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2008 Hyundai Elantra

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Hyundai Elantra do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 182.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

258 reports with mileage · 56 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 55 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

38 crash reports23 fire reports27 injury reports

Steering complaints

55 reports
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53,000 miles · Mar 17, 2015
SteeringVehicle Speed Control

MY VEHICLE WAS TURNING A CORNER AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST SHUT DOWN TOTALLY, I WAS UNABLE TO STEER MY VEHICLE. THE EPS LIGHT LITE UP ON THE DASHBOARD. IT TOOK TWO PEOPLE, MY BOYFRIEND AND MYSELF TO STEER THE VEHICLE TO THE CURB, BUT ONLY WITH A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT ON BOTH OF OUR PARTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10694772

53,000 miles · Mar 10, 2015
Steering

I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN ONTO THE STREET I LIVE ON, THANKFULLY I WAS GOING PRETTY SLOW, AS I WAS TURNING WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND I WAS UNABLE TO STEER MY VEHICLE. THANKFULLY I WAS THE ONLY ONE ON THE ROAD OTHERWISE ID HAVE HIT AN ONCOMING CAR AS I WASN'T ABLE TO MANEUVER MY CAR, REGARDLESS OF HOW HA…

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I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN ONTO THE STREET I LIVE ON, THANKFULLY I WAS GOING PRETTY SLOW, AS I WAS TURNING WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND I WAS UNABLE TO STEER MY VEHICLE. THANKFULLY I WAS THE ONLY ONE ON THE ROAD OTHERWISE ID HAVE HIT AN ONCOMING CAR AS I WASN'T ABLE TO MANEUVER MY CAR, REGARDLESS OF HOW HARD I TRIED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE EPS WAS LITE UP ON MY DASHBOARD WHEN I WAS ABLE TO STOP AND LOOK AT THE DASHBOARD. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO TOLD ME MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED ONE MONTH EARLIER THAN THE CURRENT RECALL #127 AND I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR AND TOW. I WAS NOT WILLING TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE AGAIN UNTIL THIS ISSUE WAS FIXED, HAD THIS OCCURRED ON THE FREEWAY I WOULDN'T BE HERE TO ISSUE THIS COMPLAINT RATHER I WOULD BE DEAD OR SEVERELY INJURED HOSPITALIZED FOR WHO KNOWS HOW LONG IF I HAD MANAGED TO LIVE ONCE THE VEHICLE CRASHED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10693311

36,000 miles · Dec 16, 2014
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EPS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE STEERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EPS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE STEERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.

NHTSA ODI #10664706

29,995 miles · Dec 16, 2014
Steering

I WAS DRIVING FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES AT A SPEED OF UNDER 30 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WHEN MY POWER STEERING SUDDENLY LOCKED AND COULD NOT BE ENGAGED. THE EPS LIGHT ON MY DASH WENT ON AND I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR HOME AS I WAS ONLY ABOUT 1 MILE FROM HOME. THE HYUNDAI DEALER I CALLED TO PICK UP THE CAR SAID IT WAS MY FAULT BECAU…

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I WAS DRIVING FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES AT A SPEED OF UNDER 30 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WHEN MY POWER STEERING SUDDENLY LOCKED AND COULD NOT BE ENGAGED. THE EPS LIGHT ON MY DASH WENT ON AND I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR HOME AS I WAS ONLY ABOUT 1 MILE FROM HOME. THE HYUNDAI DEALER I CALLED TO PICK UP THE CAR SAID IT WAS MY FAULT BECAUSE I MISSED A RECALL. I HAVE CHECKED OVER THE ELANTRA 2008 RECALLS AND NONE OF THEM SAY ANYTHING ABOUT STEERING. CAN YOU TELL ME IF THE CAR WILL EVER BE SAFE TO DRIVE AGAIN AFTER THE DEALER REPAIRS IT AND DOES IT REALLY HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH ONE OF THE HYUNDAI RECALLS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10664612

112,000 miles · Sep 18, 2014
Steering

DRIVING CAR APPROXIMATELY 2 MINUTES AFTER TURNING IT ON WHEN THE RED EPS LIGHT TURNED ON AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. COULD BARELY MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL, AS THE WHEEL APPEARED TO LOCK. THIS ALSO HAPPENED ABOUT 1 YEAR AGO, EXACT CIRCUMSTANCES. WHEN I TURNED IT OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN, IT WENT AWAY. THANKFULLY, I WAS IN A PAR…

