2008 Hyundai Sonata Hyundai Sonata 2008

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2008 Hyundai Sonata repairs by problem area

Engine (23%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (4%)

Brakes and Traction Control (8%)

Suspension and Steering (12%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (32%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (15%)

Other (6%)

Chart based on 160 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2008 Hyundai Sonata.

2008 Hyundai Sonata repair cost distribution

$2500+ (2%)

$1000 - $2499 (2%)

$500 - $999 (10%)

$100 - $499 (28%)

< $100 (57%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 124 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2008 Hyundai Sonata

Engine not specified

Hyundai Sonata in Florida, United States
Dec 2011 - Jan 2012
Jan 2012 When I am driving and press my brake the brake lights will not come on. When the car is at rest, they work. 

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2008 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan

234-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Hyundai Sonata in Ontario, Canada
Aug 2013 - Jan 2022
Sep 2017

58900 mi

C $13
Replaced Driver side Low beam bulb. 
Nov 2017

58900 mi

C $56
Both trunk lift shocks replaced DS sunvisor replaced. Original would not stay up. This has been a problem for years, but Hyundai would not cover it when the car was on warranty, so I finally bought a new one. DS rear door lock actuator replaced 
Hyundai Sonata in Texas, United States
Mar 2011 - Sep 2017
Aug 2011

48000 mi
Had power seat switch replaced. Six hours later car would start, but not accelerate. Had to be towed to nearest dealer. Accelerator switch had broken. Picked up car the next day, but the A/C would not cool adequately. Picked it up the next day, but A/C still broken. Replaced commpressor. 
May 2016

89000 mi

US $140
Replaced tie rod bushings. A/C not cooling sufficiently. 
Sep 2016

92000 mi

US $1600
replaced strut kit and shock absorbers 
Mar 2017

95000 mi

US $150
Lower strut mounting too loose Evacuated and refilled Freon and oil 
Hyundai Sonata in Massachusetts, United States
Aug 2013 - Sep 2016
Mar 2014

68000 mi

US $200
TPMS light always on Center brake light bulb. Ridiculous design made the replacement of a $2 bulb difficult. Hoses are leaking. 
Dec 2015

80000 mi

US $150
throttle paddle replaced Battery failed 
Aug 2016

86000 mi
TPMS light on Airbag light on 
Sep 2016

86000 mi

US $250
TPMS light won't go off 
Hyundai Sonata in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2010 - Aug 2017
Oct 2010

28620 mi

C $280
Car idled rough during a warm engine stat-up. Revved high briefly also exhaust smoke noticed. Car made a metallic noise during start-up. Dealer found no problems. Car has been running fine since. Brakes serviced. Intermitent squeal backing 
Sep 2012

52700 mi
driver's window squealing while being raised or lowered. Lubed tracks, seems ok now. 
Mar 2013

57660 mi
Insufficient cabin heat. Replaced ventilation door actuator. 
Jul 2013

61580 mi
driver's sunvisor keeps dropping down 
Oct 2013

63120 mi
Engine leaking oil - Timing chain cover. Flushed cooling system and replaced engine oil and filter as well. Oil and/or antifreeze found on the ground in my lane way. Shield full of oil which was dripping. Dealer removed oil and cleaned shield. 
Oct 2014

72520 mi

C $115
Partial, both rear wheel seizure due rusty backing plates, lack or no maintenance of the parking brake shoe assemblies and poor adjustments made by a local shop 2 years ago. This had resulted in poor fuel economy and lack of engine power. Common problem. 
Jan 2015

76040 mi

C $635
Fuel either spills-out or is literally "thrown-out" towards the fuel pump operator during full tank fill-ups when pump detects a full tank and stops filling. Still, inadequate cabin heat! Previous reported repairs under Factory Warranty included the malfunction of the temperature regulating damper door. Dealer had found a missing clip. Dealer replaced thermostat and coolant this time. 
Jun 2015

79360 mi

C $279
Right front window would not stay up. Window regulator replaced. 
Jun 2016

92380 mi

C $2000
Catastrophic loss of brake hydraulic pressure due to a rusted brake line at the rear of the vehicle near the fuel tank that ruptured. Needed new brake lines through-out and new fuel lines in the area where the rotted out brake lines located. Rear brake pads worn-out. Replaced pads and rotors. While the car was on the hoist I showed the Technician about the calipers seizing-up and that this has been a long time problem. Many reports about rear brakes on theses cars. 
Apr 2017

