLOWING DOWN AROUND A CORNER AND SLOWING DOWN TO PARK, MY ENGINE SURGED AND THE CAR JUMPED A 6" CURB AND WAS STOPPED BY A LARGE BUSH. I ALSO HAD MY BRAKE DOWN. THIS OCCURRED ON THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME CAMPUS AND WAS REPORTED TO NOTRE DAME SECURITY. *TR
Jun 01, 2010
SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,TIRES
1 complaint
2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER STATES DISCONTENT WITH DENIAL OF A ONLINE COUPON, UNRESOLVED THUMPING, VIBRATION THAT OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. IN ADDITION THE TURN SIGNAL FLASHER/CLICKER IS TOO QUIET. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE THUMPING AND VIBRATION OCCURRED WHEN HE WOULD DRIVE AWAY AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING OVERNIGHT OR IT HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 4-6 HOURS. AFTER DRIVING 3-5 MILES, THE THUMPING WOULD GO AWAY, BUT NOT ENTIRELY. THE THUMPING AND VIBRATION WAS FELT IN THE STEERING. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE TIRES THAT CAME AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT PERFORMED BADLY DURING SNOW AND ICE CONDITIONS. THE TIRES DID NOT GRIP PROPERLY. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PROBLEMS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE TIRES, BECAUSE AFTER THE TIRES WARM UP, THE THUMPING DIMINISHED QUITE A BIT. THE TIRES ALSO HAD FLAT SPOTS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FLASHER, BUT IT DIDN'T MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE. THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS STILL TOO QUIET. *JB
Mar 15, 2010
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA. WHILE DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE HOURS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TRUNK AJAR WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. ANOTHER MOTORIST ALERTED HIM THAT THE REAR OF HIS VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE WIRES IN THE TRUNK WERE ON FIRE. HE WAS ABLE TO SAFELY EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES AND RESUME DRIVING. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH IN THIRD GEAR, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY DOWNSHIFTED TO FIRST GEAR. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 43,000.
Jun 16, 2009
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,TIRES
1 complaint
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
Feb 12, 2008
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
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.
Feb 06, 2008
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2008 HYUNDAI Sonata have?
The 2008 HYUNDAI Sonata currently has 424 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2008 HYUNDAI Sonata?
The most common problems reported for the 2008 HYUNDAI Sonata are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2008 HYUNDAI Sonata problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2008 HYUNDAI Sonata comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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