Hyundai Sonata Complaints (2008)

425 consumer complaints on file.

#11725992March 21, 2026
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car has a B1448 (ACTIVE) Passenger Occupant Detecting System (PODS) Circuit Fault Related to the passenger detecting pad in the front passenger seat problems started at 120,000 miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697901November 6, 2025
STEERING, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656826April 25, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627044November 23, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11611105August 27, 2024
AIR BAGS
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11605123July 29, 2024
STEERING, SUSPENSION
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11569304February 1, 2024
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11546996September 27, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11497279December 13, 2022
AIR BAGS, SEATS
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11493114November 10, 2022
AIR BAGS
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11486754September 27, 2022
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11466018May 25, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11455962March 10, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11447581January 15, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11442023November 29, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES
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.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11436349October 11, 2021
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11417667May 18, 2021
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
"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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11383271December 14, 2020
AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE:BODY, SERVICE BRAKES
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11377205November 30, 2020
AIR BAGS
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11353478September 7, 2020
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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