101060 mi

C $575
Upper right front strut mount had separated from strut unit. Strut replaced. Oil pan, transmission pan and timing belt front cover leaking motor oil. Total repair costs would be over $2,600. The worst leak was due to the oil pan and was replaced.  The other two leaking components were not repaired/replaced since the car will be sold. I was quoted $360 for the transmission pan replacement and around $2,250 to repair the leak at the the timing belt cover. The timing belt cover had been previously repaired around 3 years ago. 
Jun 2017

101680 mi

C $400
Transmission oil pan replaced. Oil pan and front timing chain cover not done at this time. 
Jul 2017

101680 mi

C $1600
Oil pan and front timing chain cover replaced. 
Hyundai Sonata in Massachusetts, United States
Dec 2009 - Oct 2012
Jan 2010

33000 mi
Replace interior sunglass holder door. 
May 2010

36600 mi

US $55
All four steel wheels were rusting from the outside. Dealership resurfaced and repainted the wheels with black rust resistant paint, then rebalanced all four wheels. 
Sep 2010

43000 mi
Front passenger side door window regulator replaced under warranty Replaced valve cover gasket. 
Nov 2010

45000 mi
Dealer replaced two trunk struts under warranty. 
Sep 2011

59000 mi
Rack and pinion replaced, tires rotated and balanced, 4 wheel alignment. Car brought back for original issue with popping noises either coming from the front or rear end while making low to moderate speed turns. Dealer was unable to fix issue, saying that one of the wheels were bent, which it wasn't. Reported that problem still exists with popping noise. Reported this JUST after car hit 60K, Advised dealer that this issue is still a warranty repair because the issue was not resolved BEFORE the warranty expired. 
Dec 2011

65000 mi
Brought car back with popping noise. Driver seat track replaced. Will see if noise reoccurs. Returned to dealer in June 2012 regarding popping noise. After a test drive, my mechanic determined that the front left lower ball joint needed replacement. Dealer replaced it under warranty. After ball joint was replaced, noise was still audible. My mechanic test drove car and confirmed noise. Inspected rear part of car and found that the bolt bushings on both rear rotors need replacement. Waiting for dealer to approve. 
Jul 2012

71000 mi
They replaced the front sway bar links....I took it for a test drive after I got the car and the noise was still there....left it at the dealer.... 
Aug 2012

71200 mi
This is related to the ongoing popping noise. After dealer replaced front left axle, drove home and noise reappeared. Called service manager, who test drove car with me and verified noise.  Dealer replaced transmission. When leaving dealership, I felt a clunk from the transmission and the check engine went and stayed on. 
Oct 2012

72000 mi
The same day the check engine went on, I heard a loud banging noise when I made a left turn onto a highway on ramp. Check engine light code showed an internal failure of the transmission, transmission replaced again. 
Hyundai Sonata in Alabama, United States
Jul 2008 - Nov 2017
Sep 2008

2000 mi
Transmission low of fluid. Dealer added fluid. 
Jun 2009

16000 mi
Windshield washer pump failed 
Sep 2009

22000 mi
Seat belt warning light stays on all the time. 
Nov 2009

26000 mi
Replaced passenger seat belt switch. 
Jun 2010

39000 mi
Car has a shake. Feels like a tire out of balance. Dealer says it is the torque converter locking up and all 08 Sonata's will shake between 40 and 50 mph. 
Apr 2011

56700 mi
Sun visor would not stay up. 
Apr 2013

93800 mi

US $115
replaced battery 
Mar 2015

118000 mi

US $30
Replaced one head light and the center brake light. 
Sep 2015

126000 mi

US $45
replace head light 
Hyundai Sonata in Kansas, United States
Oct 2007 - Mar 2010
Sep 2008

10000 mi
My engine developed a knocking noise that sounded "deep". I took the car to the dealer and they agreed that it shouldn't be driven. The dealer called me the next day and told me that it needed a new engine. The dealer replaced the entire long block. 
Hyundai Sonata in Florida, United States
Mar 2008 - Apr 2010
Mar 2010

10000 mi
Visor wouldn't stay up. Replaced under recall 
Hyundai Sonata in Pennsylvania, United States
Jun 2012 - Jul 2012
Jul 2012

91000 mi

US $75
Replacement of Driver's Sun Visor 
Hyundai Sonata in Louisiana, United States
Mar 2013 - Sep 2013
Mar 2013

67000 mi

US $394
A flap or gasket was not opening properly to let air out so engine can turn over. They replaced it. I can't remember the exact price but it was over $300 
Hyundai Sonata in North Carolina, United States
Jun 2011 - Jan 2022
Jul 2011

19000 mi
Driver's side sunvisor replaced. 
Hyundai Sonata in Alabama, United States
Feb 2016 - Oct 2016
Mar 2016