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DRIVING CAR APPROXIMATELY 2 MINUTES AFTER TURNING IT ON WHEN THE RED EPS LIGHT TURNED ON AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. COULD BARELY MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL, AS THE WHEEL APPEARED TO LOCK. THIS ALSO HAPPENED ABOUT 1 YEAR AGO, EXACT CIRCUMSTANCES. WHEN I TURNED IT OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN, IT WENT AWAY. THANKFULLY, I WAS IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THIS OCCURRED EACH TIME. KEEP VEHICLE IN GOOD SERVICE CONDITION - REGULAR FLUSHES, FLUIDS MAINTAINED AT APPROPRIATE LEVELS, OIL CHANGES, BRAKES AND TIRES REPLACED AS NEEDED. DID HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SENSOR REPLACED - ONCE DUE TO RECALL, AND AGAIN WHEN THE ONE PROVIDED BY THE RECALL FAILED, CAUSING THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO STAY ON, WHICH IN TURN DRAINED MY BATTERY - HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY AS A RESULT AS WELL AT MY OWN EXPENSE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10637177

100,565 miles · Aug 22, 2014
Steering

I TURNED ON THE ENGINE JUST LIKE ANY OTHER NORMAL MORNING AND IT APPEARED THAT THE WHEEL WAS STUCK. I TURNED HARD TO THE LEFT AND HEARD A CRACKING NOISE. I FURTHER TURNED THE WHEEL LEFT TO MERGE ONTO THE STREET, WHEN I REALIZED I HAD NO STEERING. I PROCEEDED TO TRY AND DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT LET ME DRIVE FOR…

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I TURNED ON THE ENGINE JUST LIKE ANY OTHER NORMAL MORNING AND IT APPEARED THAT THE WHEEL WAS STUCK. I TURNED HARD TO THE LEFT AND HEARD A CRACKING NOISE. I FURTHER TURNED THE WHEEL LEFT TO MERGE ONTO THE STREET, WHEN I REALIZED I HAD NO STEERING. I PROCEEDED TO TRY AND DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT LET ME DRIVE FORWARD. WITH GREAT EFFORT, I WAS ABLE TO GET IT BACK IN TO PARK AND PARK IT ON THE CURB. I WAS LUCKY NO ONE WAS AROUND, AS THE STALLING AND INABILITY TO STEER WAS A SCARY INCIDENCE. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL AS IT IS VERY RISKY TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IF YOU CAN GET IT TO TURN AT ALL ....SO FAR IT WILL ONLY LET ME DRIVE IN REVERSE AND MAKE RIGHT HAND TURNS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10627406

100,000 miles · Aug 6, 2014
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,00…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #10619282

65,000 miles · Jun 4, 2014
SteeringVehicle Speed Control

THIS PAST SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2014 I WAS DRIVING MY FOUR YEAR OLD DAUGHTER HOME FROM SOCCER CLASS AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING WENT OUT. AFTER AVOIDING AN ACCIDENT WITH WOMAN BEHIND ME, I REALIZE THAT THE STEERING WASN'T OUT BUT HAD BECOME VERY DIFFICULT. THE EPS LIGHT ON THE DASH WAS ON AND I LEARNED THAT THE POWER STEERING HA…

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THIS PAST SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2014 I WAS DRIVING MY FOUR YEAR OLD DAUGHTER HOME FROM SOCCER CLASS AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING WENT OUT. AFTER AVOIDING AN ACCIDENT WITH WOMAN BEHIND ME, I REALIZE THAT THE STEERING WASN'T OUT BUT HAD BECOME VERY DIFFICULT. THE EPS LIGHT ON THE DASH WAS ON AND I LEARNED THAT THE POWER STEERING HAD GONE. WE TOOK THE CAR TO OUR LOCAL MECHANIC TO SEE IF IT WAS A SIMPLE THING LIKE A FLUID CHANGE. HE INFORMS US THAT THE STEERING IS COMPUTERIZED, THAT THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN ABOUT THE POWER STEERING IN OUR CAR AND WE SHOULD TAKE IT TO OUR DEALER AND IT SHOULDN'T COST ANYTHING TO REPROGRAM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10595993

44,348 miles · Apr 21, 2014
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED AND THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED AND CLEARED THE COMPUTER SYSTEM, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,348 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,967.

