The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Hyundai Veracruz powertrain problems
severe 15 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
5injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 15 powertrain complaints filed for the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides the procedure to write the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) during the replacement of the Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Once the VIN has been programmed to the ECM/PCM, it cannot be removed or overwritten.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a cluster of serious powertrain and electrical issues on the 2008 Veracruz. The valve cover gasket leaks oil repeatedly—some owners have had it replaced four or more times—and when oil migrates to the alternator, the vehicle suddenly loses power while driving, dropping to 10 mph or below with no response to the accelerator. One owner's car nearly stalled at highway speed before coasting to a stop.
The ABS control module develops internal brake fluid leaks and electrical shorts in a poorly sealed housing, triggering burning smells and warning lights (ESC, ABS, brake, AWD). Replacement runs around $3,800.
Transmission problems include spontaneous shifts into neutral during acceleration, hesitation, and electronic control defects that software reprogramming cannot fix. One owner had the transmission replaced and software reloaded multiple times.
The ESC/AWD module causes persistent warning light illumination, loss of speedometer and cruise control, and difficult starting or stalling in traffic. The transmission shifter frequently locks, trapping the car in drive or park; the ESC light often illuminates without pressing the button during these events. Owners report dealer recalls don't resolve recurring shifter and light problems. Some vehicles are reportedly exempt from recalls despite identical symptoms.
The throttle position sensor fails without warning, causing sudden power loss and an unresponsive accelerator. Rear brake lights fail intermittently. Multiple owners stress these failures create dangerous situations, particularly stalling in traffic or loss of power while driving.
Same Hyundai Veracruz powertrain reports on nearby years: 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Valve Cover Gasket Leak
Valve cover gasket leaks oil repeatedly, sometimes requiring multiple replacements. Oil leakage has damaged the alternator by causing electrical short, resulting in loss of engine power while driving.
When: 2-4 years after purchase; recurring issue across vehicle lifetime
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak from valve cover gasket; Loss of engine power while driving (speed drops to 10 mph or lower); Alternator electrical failure from oil contamination
Repairs/costs cited: Valve cover gasket replaced minimum 4 times; silicone seal attempted unsuccessfully; alternator replacement required after oil damage; timing chain cover gasket also replaced; water pump replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2014 recall issued for leaking valve cover gasket; repairs performed under powertrain warranty initially, later repairs out of pocket
ABS Module Failure with Brake Fluid Leak
ABS control module develops internal brake fluid leaks and electrical shorts. Liquid escapes from poorly sealed module housing. Issue appears on multiple 2008-2010 Veracruz models with same part number.
When: Unknown mileage; some reports indicate issue develops over time
Symptoms owners cite: Strong burning smell (burning toast odor); ESC light flashing while driving; AWD light illumination; Brake light illumination; ABS light illumination; Traction control lights; Potential engine compartment fire risk
Repairs/costs cited: ABS control unit replacement cost approximately $3,800
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for 2008-2010 models; newer year model recall exists but does not extend to 2008-2010 Veracruz
Transmission Electronic Control/Shift Defect
Vehicle experiences hesitation and spontaneous neutral shift during acceleration; software defect in transmission electronic control system. Reprogramming fails to resolve issue permanently; problem worsens over time.
When: 34,000-38,400 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitates when accelerating; Spontaneous shift into neutral during driving at highway speed; Sporadic acceleration; Inability to maintain normal acceleration response
Repairs/costs cited: Software reprogrammed 4 times; new transmission installed; software reloaded again for electronic performance control
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated they were working on the failure but offered no assistance; no recall issued
ESC/AWD Module Failure with Multiple Warning Lights
ESC, ABS, and brake warning lights illuminate persistently. AWD light illuminates intermittently, causing loss of cruise control and speedometer function. Multiple dealers unable to diagnose or resolve despite recall work.
When: Timeline varies; some cases report months of illumination
Symptoms owners cite: ESC light constantly or intermittently illuminated; ABS light illumination; Brake light illumination; AWD light illumination; Loss of cruise control function; Loss of speedometer function; Difficult engine starting; Engine stalling in traffic; Vehicle does not function as intended
Repairs/costs cited: Module replacement cost approximately $2,500; some repairs covered under recall; some dealers unable to locate and repair root cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall work performed (alternator, valve cover gasket); some complaints indicate vehicle is past warranty when issues begin
Transmission Shifter Lock Failure
Shifter becomes stuck or unable to move from drive to park, or cannot shift out of park. ESC light often illuminates without button press when shifter problem occurs. Requires manual override or repeated on/off cycling to resolve.
When: Unknown mileage; recurring issue
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to move shifter from drive to park; Shifter stuck in neutral; Shifter sticky when moving to park; ESC light turns on without button press during shifter problems; Vehicle cannot be locked when shifter stuck; Vehicle ignition must remain partially on; Unable to shift out of park or drive position
Repairs/costs cited: Manual shifter override with screwdriver required; dealer diagnosis identified faulty stop lamp switch in at least one case; recall performed but problem recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued but problem persists after repair; some vehicles not included in recall despite identical symptoms; Hyundai corporate stated recall already completed despite ongoing failure
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Defect
Throttle position sensor malfunction causes sudden loss of engine power and unresponsive accelerator during normal driving. Accompanied by audible clunk noise.
When: Approximately 13,000-14,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Large clunk noise while driving at variable speeds (5-45 mph); Sudden loss of engine power; Unresponsive accelerator; Vehicle unsafe to operate
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle position sensor replacement cost $41.00; vehicle upgrade suggested by manufacturer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai aware of issue and suggests repair; no recall issued despite safety risk
Rear Brake Light Intermittent Failure
Rear brake lights intermittently fail to illuminate while driving, creating visibility hazard.
When: Unknown; present for at least 6 months in reported case
Symptoms owners cite: Rear brake lights don't illuminate intermittently during driving
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The ESC light is constantly illuminated when the car power is on. Rear brake lights intermittently don't come on while driving. Frequently unable to shift the car out of park (which we have to perform manually with a screwdriver and the override switch in the shifter console). Due to previous recalls, we have discontinued using cruise control because we aren't sure whether or not it will…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Hyundai veracruz. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into park. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 Hyundai veracruz. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost power and decelerated. She attempted to accelerate but it continued to lose power. The vehicle continued to move forward but no more than 10 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a service station and the mechanic stated that the tps (related to the transmission) may have been defective.…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2008 Hyundai Veracruz?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 34,000 and 135,000 miles, with the median around 102,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 34,000; a quarter make it past 135,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Hyundai/Veracruz.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.