114000 mi

US $3487
Head gasket leaked, water pump leaked, Idler pulley failed, valve cover leaked oil, rear brakes needed pads and rotors, 
Oct 2016

118000 mi

US $325
The window regulator on the passenger side failed 
Hyundai Sonata in Vermont, United States
May 2011 - Jun 2012
Sep 2011

41000 mi
emergency flasher did not work. repaired-n/c 

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2008 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan

162-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Hyundai Sonata in California, United States
May 2009 - Dec 2013
Aug 2009

23000 mi
Struts made noise when driving over sharp edged bumps. Clunk noise. No difference in handling or ride, service tech suggested replacement as a precaution. No charge. They also gave a free alignment. 
Hyundai Sonata in Maryland, United States
Apr 2009 - Mar 2016
Jul 2009

4000 mi
Crack in left side mirror window mount 
Hyundai Sonata in Kentucky, United States
Dec 2007 - Dec 2009
Apr 2008

4000 mi
Reverse light on manual transmission vehicle came on undesirably when shifting into 1st gear or from 1st to 2nd gear. 
Nov 2008

8000 mi
Right side of rear factory spoiler came loose. 
Hyundai Sonata in California, United States
Dec 2007 - Mar 2015
Oct 2008

8000 mi
Passenger-side sun visor unable to retain position. Front driver's-side window squeaks when raised or lowered. 
Nov 2013

110000 mi

US $696
Broken dual-mass flywheel. Problem diagnosed but not repaired. 
Hyundai Sonata in New York, United States
Apr 2009 - Jul 2009
Jun 2009

29000 mi
Select knob for the heat/air conditioning did not work properly. 
Hyundai Sonata in Washington, United States
Jun 2009 - Jun 2012
Aug 2009

27000 mi
Airbag light came on, so dealer replaced underseat wiring and/or sensors. 

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2008 Hyundai Sonata 4dr Sedan

162-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Hyundai Sonata in Quebec, Canada
Apr 2016 - May 2018
Aug 2016

105400 mi

C $120
I order from internet all the front ball joints and arms, the front suspension also and I changed with a friend. Pieces ordered on internet 
Hyundai Sonata in New Mexico, United States
Jan 2021 - Jul 2022
Jun 2022

151000 mi
Replaced automatic lock actuator 
Hyundai Sonata in Oklahoma, United States
Feb 2016 - Nov 2016
Nov 2016

122000 mi
Did not repair but had diagnosis of power steering fluid leak that would require new rack and pinion assembly ($800-$900) and possibly new hoses and other parts (an additional $600). Lucas Stop Leak fixed the steering noise and I traded the car in. 
Hyundai Sonata in Tennessee, United States
Sep 2013 - Dec 2015
Jun 2015

256000 mi
engine check light came on required new gas cap (Factory original only 
Hyundai Sonata in British Columbia, Canada
Feb 2017 - Feb 2018
Jul 2017

133300 mi

C $400
Front calipers 
Hyundai Sonata in California, United States
Nov 2017 - Jan 2022
Oct 2017

110000 mi

US $150
replace a tire lug 
Jan 2018

117000 mi
has problem start the car occasionally. Repair shop can't find the reason. When it happens, engine stalls while roaming for a few seconds. Update: repair shop cleaned fuel injection/induction part and car has been working fine for 2 months. 
Hyundai Sonata in Florida, United States
Aug 2014 - Sep 2014
Sep 2014

117000 mi

US $781
#3 connecting rod bent, catastrophic failure. 
Hyundai Sonata in Virginia, United States
Jun 2009 - Jun 2011
Jun 2009

16451 mi

US $30
Took car in for req'd oil change, noise still in driver's seat and for the airbag sensor light not working. Driver's seat repaired. Could not duplicate airbag problem in shop. Told to bring it back if it happens again. 
Aug 2009

18247 mi
Airbag sensor light not working and driver's side window not operating properly. Ordered parts to replaced window regulator. Could not duplicate airbag problem in shop. Customer not notified regualtor arrived and were shipped back. 
Sep 2009

18678 mi
Called dealership to reorder parts for window regulator. Window regulator replaced. 
Nov 2009

21041 mi

US $55
Took car for req'd oil change, state inspection and airbag sensor light not working. Could not duplicate problem in shop. Told to bring it back if it occurs again. This was trip #3 for the airbag sensor light 
Dec 2009

21167 mi
Took car for airbag sensor light not working. Could not duplicate problem in shop. Told to bring it back if it happens again. This is the 4th trip for the airbag problem. 
May 2010