NHTSA ODI #10583931

29,123 miles · Jun 19, 2013
Steering

THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA AT THE SPEED LIMIT ON A 4 LANE, NON DIVIDED HIGHWAY IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I WAS DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK IN NORMAL MORNING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC.THERE WAS NO WARNING. WHILE MOVING AT THE SPEED LIMIT, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND LOST ALL POWER TO THE CAR.THIS IS A DAN…

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THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA AT THE SPEED LIMIT ON A 4 LANE, NON DIVIDED HIGHWAY IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I WAS DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK IN NORMAL MORNING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC.THERE WAS NO WARNING. WHILE MOVING AT THE SPEED LIMIT, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND LOST ALL POWER TO THE CAR.THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I HAD NO PRIOR WARNING OF ANY TYPE THAT THE STEERING WAS DEFECTIVE OR WOULD FAIL. IT FAILED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING. THIS INCIDENT COULD HAVE HAD VERY DIRE RESULTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10520715

Official recalls

7

20V061000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Feb 4, 2020

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 & remedy

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 may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 188.

15V100000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Feb 23, 2015

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 & remedy

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 is 127.

13V113000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Apr 1, 2013

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.

Consequence & remedy

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.

11V143000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

Mar 15, 2011

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 SEATS. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES THE CONNECTOR COULD BECOME CONTAMINATED AND MALFUNCTION SUCH THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY REGARDLESS OF THE WEIGHT OF THE OCCUPANT.

Consequence & remedy

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 AT 1-800-633-5151.

11V179000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

Mar 15, 2011

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 AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE MAY RECEIVE AN UNSTABLE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM THE SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSOR SUCH THAT, IN A CRASH THAT REQUIRES DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY DEPLOY AT THE HIGHER PRESSURE THAN INTENDED IF THE SEAT WAS POSITION IN ONE OF THE FORWARD POSITIONS IN WHICH A LOWER PRESSURE DEPLOYMENT IS INTENDED.

Consequence & remedy

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.

08V694000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Dec 29, 2008

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 & remedy

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.

08V429000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Aug 25, 2008

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities

Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle

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 certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.

PE08044 · Engine Stalling - Fuel Pump Failure

Opened Jul 17, 2008 · Closed Sep 3, 2008

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

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, THROUGH JUNE 28, 2008 (NHTSA RECALL NO. 08V-429, HYUNDAI CAMPAIGN 086).THE RECALLED VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH FUEL PUMPS MANUFACTURED WITH UPPER BODY COMPONENTS FROM A DIFFERENT SUPPLIER THAN THOSE MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO NOVEMBER 5, 2007.ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI, THE NEW SUPPLIER'S UPPER BODY COMPONENTS HAD INCORRECT DIMENSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS RESULTING IN MISALIGNMENT OF THE ARMATURE SHAFT, WHICH CAUSED SOME OF THE FUEL PUMPS TO EXPERIENCE POOR BRUSH-TO-COMMENTATOR CONTACT CONDITIONS THAT COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALL. THE USE OF ETHANOL BLEND FUEL, CONTAINING UP TO 10 PERCENT ETHANOL, CAUSES A FILM BUILD-UP THAT CREATES HIGH RESISTANCE BETWEEN THE BRUSH AND COMMUTATOR.THE MISALIGNED ARMATURE SHAFT PREVENTS THE BRUSH AND COMMUTATOR FROM MAKING SUFFICIENT CONTACT TO OVERCOME THE HIGH RESISTANCE FILM BUILD-UP, THEREFORE PRODUCING LESS PUMPING PRESSURE THAN REQUIRED TO SUPPLY THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. SIXTY-FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS (72%), INCLUDING THE CRASH AND INJURY ALLEGATION, INVOLVE THE RECALLED VEHICLES.THE COMPLAINT RATE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION IS 98.5 PER 100,000 VEHICLES, COMPARED WITH 21.4 IN THE REMAINING POPULATION, WHICH HAS ON AVERAGE BEEN IN SERVICE OVER A YEAR LONGER.THE WARRANTY CLAIM RATE IS ALSO SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES, WHICH HAD 569 CLAIMS (0.9 PERCENT CLAIM RATE) COMPARED WITH 126 CLAIMS IN THE REMAINING POPULATION (0.1 PERCENT CLAIM RATE). HYUNDAI WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP SUBASSEMBLIES IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED WITH HYUNDAI'S RECALL.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

