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Hyundai Sonata

EPA MPG: 24 mpg
Average Retail Price
$4,050 - $4,700

RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability
/ 100

We expect the 2025 Sonata will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023, and 2024 models.

The 2008 Hyundai Sonata has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5
Common Trouble Spot
/ 5

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2008 Hyundai Sonata owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Master cylinder

"The entire brake lines rusted out and had to be replaced. The mechanic said he was surprised that we made it to the shop with the car operating that way."

Anonymous A., IL (2008 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Premature brake wear

"the left front brake wore out quickly due to the hose not allowing free fluid flow to caliper, etc."

Anonymous A., OH (2008 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
Rotors

"Car has been outstanding in regards to maintenance, very little needed. Normal brake wear at 130 K."

Anonymous, IL (2008 Hyundai Sonata Limited 3.3-L V6)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Radio

"Volume control on the radio stopped functioning during first year. Control volume with controls on steering wheel.."

Anonymous, WY (2008 Hyundai Sonata GLS 3.3-L V6)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

"Problem started about 1 year ago with a shimmy while driving that I though was a alignment issue from hitting a pothole. Repair shop said it was the steering rack and would cost thousands to fix it. Causes a shimmying in the steering while driving and an oil leak when parked. While the car is still drivable, we have chosen to limit travel to off-highway in-town use while shopping for a new vehicle."

Anonymous A., CO (2008 Hyundai Sonata SE 3.3-L V6)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Faulty Valve stem, caused severe tire damage as unable to get to a station for air in time. We were highway driving , air heated up and held stem in place, but as cooled down the stem fell and air escaped. Replaced tire TWICE within 6 months before discovery."

Anonymous A., AZ (2008 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

/ 5

What Owners Say

Driveshaft or axle

"leaking fluid into boot on wheel and was causing a grinding noise when wheel turned hard left or right"

Anonymous, PA (2008 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

/ 5

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

/ 5

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

/ 5

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

/ 5

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

/ 5

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

/ 5

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

/ 5

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

/ 5

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

/ 5

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

/ 5

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

/ 5

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

/ 5

2008 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
04
05
06*
07
08
09
10
11*
12
13
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA

NA

POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
Build Quality
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
SUSPENSION
Aug 12, 2013
Control arm separation may suddenly change the rear wheel alignment, affecting the handling of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Hyundai 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 originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Road salt and water can enter portions of the rear crossmember, leading to corrosion of the crossmember steel. This may lead to detachment of one of the rear control arms.
What should you do:
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will repair or replace the crossmember assembly. The recall began on October 8, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai Customer Care Center at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall number is 113.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V354000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 364502
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 01, 2013
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.
Summary:
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, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V113000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1712336
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 07, 2009
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Summary:
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
What should you do:
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
For more information:
THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER.IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY SABERSPORT.THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09E012000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 16270
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