2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

423

Owner Complaints

57 Crashes 39 Fires

7

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

5

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

The 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA has received a total of 423 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE, STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. 5 technical service bulletins have been issued by Hyundai Motor America for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Steering (53 complaints), Air Bags (33 complaints), and Fuel System Gasoline (32 complaints).

Recalls for the 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, potentially affecting up to 2,743,042 vehicles.

Recall 20V061000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

| 476,111 vehicles affected

Defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Elantra and 2009-2011 Elantra Touring vehicles. On February 21, 2020 Hyundai expanded the recall to include 46,425 model year 2007-2008 Entourage and 2007 Santa Fe vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.

Consequence: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the vehicle's main junction box to prevent the risk of an ABS short-circuit while the car is turned off, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2020. Owners...

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Recall 15V100000 — STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

| 204,768 vehicles affected

Defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Elantra vehicles manufactured June 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010, and 2009-2010 Elantra Touring vehicles manufactured November 1, 2008, to April 30, 2010. The electronic power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may sense a discrepancy in the steering input signals and, as a result, disable the steering power assist.

Consequence: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will verify the proper operation of the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and update the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall...

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Recall 13V113000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

| 1,712,336 vehicles affected

Defect: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe,...

Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

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Recall 11V143000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

| 188,697 vehicles affected

Defect: HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 ELANTRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2006, THROUGH NOVEMBER 1, 2008. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEATS IN THE VEHICLES CONTAIN A WEIGHT SENSOR DESIGNED TO DEACTIVATE THE RIGHT FRONTAL AIRBAG WHEN OCCUPANTS OF CERTAIN WEIGHTS OCCUPY THE SEAT. THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR THE WEIGHT SENSOR IS LOCATED UNDER THE CENTER CONSOLE, BETWEEN THE FRONT...

Consequence: THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG COULD DEPLOY IN CRASHES IN WHICH IT SHOULD NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT FROM THE DEPLOYED AIR BAG.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE WEIGHT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM CONNECTOR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTING TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER...

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Recall 11V179000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

| 95,783 vehicles affected

Defect: HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 ELANTRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2006, THROUGH AUGUST 29, 2007. THE DRIVER'S SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSOR DETERMINES THE SEAT'S FORE AND AFT POSITION AND ALLOWS THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIR BAG TO DEPLOY AT THE PRESSURE APPROPRIATE FOR THAT SEATING POSITION, WITH A LOWER PRESSURE DEPLOYMENT IN THE MOST FORWARD SEATING POSITIONS. THE...

Consequence: A HIGHER PRESSURE DEPLOYMENT THAN INTENDED INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY RESULTING FROM AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTING TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

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Recall 08V694000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

| 347 vehicles affected

Defect: HYUNDAI DE PUERTO RICO (HPR) IS RECALLING 347 MY 2008 ELANTRA VEHICLES. THE FUEL PUMP MOTOR MAY NOT HAVE THE PROPER, UNIFORM INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SURFACE CONTACT. THIS MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO PRODUCE LESS PUMPING PRESSURE THAN REQUIRED TO SUPPLY THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.

Consequence: AS A RESULT, POOR ENGINE STARING AND HESITATION MAY RESULT. OTHER ENGINE PERFORMANCE ISSUES MAY ALSO RESULT AND LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S FUEL PUMP SUBASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HPR AT 1-800-981-0188.

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Recall 08V429000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

| 65,000 vehicles affected

Defect: HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 65,000 MY 2008 ELANTRA VEHICLES WITH 2.0 LITER BETA ENGINES. THE FUEL PUMP MOTOR MAY NOT HAVE THE PROPER UNIFORM INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SURFACE CONTACT. THIS MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO PRODUCE LESS PUMPING PRESSURE THAN REQUIRED TO SUPPLY THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM.

Consequence: POOR ENGINE STARTING AND HESITATION MAY RESULT. OTHER ENGINE PERFORMANCE ISSUES MAY ALSO RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP SUBASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

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Owner Complaints for the 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