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, THROUGH JUNE 28, 2008 (NHTSA RECALL NO. 08V-429, HYUNDAI CAMPAIGN 086).THE RECALLED VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH FUEL PUMPS MANUFACTURED WITH UPPER BODY COMPONENTS FROM A DIFFERENT SUPPLIER THAN THOSE MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO NOVEMBER 5, 2007.ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI, THE NEW SUPPLIER'S UPPER BODY COMPONENTS HAD INCORRECT DIMENSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS RESULTING IN MISALIGNMENT OF THE ARMATURE SHAFT, WHICH CAUSED SOME OF THE FUEL PUMPS TO EXPERIENCE POOR BRUSH-TO-COMMENTATOR CONTACT CONDITIONS THAT COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALL. THE USE OF ETHANOL BLEND FUEL, CONTAINING UP TO 10 PERCENT ETHANOL, CAUSES A FILM BUILD-UP THAT CREATES HIGH RESISTANCE BETWEEN THE BRUSH AND COMMUTATOR.THE MISALIGNED ARMATURE SHAFT PREVENTS THE BRUSH AND COMMUTATOR FROM MAKING SUFFICIENT CONTACT TO OVERCOME THE HIGH RESISTANCE FILM BUILD-UP, THEREFORE PRODUCING LESS PUMPING PRESSURE THAN REQUIRED TO SUPPLY THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. SIXTY-FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS (72%), INCLUDING THE CRASH AND INJURY ALLEGATION, INVOLVE THE RECALLED VEHICLES.THE COMPLAINT RATE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION IS 98.5 PER 100,000 VEHICLES, COMPARED WITH 21.4 IN THE REMAINING POPULATION, WHICH HAS ON AVERAGE BEEN IN SERVICE OVER A YEAR LONGER.THE WARRANTY CLAIM RATE IS ALSO SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES, WHICH HAD 569 CLAIMS (0.9 PERCENT CLAIM RATE) COMPARED WITH 126 CLAIMS IN THE REMAINING POPULATION (0.1 PERCENT CLAIM RATE). HYUNDAI WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP SUBASSEMBLIES IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED WITH HYUNDAI'S RECALL.

Fuel System, Gasoline

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, THROUGH JUNE 28, 2008 (NHTSA RECALL NO. 08V-429, HYUNDAI CAMPAIGN 086).THE RECALLED VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH FUEL PUMPS MANUFACTURED WITH UPPER BODY COMPONENTS FROM A DIFFERENT SUPPLIER THAN THOSE MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO NOVEMBER 5, 2007.ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI, THE NEW SUPPLIER'S UPPER BODY COMPONENTS HAD INCORRECT DIMENSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS RESULTING IN MISALIGNMENT OF THE ARMATURE SHAFT, WHICH CAUSED SOME OF THE FUEL PUMPS TO EXPERIENCE POOR BRUSH-TO-COMMENTATOR CONTACT CONDITIONS THAT COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALL. THE USE OF ETHANOL BLEND FUEL, CONTAINING UP TO 10 PERCENT ETHANOL, CAUSES A FILM BUILD-UP THAT CREATES HIGH RESISTANCE BETWEEN THE BRUSH AND COMMUTATOR.THE MISALIGNED ARMATURE SHAFT PREVENTS THE BRUSH AND COMMUTATOR FROM MAKING SUFFICIENT CONTACT TO OVERCOME THE HIGH RESISTANCE FILM BUILD-UP, THEREFORE PRODUCING LESS PUMPING PRESSURE THAN REQUIRED TO SUPPLY THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. SIXTY-FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS (72%), INCLUDING THE CRASH AND INJURY ALLEGATION, INVOLVE THE RECALLED VEHICLES.THE COMPLAINT RATE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION IS 98.5 PER 100,000 VEHICLES, COMPARED WITH 21.4 IN THE REMAINING POPULATION, WHICH HAS ON AVERAGE BEEN IN SERVICE OVER A YEAR LONGER.THE WARRANTY CLAIM RATE IS ALSO SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES, WHICH HAD 569 CLAIMS (0.9 PERCENT CLAIM RATE) COMPARED WITH 126 CLAIMS IN THE REMAINING POPULATION (0.1 PERCENT CLAIM RATE). HYUNDAI WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP SUBASSEMBLIES IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED WITH HYUNDAI'S RECALL.

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