2008 Hyundai Sonata

425 federal complaints (554 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 4 federal investigations · 53 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 39 model years of the Hyundai Sonata →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
21 city / 30 hwy
Federal complaints
425
Recall campaigns
3
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.

Air bags
139
Glass & wipers
97
Brakes
55
Engine & cooling
50
Electrical system
32
Stability control
30
Other
21
Lighting
20
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: 39 complaints01 years old: 31 complaints2 years old: 60 complaints3 years old: 37 complaints4 years old: 39 complaints5 years old: 40 complaints56 years old: 43 complaints7 years old: 22 complaints8 years old: 27 complaints9 years old: 26 complaints10 years old: 18 complaints1011 years old: 18 complaints12 years old: 8 complaints13 years old: 5 complaints14 years old: 5 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 5 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 425 of 425 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 33 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 56 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 52 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 63 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 33 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 40 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 20 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 18 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 10 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 3 complaints200,000+ miles: 2 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 330 of 425 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.

Air bags

139 complaint records10 crash reports
"AIR BAG LIGHT IS TURN ON AND NEVER GET TURN OFF FROM LAST TWO MONTH , I NEED TO FIX SO PLEASE MAKE A RECALL FOR AIR BAG...."- 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 air bags parts in the directory →

Glass & wipers

97 complaint records
"DRIVERS SUN VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP AND JUST DANGLES AT EYE LEVEL. VERY DANGEROUS AS YOUR VISION IS BLOCKED BY THE VISOR. *TR..."- 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 glass & wipers parts in the directory →

Brakes

55 complaint records2 crash reports
"REAR BRAKES WORE OUT. FRONT BRAKES 'LIKE NEW'. SHOULDN'T FRONT BRAKES WEAR OUT FIRST AS THAT IS WHERE THE ENGINE WEIGHT IS? *TR..."- 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 →

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
DP22003
opened Sep 2022
closed Dec 2023EngineLoss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain...
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...
PE14023
opened Jul 2014
closed Dec 2014Seat BeltsSeat Belt Buckle Electrical Malfunction
On July 22, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation to further analyze allegations of seat belt pretensioner malfunctions on model year (MY) 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata vehicles.ODI received 131 unique reports alleging a...
PE13007
opened Mar 2013
closed Aug 2013SuspensionRear Control Arm Failure - led to recall 13V354000
In a letter dated August 9, 2013, Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center, Inc. (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that Hyundaiis conducting a safety recall (13V-354) involving approximately 239,000 vehicles involving model year (MY) 2006 through 2010 Hyundai Sonata...

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
13V354000SuspensionHyundai is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Sonata vehicles manufactured March 1, 2005, through January 21, 2010; and model year 2006-2011 Azera vehicles manufactured September 27, 2005, through November 22, 2010...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
08V161000Air BagsHYUNDAI IS RECALLING 393,308 MY 2006-2008 SONATA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ADVANCED AIR BAG SYSTEM WHICH FEATURES AN OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT.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
2013325
2013-09-25
Electrical110,104On 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...
2013280
2013-08-12
Structure52,317On certain vehicles, road salt can corrode the rear crossmember assembly, which may ultimately lead to separation of the control arm at the mounting point.
2008140
2008-04-28
Airbag31,542On certain vehicles equipped with an advanced airbag system, the Occupant Classification System (OCS), installed in the right front seat of the vehicle, may misclassify a small stature adult as a child and deactivate the passenger airbag.