US $30
Took care in for airbag sensor light not working, req'd oil change and now rusting steel wheels. Could not duplicate probelm in shop. Told to bring it back when it occurs again. This is trip #5 for the airbag sensor.  
Jul 2010

27225 mi
Contacted Hyundai Consumer Affaris concerning the airbag sensor light failure and rusted wheels. We were told the dealership must be able duplicate the sensor problem. Rusting wheels deemed enviromentaly exceptable on 2-year old car. 
Aug 2010

27486 mi
Received copies of visits from dealership. In the process of contacting the NHSTB to file a complaint of non-working airbags after 5 visits to Hyundai dealership for repairs. 
Hyundai Sonata in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2014 - Jun 2022
Jun 2016

106640 mi

C $50
when to wrecking yard and picked up another driver door switch set and put it in 
Jul 2017

111600 mi

C $130
the cable that runs the drivers window broke on my 2006 Sonata and my previous 2007 car. it was fairly easy to repair. 
Aug 2018

115940 mi

C $314
replace front flex exhaust pipe 
Sep 2018

116560 mi

C $55
the key wouldn't work so they replaced the key only. i payed for the key no lablour great job the clutch failes 
Mar 2021

124246 mi

C $626
all brake lines replaced. rotted out from inside. 
Hyundai Sonata in New York, United States
Jun 2015 - Jan 2022
Aug 2015

118300 mi

US $230
Replaced worn out shock absorbers. 
Sep 2015

120000 mi

US $130
Replaced thermostat. Replaced drivebelt and idler pulleys. 
Oct 2015

120700 mi

US $120
Original battery replaced due to loss of capacity. 
Jul 2016

136700 mi

US $200
Replaced rear calipers, rotors and pads due to rear brakes dragging occasionally. 
Dec 2017

156000 mi

US $80
Replaced left rear brake caliper due to brake dragging. 
Hyundai Sonata in Michigan, United States
Jun 2010 - Jul 2013
Jul 2010

75000 mi

US $125
REPLACED RH EXTERIOR MIRROR DUE TO SELF-INFLICTED DAMAGE WHILE BACKING OUT OF GARAGE. OBTAINED NEW MIRROR ASSY ONLINE, HAD PAINTED AT COLLISION SHOP, THEN RE-INSTALLED MYSELF.  
Oct 2012

112500 mi

US $60
TPMS light on, found TPMS sensor reading zero. Dealer reset all sensors. 
Dec 2012

115000 mi

US $875
worn shocks & struts - replaced also replaced bushings, tie rod ends, links 
Hyundai Sonata in Illinois, United States
Dec 2008 - Mar 2014
Nov 2010

28000 mi
Electronic stability control malfunction. Problem was loose wire in brake light system. Wiring replaced. 
Jul 2011

31200 mi
Rear seat back came undone from seat frame. 
Jun 2012

43000 mi
Sunroof visor broke. Hinge would not stay up. 
Hyundai Sonata in Iowa, United States
Sep 2011 - Mar 2014
Jul 2012

52500 mi
air bag light is on and been in twice for it.  weather stripping around the door. 
Mar 2014

77000 mi
air bag light stayed on was fixed once 
Hyundai Sonata in Michigan, United States
Dec 2008 - Dec 2014
Dec 2010

61000 mi
Interior front passanger Electric door lock assembly "clacked" very loudly when engaged. Dealer replaced assembly & this fixed the problem. 
Feb 2013

101300 mi
replaced right rear caliper (3rd one on the car) this one was covered under warranty. Googled problem & found massive issues with Hyundia Sonata rear brake calipers, sounds like a design flaw, although Hyundia denies it. 
Hyundai Sonata in Ontario, Canada
May 2008 - Aug 2013
Jul 2009

34720 mi
The sunglass holder fitted on the roof no longer opens and closes. Mentioned the problem to service manager who said they would have to order in the part and fix it under warranty when it arrives. 
Jun 2011

53320 mi
Passenger side power mirror would adjust up and down but not left and right. Mirror and switch replaced under warranty and works fine now. 
Jun 2012

62620 mi

C $80
Driver side visor would not stay in the closed position and would slowly slide open. Ordered part and fixed myself. Warranty only covers interior to 60,000 kms 
Hyundai Sonata in Wisconsin, United States
Feb 2008 - Jun 2011
Jan 2009

11000 mi
Replaced thermostat because of low heat. 
Hyundai Sonata in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2008 - Jun 2017
Feb 2012

78600 mi

US $700
Fuel pump was too weak to start vehicle. Pump needed replacement, and car needed to be towed to dealer. 
Dec 2013

