2008 Hyundai Elantra

314 federal complaints (424 component records) · 7 recall campaigns on file · 2 federal investigations · 43 service bulletins · 5 Canadian recalls
See all 35 model years of the Hyundai Elantra →
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
25 city / 33 hwy
Federal complaints
314
Recall campaigns
7
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Steering
55
Brakes
51
Fuel system
49
Air bags
42
Engine & cooling
41
Power train
30
Electrical system
30
Speed control
24
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 62 complaints01 years old: 20 complaints2 years old: 21 complaints3 years old: 19 complaints4 years old: 15 complaints5 years old: 30 complaints56 years old: 18 complaints7 years old: 16 complaints8 years old: 12 complaints9 years old: 14 complaints10 years old: 14 complaints1011 years old: 17 complaints12 years old: 20 complaints13 years old: 10 complaints14 years old: 8 complaints15 years old: 9 complaints1516 years old: 3 complaints17 years old: 3 complaints18 years old: 2 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 313 of 314 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 62 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 36 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 25 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 30 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 27 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 15 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 21 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 7 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 12 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 4 complaints200,000+ miles: 6 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 245 of 314 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Steering

55 complaint records4 crash reports
"TAKATA RECALL. MY POWER STEERING HAS GONE OUT AND I DID NOT RECIEVE ANY FORM OF INFORMATION AT THE TIME THE RECALL WAS SENT OUT...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →

Brakes

51 complaint records6 fire reports7 crash reports
"THE CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES WHILE PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY. IT HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR AT LEAST 4 HOURS. IT COULD HAVE CAUGHT OUR HOUSE ON FIRE IF NOT FOR THE QUICK RESPONSE BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →

