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ProblemsByVin File / 2008-HYUNDAI-ELANTRA
2008 · Hyundai

Hyundai Elantra problems

4 safety recalls. 315 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.4 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
55 reports · avg $700
severe
fuel system
36 reports · avg $1,200
severe
airbags
33 reports · avg $1,100
severe
brakes
29 reports · avg $450
severe
powertrain
26 reports · avg $2,500
severe
electrical
22 reports · avg $850
severe
lighting
22 reports · avg $250
severe
engine
21 reports · avg $3,100
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2008 Elantra · powertrain
2008 Elantra should be added to the crankshaft Theta II recall. 2098 Elantra has the 2.0L engine unlike its prior years where they are made with a 1.6L engine. Last week my 2008 Elantra exhibited all the signs of this malfunction (A knocking noise from the engine that…
12/31/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11499650.0
2008 Elantra · powertrain
THE VEHICLE WILL ROLL AWAY WHEN PLACED IN PARK (WHILE STATIONARY) IF ATTEMPTING TO PARK ON ANY SLIGHT INCLINE OR DECLINE. A RATCHETING SOUND IS HEARD COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION WHEN THIS OCCURS AS THE VEHICLE IS ROLLING OUT OF CONTROL. SOMETIMES IT STARTS TO ROLL AFTER YOU…
12/31/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11292224.0
2008 Elantra · engine
SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN TURNING OFF VEHICLE NOISE OCCURRED EVERY TIME VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. UNDER WARRANTY DEALER DETERMINED NOISE WAS COMING FROM WATER PUMP DUE TO AN INTERNAL BEARING FAILURE. *TR
12/29/2009 · NHTSA ODI #10297376.0
2008 Elantra · brakes
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ENGAGING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR REPAIRS OR DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE.…
12/28/2011 · NHTSA ODI #10441555.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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Active recalls showing 3 of 4

severe NHTSA 08V694000 29/12/2008

HYUNDAI DE PUERTO RICO (HPR) IS RECALLING 347 MY 2008 ELANTRA VEHICLES

AS A RESULT, POOR ENGINE STARING AND HESITATION MAY RESULT. OTHER ENGINE PERFORMANCE ISSUES MAY ALSO RESULT AND LEAD TO A CRASH.

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 08V429000 25/08/2008

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 65,000 MY 2008 ELANTRA VEHICLES WITH 2

POOR ENGINE STARTING AND HESITATION MAY RESULT. OTHER ENGINE PERFORMANCE ISSUES MAY ALSO RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 11V179000 15/03/2011

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 ELANTRA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 14, 2006, THROUGH AUGUST 29, 2007

A HIGHER PRESSURE DEPLOYMENT THAN INTENDED INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY RESULTING FROM AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.

Fix: 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.
View all 4 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2008 Hyundai Elantra reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.4 out of 10 based on 315 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Hyundai Elantra has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2008 Hyundai Elantra?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 55 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Hyundai Elantra has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Hyundai Elantra?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 315 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Hyundai. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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