THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE HORN OF THE 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. IT CUTS OFF AND DOES NOT WORK FOR HOURS, DAYS ETC. IT WORKS AT ODD TIMES AND THEN NOT AT ALL. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY SAY IT'S FINE. *TR
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Elantra years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
What owners actually said
314 reportsACCELERATOR PEDAL GETS STUCK UNDER FLOOR MAT. THIS INVOLVES A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR, AND THEY CUT A SECTION OF THE MAT OFF TO PREVENT RECURRENCE OF THE PROBLEM. *TR
ON SEPT. 6TH, 2009 I RENT A CAR IN LAS VEGAS, NV FROM ADVANTAGE RENTAL CAR CO. WHEN I WAS DRIVING ALONE I-15 TO LA, DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS BLOW OUT. THERE WAS SMOKE FROM LEFT SIDE AND PIECES OF FAILED TIRE WERE ALL OVER THE PLACE. IT DAMAGED FROND BUMPER AND RIGHT SIDE MIRROR. THE CAR ALMOST OUT OF CONTROL, I MIGHT GET KILLE…
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ON SEPT. 6TH, 2009 I RENT A CAR IN LAS VEGAS, NV FROM ADVANTAGE RENTAL CAR CO. WHEN I WAS DRIVING ALONE I-15 TO LA, DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS BLOW OUT. THERE WAS SMOKE FROM LEFT SIDE AND PIECES OF FAILED TIRE WERE ALL OVER THE PLACE. IT DAMAGED FROND BUMPER AND RIGHT SIDE MIRROR. THE CAR ALMOST OUT OF CONTROL, I MIGHT GET KILLED BY THAT. I CALLED 911 AND AAA GOT THE RENTAL CAR TOWED BACK TO LAS VEGAS AND ASKED RENTAL CAR COMPANY TO CHECK IF THERE SOME DEFECTS OF ITS TIRE IN ORDER TO PROTECT OTHER DRIVERS. I TOLD THEM I WOULD PAY FOR PROFESSIONAL INVESTIGATION, BUT LATER ON ADVANTAGE RENTAL CAR CO. TOLD ME THAT TIRE WAS DISPOSED. THAT CARIS 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA SE. ON SEP. 21ST, WHEN I CALLED RENTAL CAR COMPANY, ONE OF ITS MANAGER TOLD ME THE TIRE IS KUMHO TIRE. LATER ON I WAS TOLD THE TIRE IS HANOVER AND MODEL IS OPTIMA. ANYHOW, FRANKLY SPEAKING, I HAVE NO IDEA WHO IS TELL ME THE TRUTH. *TR
THERE WERE TWO SIMILAR INCIDENTS ON MY 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CAR SHUT OFF SUDDENLY WHILE I WAS STILL DRIVING IT. THE LIGHTS STAYED ON, BUT THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE FIRST TIME WAS A FEW MONTHS AGO, ALTHOUGH I CAN'T REMEMBER EXACTLY. I WAS MAKING A SHARP TURN WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE SECOND TIME WAS A FEW WEEKS AGO. …
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THERE WERE TWO SIMILAR INCIDENTS ON MY 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CAR SHUT OFF SUDDENLY WHILE I WAS STILL DRIVING IT. THE LIGHTS STAYED ON, BUT THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE FIRST TIME WAS A FEW MONTHS AGO, ALTHOUGH I CAN'T REMEMBER EXACTLY. I WAS MAKING A SHARP TURN WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE SECOND TIME WAS A FEW WEEKS AGO. I WAS GOING AT A SLOW SPEED WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE BRAKES DIDN'T RESPOND, SO I HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR. I CRASHED INTO A BUSH. *TR
I HAVE HAD THE CAR TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR POOR PERFORMANCE, STALLING ISSUES AND THE FUEL PUMP RECALL. FOR THE LAST MONTH THE CAR IS HAVING GREAT DIFFICULTY TURNING OVER AT START. IM WONDERING IF THE FUEL PUMP WILL EVER BE "RIGHT". *TR
2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA SE MODEL # 44422 CAR IS "JUMPING" WHILE DRIVING, FEELS LIKE IT'S SHIFTING GEARS WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY/ROAD. HAS NOT STALLED OUT WHILE DRIVING THOUGH. SOMETIMES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL TURN ON AFTER THESE EPISODES. I HAVE TAKEN CAR TO AUTOLAND HYUNDAI IN UNIONTOWN, PA (WHERE CARE WAS PURCHASED) MULTIP…
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2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA SE MODEL # 44422 CAR IS "JUMPING" WHILE DRIVING, FEELS LIKE IT'S SHIFTING GEARS WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY/ROAD. HAS NOT STALLED OUT WHILE DRIVING THOUGH. SOMETIMES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL TURN ON AFTER THESE EPISODES. I HAVE TAKEN CAR TO AUTOLAND HYUNDAI IN UNIONTOWN, PA (WHERE CARE WAS PURCHASED) MULTIPLE TIMES NOW. THEY FIRST SAID A WIRE WAS LOOSE, AND TIGHTENED IT FOR PROBLEM TO HAPPEN AGAIN. THEN THEY PUT SOME TYPE OF HOLSTER IN TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. CAR DROVE OK FOR ABOUT 1 MONTH, BUT NOW IS HAVING PROBLEM AGAIN. HAPPENED TWICE TONIGHT WHILE DRIVING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NOW ON. *TR
MY 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA STALLS FREQUENTLY, BUT NOT REPRODUCIBLE, ABOUT ONCE A WEEK. I NOTICE THIS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING AROUND 20-25 MILES/HOUR. INTERNET SEARCH INDICATES THAT OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING SIMILAR PROBLEM AND A FAULTY FUEL PUMP MAY BE THE ISSUE. *TR
FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAUSED BRAKE LIGHTS TO STOP FUNCTIONING AS WELL AS PREVENTING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FROM SHIFTING INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE FROM PARK, WITHOUT USING SHIFT LOCK OVER-RIDE. NO CRASHES OCCURRED AS HELPFUL MOTORIST NOTIFIED ME OF BRAKE LIGHT MALFUNCTION. THERE WAS A RECALL BY NHTSA FOR EARLIER MODEL HYUNDAI …
