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ProblemsByVinFile / 2008-HYUNDAI-TUCSONNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Hyundai
2008 Hyundai Tucson problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 43 owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2008 Hyundai Tucson has 43 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 8 complaints, typically surfacing around 57,091 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2008 Tucson?
Generally reliable
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average
1 recall campaign on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2008 Hyundai Tucson? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
engine — 8 owner reports
· tends to show around 57,091 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
brakes — 5 owner reports
· tends to show around 21,451 mi · ~$450 to fix
airbags — 4 owner reports
· tends to show around 65,199 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
electrical — 4 owner reports
· tends to show around 41,800 mi · ~$850 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 57,091 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 1 active recall on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 8.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2008 Tucson· airbagsCrash
In October of 2020 I was pulling into a parking space and my car accelerated and crashed into a light pole resulting in injury to both my husband and myself. He is 91 years old and shattered his upper arm. We had the vehicle fixed and checked out and was told all was fine.…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Hyundai tucson. The contact stated that while driving downhill in inclement weather at approximately 5 -10 MPH, the wheels seized, causing the contact to crash into another vehicle. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The police were contacted…
On 18 october 2017 brakes failed on a hill in traffic with red light ahead. 43903 miles on the car. My life was in danger as the pedal went to the floor. Somehow I controlled the vehicle and got it to stop. Diagnosed as brake line rupture. Both rear brake lines ruptured. All 5…
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 Hyundai tucson. While the vehicle was being parked, the contact noticed that the driver side seat belt did not hold her securely; the seat belt latched her in but did not hold her upper body correctly and tighten. The vehicle had not been taken to an…
Had a problem with your 2008 Hyundai Tucson?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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
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.
Fix: 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.
Common questions
Is the 2008 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Hyundai Tucson is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2008 Hyundai Tucson?
On the NHTSA data, the 2008 Hyundai Tucson does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2008 Hyundai Tucson?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 8 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 57,091 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2008 Hyundai Tucson a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 43 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 57,091 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2008 Hyundai Tucson?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 8 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 57,091 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 57,091 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Hyundai Tucson 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 Tucson?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 43 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, 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 are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Hyundai/Tucson.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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