423 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Steering
Complaints: 53 4 Crashes 5 Injuries
Air Bags
Complaints: 33 17 Crashes 22 Injuries
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 32
Service Brakes
Complaints: 32 4 Crashes 4 Fires 4 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 28 2 Crashes 8 Fires 3 Injuries
Engine
Complaints: 24 2 Crashes 11 Fires 1 Injury
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 24 6 Crashes 1 Fire 4 Injuries
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 22 9 Fires
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 19 1 Crash 1 Fire 3 Injuries
Power Train
Complaints: 19 2 Crashes
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 16 2 Crashes 2 Fires 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 12 2 Crashes
Suspension
Complaints: 11
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 9 1 Crash
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 8
Structurebody
Complaints: 7 1 Crash 1 Fire
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Fire
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 6
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 5 4 Crashes 8 Injuries
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 4 3 Crashes 4 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
Complaints: 4
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 3 Injuries
Seat Belts
Complaints: 3 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Service Brakes Electric
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Equipment
Complaints: 2
Parking Brake
Complaints: 2
Structure
Complaints: 2
Tires
Complaints: 2
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Complaints: 2
Visibility
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2
Carry Handle Shell Base
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Otheri Am Not Sure
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelineconstant Velocity Joint
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 1
Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire
Complaints: 1
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11718875 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | | 199,950 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that a week after the dealer performed the recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V061000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); the contact was made aware that the brake lights had remained illuminated after the vehicle was parked and turned off. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 199,950.
#11702148 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
The car was being driven nomore than 1hr. It began to smoke under the hood. The ABS EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT, CHECK ENGINE Then the EPS lights were on. The vehicle was pulled over and stopped. Fire was then observed falling from under the car. The hood was then popped to see the engine mainly on the driver side was totally catching fire. Then it spread. The engine needle never showed over heated. The car took no more than 6 minutes to catch fire from the time it started smoking. It was very scary
#11702148 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
The car was being driven nomore than 1hr. It began to smoke under the hood. The ABS EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT, CHECK ENGINE Then the EPS lights were on. The vehicle was pulled over and stopped. Fire was then observed falling from under the car. The hood was then popped to see the engine mainly on the driver side was totally catching fire. Then it spread. The engine needle never showed over heated. The car took no more than 6 minutes to catch fire from the time it started smoking. It was very scary
#11702148 | SERVICE BRAKES | | N/A miles
The car was being driven nomore than 1hr. It began to smoke under the hood. The ABS EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT, CHECK ENGINE Then the EPS lights were on. The vehicle was pulled over and stopped. Fire was then observed falling from under the car. The hood was then popped to see the engine mainly on the driver side was totally catching fire. Then it spread. The engine needle never showed over heated. The car took no more than 6 minutes to catch fire from the time it started smoking. It was very scary
#11681965 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles Fire
The engine bay of my car caught fire due to the abs pump and module not turning off. I bought a part but never opened the box because I received a piece of mail stating the recall of that exact issue that they would replace all parts damaged. Which they didn't just installed their relay After Hyundai recall 188 was completed, my ABS pump failed. I believe it was caused by continuous power being applied post-shutdown — the exact defect the recall was meant to fix. The dealer performed an inspection but misrepresented the results and refuses to replace the damaged component under recall. This ABS pump failure is a direct result of the original recall condition — or a failed installation of the relay fix — which continued to keep power applied to the pump while the vehicle was off. This is the exact scenario the recall was intended to prevent. If the failure is caused by that condition, Hyundai is still responsible under recall. The facility which did the recall falsely recorded the mileage on my vehicle as to void any "warranty" associated with the recall as the car hasn't been driven since the module was replaced. I also instructed the diagnosis team of Wesley chapel Hyundai to keep my battery unplugged due to the parasitical drain in order to protect the battery from being dead celled and now I have to replace the battery as well. They also illegally opened a mailed box I had in my car with a part I bought prior to the recall being mailed out which I never took out of the box nor did I open the box and it was fully sealed which is a federal crime. I opened a case in which Hyundai denied helping with this faulty service and are refusing to provide me documents Case no. 41355389.

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Safety Rating for the 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Hyundai Motor America has issued 5 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

5NP-J8M4U-10 — STRUCTURE

Hyundai Motor America is reinstating Service Campaign TT1 which provides front and rear under body corrosion prevention treatment on certain 2007-2010 Model Year Elantra vehicles in the following salt belt states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania,...

5NP-F8M5G-03 — STEERING

Hyundai has announced an extended warranty for the motor driven power steering (MDPS) coupling on the following vehicles: ? 2011-2014 Sonata (YFa), 2011-2014 Sonata Hybrid (YF HEV) ? 2007-2015 Elantra (HD, MD/UD), 2009-2012 Elantra Touring (FD) The MDPS been extended to 10 years from the date of original delivery or...

TSB-11-01-010 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

HYUNDAI: 2007-2009 ELANTRA. AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT REPROGRAMMING AND INSTALLATION OF A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE WEIGHT CLASSIFICATION SENSOR. *RM UPDATED 9/21/11. *PE

08-ST-002 — STEERING:COLUMN

HYUNDAI: MOTOR DRIVEN POWER STEERING (MDPS) SYSTEM WORM SHAFT FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *PE

08-SS-006 — SUSPENSION:REAR

HYUNDAI: SERVICEABILITY TIP-REAR SUSPENSION UPPER CONTROL ARM FLANGE BOLT. *PE

NHTSA Investigations for the 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA.

Investigation PE08044 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP Closed

Opened:

ENGINE STALLING - FUEL PUMP FAILURE

Other Model Years of the HYUNDAI ELANTRA

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