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FAULTY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAUSED BRAKE LIGHTS TO STOP FUNCTIONING AS WELL AS PREVENTING AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FROM SHIFTING INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE FROM PARK, WITHOUT USING SHIFT LOCK OVER-RIDE. NO CRASHES OCCURRED AS HELPFUL MOTORIST NOTIFIED ME OF BRAKE LIGHT MALFUNCTION. THERE WAS A RECALL BY NHTSA FOR EARLIER MODEL HYUNDAI ELANTRAS - THE 2008 MODELS SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE RECALL. THE SHIFT LOCK ISSUE WAS A DAILY OCCURRENCE. I HAD NO IDEA BOTH PROBLEMS WERE CAUSED BY THE SAME FAILURE. AS MY CAR IS RELATIVELY NEW AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY I WAS ABLE TO TAKE IT TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY. IF THESE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHES ARE STILL FAULTY, THERE COULD BE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESS BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE OLD PART IS NOT AVAILABLE AS IT IS IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALERSHIP. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHENEVER THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO PARK, THE GEAR WOULD NEVER STICK. THE VEHICLE WOULD EITHER MOVE FORWARD FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. WHENEVER THE GEAR WAS IN DRIVE, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE WOULD …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHENEVER THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO PARK, THE GEAR WOULD NEVER STICK. THE VEHICLE WOULD EITHER MOVE FORWARD FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. WHENEVER THE GEAR WAS IN DRIVE, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE OR WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR THESE FAILURES. DURING THE FIRST VISIT, THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH CORRECTED THE ISSUE FOR LESS THAN FOUR MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE SOLENOIDS WERE CAUSING THE FAILURES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE VALVE ASSEMBLY AND THE SOLENOIDS. THERE HAD BEEN NO FURTHER OCCURRENCES SINCE THE LAST REPAIR. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED SINCE IT APPEARED TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,918 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,792. UPDATED 7/23/09 *CN THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WAS A SMELL OF GAS IN THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 07/30/09.*UB
I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 ELANTRA WHEN I APPROACHED A SHARP CURVE IN THE ROAD. I APPLIED MY BRAKES AND SUDDENLY THE CRUISE CONTROL SEEMED TO ACTIVATE AND THE CAR SPED UP AND LEFT THE ROAD . I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE BRAKES OR STEERING. IT SEEMED AS IF THE VEHICLE FROZE. I TRIED TO BRAKE AND NOTHING HAPPENED, I TRIED TO STEER AND …
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I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 ELANTRA WHEN I APPROACHED A SHARP CURVE IN THE ROAD. I APPLIED MY BRAKES AND SUDDENLY THE CRUISE CONTROL SEEMED TO ACTIVATE AND THE CAR SPED UP AND LEFT THE ROAD . I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE BRAKES OR STEERING. IT SEEMED AS IF THE VEHICLE FROZE. I TRIED TO BRAKE AND NOTHING HAPPENED, I TRIED TO STEER AND THE WHEEL WAS LOCKED. I RAN OVER SEVERAL STREET SIGNS. WHEN THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED BY CRASHING INTO A TREE, THE CAR WAS OFF AND THE KEY COULD NOT BE REMOVED. MY AIRBAG DID GO OFF HOWEVER MY SONS SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT. WE BOTH SUSTAINED MINOR PHYSICAL INJURIES AND MAJOR EMOTIONAL INJURIES. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. APPROXIMATELY 5 WEEKS LATER I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON MY VEHICLE. MY CAR WAS ONE OF THE VEHICLES WITH THE FAULTY FUEL PUMP THAT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. IN THE NOTICE IT STATED THAT IF THE FUEL PUMP WAS NOT REPLACED IT COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO CRASH. I BEGAN TO RESEARCH THE RECALL AND NOTED SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE THAT EXPERIENCED SIMILAR DIFFICULTIES. I ALSO HAD NOTICED A STRANGE SMELL (ELECTRICAL?) THE PRIOR TWO DAYS OF THE ACCIDENT. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET ANY INFORMATION ON WHETHER OR NOT THE FUEL PUMP WAS FAULTY AND IT WAS WOULD IT HAVE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BEHAVE IN THE WAY IT DID CAUSING IT TO CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS DISPOSED OF IMMEDIATELY SO IT WAS UNABLE TO BE EXAMINED. I DO NOT HAVE THE VIN # AS I NO LONGER HAVE THE VEHICLE. I DID HOWEVER, THROUGH THE DEALERSHIP, FIND OUT THAT MY VEHICLE WAS INDEED ONE OF THE ONES ON THE RECALL NOTICE. THE PROBLEM WAS FIRST NOTED IN AUGUST AND THE RECALL BEGAN SOON AFTER. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED UNTIL WEEKS AFTER THE CRASH. *TR
Official recalls
720V061000 · 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
2DP21003 · 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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