Fuel system

49 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"ACCIDENT MAJOR TRIED STOPING AND CAR STOP ALITTLE THEN GAS EXCELARATES FORWARD NEVER NOTIFIED ABOUT RECALL CAUSED THREE ACCENTS AFTER..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP21003
opened Nov 2021
closed Jun 2023Vehicle Speed ControlThrottle control system vulnerabilities
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on...
PE08044
opened Jul 2008
closed Sep 2008Fuel System, GasolineENGINE STALLING - FUEL PUMP FAILURE - led to recall 08V429000
ON AUGUST 19, 2008, HYUNDAI SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO NHTSA CONCERNING FUEL PUMP FAILURE RESULTING IN ENGINE STALL IN APPROXIMATELY 65,000 MODEL YEAR 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA VEHICLES WITH 2.0 LITER BETA ENGINES PRODUCED FROM NOVEMBER 5, 2007,...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
20V061000Service Brakes, HydraulicHyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Elantra and 2009-2011 Elantra Touring vehicles.Normally free
15V100000SteeringHyundai 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,...Normally free
13V113000Exterior LightingHyundai 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,...Normally free
11V179000Air BagsHYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 ELANTRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2006, THROUGH AUGUST 29, 2007.Normally free
11V143000Air BagsHYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 ELANTRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2006, THROUGH NOVEMBER 1, 2008.Normally free
08V694000Fuel System, GasolineHYUNDAI 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.Normally free
08V429000Fuel System, GasolineHYUNDAI 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2020045
2020-02-07
Brakes39,178Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with an anti-lock brake system (ABS), moisture can enter the ABS control module and cause a short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire risk.
2016151
2016-04-08
Airbag32,702On certain vehicles, the frontal air bags and seatbelt pretensioners may inadvertently deploy while the vehicle is stopped or moving at slow speeds due to the improper calibration of the Airbag Control Unit (ACU).
2015089
2015-02-27
Steering58,320Certain vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS) may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist that could occur at any time while driving.
2013099
2013-04-03
Electrical254,784On certain vehicles, the stop lamp switch may fail and cause intermittent operation of the brake lights. Failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed could result in a crash causing property damage and/or...
2008302
2008-08-21
Fuel System8,541On certain vehicles, the fuel pump may fail. Engine stalling would result in lost propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
DTN DCS
Apr 2026
Air BagsThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S.
DTN DL
Apr 2026
Air BagsThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN).
25-BD-012H TSB
Nov 2025
Exterior LightingThis bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly.
24-BD-001H
Feb 2024
Visibility/WiperThis bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming partially separated on the inner side...
23-EM-005H
Oct 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
Show 38 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
23-BD-007H
Apr 2023
StructureHyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can become clouded under the PPF.
23-BD-002H
Jan 2023
VisibilityThis bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly.
22-EM-010H
Jul 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingFollow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.
22-GI-006H
Jul 2022
TiresEffective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire placards when vehicle weight has been increased before retail sale.
21-AT-006H
May 2021
Power TrainHyundai approves only the ATF, DCT gear oil and IVT gear oil specified in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.  Use of other ATF may result in improper shift quality or other drivability conditions.
21-EM-004H
Mar 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingThis bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance Test inspection requirements to determine next required steps.
21-BR-002H
Mar 2021
EquipmentThis bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
21-EM-003H
Mar 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingThis bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
20-BR-002H
Nov 2020
Service BrakesThis bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
20-SS-004H
Nov 2020
TiresThis bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the “Tire Balance Data Sheet” must be fully completed including imbalance and Road Force Variation (RFV) data.
20-BD-014H
Jul 2020
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to moisture accumulation in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. The TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly.
20-SS-002H(1)
May 2020
TiresThis bulletin provides information on tire maintenance best practices and procedures for dealers and customers to maximize tire life and performance.
20-BD-007H-1
May 2020
EquipmentThis bulletin describes the general guidelines to help disinfect and protect vehicle exterior/interior surfaces using recommended safe chemical products.
20-EE-003H
Apr 2020
Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides information on identifying dealer stock vehicles with either: • A Battery SOC alert - low Battery State of Charge (SOC) at or below 50%. • A 30 Day alert - vehicle has not started and reported an SOC in 30 days.
20-AT-016H
Apr 2020
Power TrainThe automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
20-BD-007H
Mar 2020
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis bulletin describes the general guidelines to disinfect and protect vehicle interior surfaces using certain safe chemical products.
20-SS-001H
Feb 2020
SuspensionThis bulletin describes the requirements for all wheel alignment and/or vehicle tracking claims and best practices when diagnosing and conducting alignment-related repairs for all models and model years.
20-BE-001H
Jan 2020
Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides guidelines to inspect the USB, head unit, and multi-box for common connection conditions. 2. This bulletin presents guidelines to inspect for common Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection conditions. 3.
19-BE-011H-1
Nov 2019
Back Over PreventionThe Blind Spot Detection (BSD) or Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) is a system that measures the speed of and distance from the following vehicles by using two magnetic wave radar sensors attached in the rear bumper.
19-GI-006H
Oct 2019
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis bulletin provides instruction detailing the proper methodology for scanning and uploading captured GDS data files to the Techline Repository. Compliance with this bulletin ensures that the GDS data files are correctly transferred and matched with a Techline Case number.
19-FL-003H
Apr 2019
Power TrainThis bulletin provides the procedure to write the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) during the replacement of the Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Once the VIN has been programmed to the ECM/PCM, it cannot be removed or overwritten.
5NP-J8M4U-10
Sep 2017
StructureHyundai 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,...
5NP-G5Z6W-03
Feb 2017
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThe MDPS (motor driven power steering) assembly contains a flexible rubber coupling which may wear over time resulting in a slight "clicking" or "thud" type noise when turning the steering wheel.
5NP-F8M5G-03
Feb 2017
EquipmentHyundai 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) ?
5NP-S9D9P-10
Sep 2016
Power TrainTHIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON COMPONENTS, ATTRIBUTES, AND PRECAUTIONS OF THE 7-SPEED DRY-TYPE DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT).
5NP-B6E2P-10
Aug 2016
Power Train"THE PCM OR TCM CONTAINS LOGIC TO ADJUST SOLENOID DUTY AND LINE PRESSURE AS NEEDED TO COMPENSATE FOR NORMAL CLUTCH WEAR OVER THE LIFE OF THE TRANSAXLE. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES THE PROCEDURES NECESSARY TO RESET (ERASE) AND RELEARN THE PCM/TCM ADAPTIVE VALUES.
TSB-15-01-019-1
Jun 2015
SteeringHYUNDAI: ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING (EPS) WARNING INDICATOR LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE WHEN SENSING DISCREPANCY IN SYSTEMS CIRCUITRY AND STEERING ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE AND REVERTS BACK TO MANUAL STEERING MODE. MODEL 2007-08,2010 ELANTRA, 2010-12 ELANTRA TOURING. *PE
14-01-017
May 2014
EquipmentSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
13-AT-005-1
Mar 2013
EquipmentSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
TSB-11-01-010
May 2011
EquipmentHYUNDAI: 2007-2009 ELANTRA. AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT REPROGRAMMING AND INSTALLATION OF A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE WEIGHT CLASSIFICATION SENSOR. *RM UPDATED 9/21/11. *PE
TSB-11-ST-001
May 2011
SteeringHYUNDAI: SLIGHT RATTLE NOISE FROM THE STEERING WHILE AT LOW SPEEDS DRIVING OVER ROUGH ROADS OR TURNING LEFT. *RM
11FL-002
Jan 2011
Fuel SystemHYUNDAI: AFTER A VEHICLE HAS BEEN STORED FOR A WHILE AND IS STARTED THERE IS A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND MISFIRE CODES. THIS IS LIKELY DUE TO AGED FUEL AND CARBON DEPOSITS ON THE SPARK PLUGS. *RM
TSB-10-GI-001
Apr 2010
EquipmentHYUNDAI: LABEL REQUIREMENTS FOR VEHICLE LOADING TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 110. EFFECTIVE 6/2/08, FMVSS 110 (FMVSS 110) SETS A THRESHOLD FOR CORRECTING LOAD CAPACITY INFORMATION INDICATED ON TIRE PLACARDS WHEN VEHICLE WEIGHT HAS BEEN INCREASED BEFORE RETAIL SALE.
TSB-09-SS-003
Aug 2009
SteeringHYUNDAI: ABSOLUTE STEERING POSITION (ASP) CALIBRATION FOR ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS). *PE
TSB-09-AT-013
Jul 2009
Power TrainHYUNDAI: AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE RANGE SWITCH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0705 (RANGE SWITCH SIGNAL PROBLEMS), P0707 (RANGE SWITCH OPEN CIRCUIT), AND P0708 (RANGE SWITCH SHORT CIRCUIT OR MULTIPLE INPUTS).
08-ST-002
Sep 2008
SteeringHYUNDAI: MOTOR DRIVEN POWER STEERING (MDPS) SYSTEM WORM SHAFT FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *PE
08-SS-006
Aug 2008
SuspensionHYUNDAI: SERVICEABILITY TIP-REAR SUSPENSION UPPER CONTROL ARM FLANGE BOLT. *PE
08-GI-001
May 2008
EquipmentALL VEHICLES RETAILED BEGINNING ON JUE 2, 2008 THAT MEET THE ADDITIONAL WEIGHT CRITERIA ABOVE. LABEL REQUIREMENTS FOR VEHICLE LOADING TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 110. *PE

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
  2. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  3. Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 7 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Hyundai Elantra →