110000 mi

US $200
Excessive wear on tie rod end found during inspection. Part was replaced. 
Apr 2016

146200 mi
During safety inspection, it was determined that the car needed an exhaust pipe. 
Hyundai Sonata in Florida, United States
Sep 2011 - Sep 2012
Oct 2011

55000 mi
Replaced fuel pump 
Nov 2011

55800 mi
Replaced passenger seat air bag sensor 
Hyundai Sonata in Kentucky, United States
Sep 2012 - Sep 2013
Oct 2012

19300 mi
the engine was missing 
Hyundai Sonata in Virginia, United States
May 2010 - Jan 2011
Jul 2010

70000 mi
passenger side SRS system malfunctions when passenger is in seat. Has been worked on 6 times without success. Still not working. Do not feel safe. Will not allow for rental. It's a lemon! Replaced entire SRS system. Now drivers side air bag does not work. Problem started early with passenger airbag but Hyundai does not want to accept responsibility at all. No calls back to us or dealership since last repair 7/7/2010. 
Nov 2010

78100 mi
Hyundai marked car as lemon. Gave us 2011 model to replace 2008 Sonota. Not sure wat they did with the car hopefully it is crushed! 
Hyundai Sonata in Ohio, United States
Nov 2007 - Jul 2018
Jun 2015

57000 mi

US $270
Replaced right front ball joints 
Dec 2016

64000 mi

US $30
Driver side low beam light bulb went out 
Jun 2017

71000 mi

US $700
Brakes worn out Battery exhausted 
Hyundai Sonata in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2011 - Jun 2021
May 2012

74400 mi

C $51
Sun Visor replaced 
Apr 2014

92360 mi
Check Engine Light Came on. Went off later on its own. 
Oct 2014

98880 mi

C $900
Replaced Fuel pump Air bag warning light malfunction. The dealer did some soldering to fix the problem I believe. 
May 2017

110360 mi

C $700
Oil leak, replaced oil pan. 
Aug 2017

110360 mi

C $550
Alternator and battery failure 
Jun 2018

110980 mi

C $280
Replaced Window regulator 
Sep 2018

111600 mi

C $210
Ignition coil replacement 
Jul 2019

111290 mi

C $50
Power Seat 
Hyundai Sonata in Tennessee, United States
Dec 2009 - Dec 2013
Sep 2010

41000 mi
Check engine light came on. Warranty repair- camshaft position sensor indicated overadvanced timing. Corrected. 
Oct 2010

41000 mi
Check engine light, oil pressure regulator faulty, replaced. Transmission was not going into "OD" (torque converter lockup)and mileage dropped noticeably as a result. Transmission was reprogrammed preventing former premature "lockup" condition since new and OD seems to be working correctly again 
Aug 2011

55000 mi
Since new, car prematurely upshifted into OD, causing engine lugging, poor throttle response and an objectionably loud booming sound within the cabin. Reprogramming the shift point almost eliminated these issues, netting better overall mpg 
Hyundai Sonata in Connecticut, United States
Nov 2009 - Mar 2011
Jan 2010

47100 mi
Engine noise like valve lifters since 22K miles when cold. The colder the temperature the louder the noise. Took three trips to dealer. Manufacturing defect. Poor oil supply to #4 cylinder (4 cyl. engine). Replaced short block. 
Hyundai Sonata in Texas, United States
Aug 2009 - Jun 2012
Aug 2011

41000 mi

US $300
AC was low on freon. a small leak was sealed and the freon replaced. Flopping sun visors were replaced. 

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2008 Hyundai Sonata 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Hyundai Sonata in Malaysia
May 2009 - Sep 2018
May 2014

77500 mi

$50
Sun-shade won't stay-up (a known problem for this model), replaced! 
Dec 2014

84320 mi

$50
sun shade on other side replaced 
Feb 2015

86800 mi

$330
Compressor mulfunction, replaced. 
Dec 2015

96100 mi

$350
Noise from from suspension system when going through uneven road. Replace both front absorbers (less than perfect condition) and upper arms (broken) 
Jun 2016

101680 mi

$150
Belt replacement due to worn out 
Sep 2018

126480 mi

$350
Cracked / damanged washer for front upper and lower arm. replease both front upper and lower arm 
Hyundai Sonata in New Zealand
Dec 2015 - Jul 2022
Feb 2016

144240 mi

$300
Engine sensor light came on. Fault rectified by replacement of all spark plugs 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Hyundai models.

2008 Hyundai Sonata Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2008 Hyundai Sonata problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.