repaired · 2015 Q1
Suspension: rear
Risk. Control arm separation may suddenly change the rear wheel alignment, affecting the handling of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
2008 Hyundai SonataProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 425 owner complaints about the 2008 Hyundai Sonata, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 13V-354 the manufacturer reports only 56% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 21, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Hyundai Sonata has problems
425 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
137Air bags10 crash/fire/injury
67Visibility
48Engine6 crash/fire/injury
32Electrical system6 crash/fire/injury
30Service brakes, hydraulic
30Visibility/wiper
30Electronic stability control (ESC)
21Service brakes
20Exterior lighting
11618 other systems14 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 137 | 10 |
| Visibility | 67 | 0 |
| Engine | 48 | 6 |
| Electrical system | 32 | 6 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 30 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 30 | 1 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 30 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 21 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 20 | 0 |
| 18 other systems | 116 | 14 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2008 Hyundai Sonata recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Brake lights: switch
Risk. Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Air bags
Risk. MISCLASSIFICATION OF A SMALL STATURE ADULT AS A CHILD IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MAY CAUSE THE RIGHT FRONT AIR BAG TO NOT INFLATE IN AN ACCIDENT THAT…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Hyundai.
Mileage at failure
When do air bags problems start?
71kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 98 air bags complaints. 66% were reported before 100,000 miles.
24under 30k miles65under 100k miles33100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other Sonata year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sonata median. How we score
11162922263662349491242762053201992021651,0476964254603453,3801,5591,9217501,157730769375163183135988848174
'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Hyundai Sonata safety ratings
2008 Hyundai Sonata 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
4 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 Hyundai Sonata, and the recalls they led to.
- Throttle control system vulnerabilitiesNo recall
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
- Rear Control Arm FailureLed to recall 13V-354
- Seat Belt Buckle Electrical MalfunctionNo recall
In owners' words
What Sonata owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Car has a B1448 (ACTIVE) Passenger Occupant Detecting System (PODS) Circuit Fault Related to the passenger detecting pad in the front passenger seat problems started at 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V161000 (Air Bags); however, the dealer informed the contact that he had to pay for a diagnostic test prior to…
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the passenger's side occupancy sensor and occupant…
Own a 2008 Sonata?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.