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 48 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
EquipmentThis 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
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis 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
WheelsThis 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
EquipmentThe 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-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.
15-BE-002
Feb 2015
Electrical SystemHYUNDAI 2006-2008 SONATA: BULLETIN INFORMATION REGARDING SERVICE PRCEDURES TO REPAIR THE SYMPTOM OF AN AIRBAG WARNING WITH DTC CODE, B1701 OR B1706. *LJ
083
Nov 2013
SeatsSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
FIR-0909
Sep 2013
Fuel SystemHYUNDAI: PROCEDURE INFORMATION PROVIDED ON SYMPTOMS AND INSPECTION OF FUEL LEVEL SENDER WITH CERTAIN SYMPTOMS. MODELS 2006-2011 SONATA, 2012 GENESIS, 2010 TUCSON. *PE
TSB-13-FL-003
May 2013
Fuel SystemHYUNDAI: INFORMATION REGARDING THE INSPECTION PROCEDURE FOR FUEL LEVEL SENDER AND SYMPTOMS OF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, ERRATIC OR UNRESPONSIVE FUEL GAUGE OR FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT REACH FULL LEVEL AFTER FILLING UP. MODELS 2012-2014 GENESIS, 2006-2014 SONATA, 2010-2014 TUCSON. *PE
TSB-13-FL-002
Apr 2013
EngineHYUNDAI: THE THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) BODY, ON SOME VEHIICLES, NEEDS TO BE CLEANED AND PROCEDURAL INFORMATION IS BEING PROVIDED, DUE TO DEPOSITS FOUND AT VALVE-TO-BORE INTERFACE.
TSB-13-FL-001
Mar 2013
Power TrainHYUNDAI: DUE TO AN ERROR IN THE INTERNAL CONTROL MODULE READ ONLY MEMORY, INFORMATION IS PROVIDED REGARDING THE REPLACING OF THE PCM AND A POSSIBLE WARRANTY CLAIM. MODELS 2011-2013 ELANTRA, 2010-2013 GENESIS COUPE, 2010-2013 SANTA FE, 2006-2013 SONATA, 2010-2013 TUCSON. *PE
083
Feb 2013
EquipmentSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
12-AT-023
Oct 2012
EquipmentSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
TSB-11-01-025
Aug 2011
Electrical SystemHYUNDAI: INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FOR THE ECU UPDATE FOR HEV ACTIVE AIR FLAP (AAF). *PE
TSB-11-BR-002
May 2011
Service BrakesHYUNDAI: ALL SONATA HYBRIDS. BRAKE BLEEDING PROCEDURE. *RM
SB-10-EM-006
Dec 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingHYUNDAI: A REVISED PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONERS. *RM
TSB-10-FL-010
Aug 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingHYUNDAI: DTC P2135/P0638 OR COLD ENGINE RPM FLUCTUATION; TPS REPLACEMENT AND ECM UPDATE. SOME 2.7L, 3.3L OR 3.8L ENGINES IN MODELS IDENTIFIED IN THE APPLICABILITY LIST MAY EXPERIENCE ONE OR MORE OF THE CONDITIONS LISTED. *PE
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-09-01-032
Nov 2009
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityHYUNDAI: SUN VISOR REPLACEMENT (SERVICE CAMPAIGN T97). THE SUN VISOR MAY NOT STAY IN THE STORED (UP) POSITION. BULLETIN PROVIDES THE SERVICE PROCEDURE TO REPLACE THE SUN VISOR ASSEMBLIES. *PE
TSB09-FL-003-2
Oct 2009
EquipmentHYUNDAI: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH THE ETC (ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL) SYSTEM RELATED DTC P2135 ( FORCED LIMITED POWER) OR DTC P0638 (POWER MANAGEMENT). *PE
TSB-09-AT-018
Oct 2009
Power TrainHYUNDAI: ATA SOLENOID DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0740, P0741, P0742, P0743, P0746, P0748, P0750, P0755, P0760, P0765, P0770. INCORRECT OPERATION OF THE TRANSAXLE SOLENOIDS MAY RESULT IN THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS-CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED; TRANSAXLE HELD IN 3RD GEAR FAIL SAFE.
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).
TSB-09-FL-003-1
Apr 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingHYUNDAI: MIL ON DTC P2135 OR P0638 OR COLD ENGINE RPM FLUCTUATION- TPS REPLACEMENT & ECM UPDATE. SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE EITHER SLIGHT ENGINE RPM FLUCTUATION AT COLD WARM UP OR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH THE ETC (ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL) SYSTEM. *PE
TSB-09-FL-003
Feb 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingHYUNDAI: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH THE ETC (ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL) SYSTEM RELATED DTC P2135 OR DTC P0638. *PE
08-01-014
Sep 2008
Unknown Or OtherHYUNDAI: NF CENTER ARM REST; LOOSE MATERIAL. TO INSPECT THE CENTER ARM RESTS OF SOME 2009 SONATAS FOR LOOSE MATERIAL AND TO REPLACE THE ARM RESTS IF NECESSARY. *PE
083
May 2008
SeatsOCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) REPROGRAMMING ON CERTAIN 2006-2008 MODEL YEAR SONATAS. *PE
08-AT-004
May 2008
Power TrainECM AND TCM UPDATE - VIBRATION, SHUDDER OR BOOM NOISE AT 38-42 MPH. *PE
08-01-006
May 2008
Air BagsOCCUPATION CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" INDICATOR LIGHT MAY NOT TURN OFF WHEN SMALL STATURE ADULTS ARE SEATED IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. REPROGRAMMING - CAMPAIGN 083. *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
0736008
Nov 2007
Electrical SystemECM UPDATE - MIL (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP) ON WITH DTC P0110 OR P0300, EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE NO SYSTEM FAULTS. *NJ

Before you buy this vehicle

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

  1. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  2. Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
  3. 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.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 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 Sonata →