2008 Hyundai Elantra Hyundai Elantra 2008

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2008 Hyundai Elantra repairs by problem area

Engine (21%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (3%)

Brakes and Traction Control (15%)

Suspension and Steering (22%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (26%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (3%)

Other (9%)

Chart based on 152 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2008 Hyundai Elantra.

2008 Hyundai Elantra repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (3%)

$500 - $999 (8%)

$100 - $499 (27%)

< $100 (62%)

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

Chart based on 114 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2008 Hyundai Elantra

Engine not specified

Hyundai Elantra in New York, United States
Feb 2010 - Jun 2011
Apr 2010

20000 mi

US $150
Sticking rear brake caused slight shimming and noise. 

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2008 Hyundai Elantra 4dr Sedan

138-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Hyundai Elantra in Connecticut, United States
May 2012 - Oct 2013
Jul 2012

67800 mi

US $17
Replaced front struts and stabilizer end links replaced faulty brake light switch- causing esc light illuminating all time and no brake lights. 
Hyundai Elantra in California, United States
Dec 2008 - Jul 2011
Jul 2008

5500 mi
A/C system was overcharged with freon from factory. It had about 1.3lbs and only required 1.1. Caused the A/C pump to cycle rapidly and outdoor air only. 
Hyundai Elantra in Alberta, Canada
Jan 2009 - Jun 2022
Apr 2012

28400 mi

C $800
Washers or bushings on the sway bar required replacement, 
Oct 2012

33880 mi

C $280
Brake lights not working at all. Brake switch was ultimately replaced, after reviewing all fuses, bulbs etc. 
Jun 2016

86800 mi

C $275
Right rear control arm replaced with some extra small parts 
Apr 2018

111600 mi

C $800
clutch 
Hyundai Elantra in Utah, United States
Sep 2013 - Aug 2016
Oct 2013

101000 mi

US $350
Key ignition tumbler fell so key would not turn to start car. 
Hyundai Elantra in Arkansas, United States
Jul 2014 - Jan 2022
Oct 2015

99000 mi
As belt squeal on cold start 
Hyundai Elantra in Quebec, Canada
Mar 2008 - Jul 2011
Nov 2009

26660 mi
Clunking in the suspension. Front sway bar endlinks replaced under warranty. 
Jan 2010

28520 mi
Clunking in the suspension. Rear sway bar endlinks replaced under warranty. 
Hyundai Elantra in Florida, United States
Jul 2008 - Mar 2015
Aug 2008

3000 mi
Canister valve need to be replaced.  
May 2009

8500 mi
Brake light switch does not work properly with the ESC, Consequence the ESC OFF light came on when driving. 
Jul 2010

17500 mi
ESC light came off several times during the day. Technician check the car and found the Brake light switch was shorted and need to be replaced. All cover under warranty. This part has been replaced twice in 1 and half year.  
Mar 2011

22300 mi
Replace A/C control panel because came with a defect from factory. It will turn on the A/C randomly for a few seconds when the switch is on OFF position. Replaced Spoiler because the 3rd light brake LED was working with low voltage. Replace A/C control panel because came with a defect from factory. It will turn on the A/C randomly for a few seconds when the switch is on OFF position.  Replaced Spoiler because the 3rd light brake LED was working with low voltage. No cost to me. 
Apr 2012

30500 mi
Replace failed brake switch. ESC light came on once and then when off. I took to the dealer and found code C1513. Cover under warranty. 
Hyundai Elantra in Wisconsin, United States
Mar 2017 - Jan 2022
Oct 2021

105000 mi

US $100
and replaced the water pump also. 
Hyundai Elantra in California, United States
Mar 2008 - Jun 2011
Aug 2009

36000 mi
went to dealer to correct suspension noise caused by a third party alignment service. 
Jul 2010

47800 mi
Car makes a whining noise, unable to replicate. Dissatisfied with service. Car was driven at 95 mph by mechanic according to my Scangauge. Unacceptable. 
Hyundai Elantra in Pennsylvania, United States
May 2010 - Jun 2011
Mar 2010

40000 mi
Air bag light would not go off 
Hyundai Elantra in Maryland, United States
Aug 2017 - Dec 2017
Dec 2017

130000 mi

US $1600
Car wouldn't start; diagnosed as low compression by a local mechanic, the car was able to be started (pressure magically came back up?), and I drove it to a mechanic I trust. Their inspection identified a leaking valve cover gasket, a failed oxygen sensor, as well as that the car was overdue for replacement of its spark plugs, timing belt, and oxygen sensors; and that, additionally, thedrive belts were both in very bad shape. All of these (valve cover gasket, oxygen sensors, plugs, and belts) were replaced. 
Hyundai Elantra in Minnesota, United States
Feb 2016 - Jun 2018
Jun 2017

140000 mi

US $300
New struts and stabilizer bar links. 
May 2018

152000 mi

US $280
Front tires 

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2008 Hyundai Elantra 4dr Sedan

138-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD

Hyundai Elantra in British Columbia, Canada
Jan 2011 - Dec 2017
Jan 2016

C $300
engine sensor replaced 
Hyundai Elantra in New York, United States
Apr 2012 - Jun 2013
Jun 2012

56000 mi
sway bar bushings went bad 
Jun 2013

71000 mi

US $400
brake caliper sticking ask the dealer to look said bakes were ok half worn took the car to another repair place because the car was making a noise found out the pass side brake caliper was stuck and the rotor and pads have to be replaced 
Hyundai Elantra in Wisconsin, United States
Feb 2012 - Jul 2022
Mar 2012

46000 mi
Ignition cylinder needed replacing. Key would not turn in ignition so you couldn't start the car. Had been an intermittent problem earlier, but dealer could not replicate until it failed completely. 
Jun 2018

99000 mi
Parking brake broke. Decided not to replace. Too expensive to fix due to the way it’s designed. 
Hyundai Elantra in New York, United States
Jul 2011 - Jul 2014
Apr 2014

121000 mi

US $100
no cool air. they filled it with coolant and said i had a leak in my condenser. Immediately after leaving the shop i installed some AC sealer. Ive been driving cool and comfy ever since 
Hyundai Elantra in Peru
Jan 2011 - Jul 2017
Jun 2014

50220 mi

$250
semiaxis cover broken. 
Jun 2015

58280 mi

$200
Change of clutch kit 
May 2016

65100 mi

$500
Tie-rod replacement 
Jun 2017

75640 mi

$700
Drums broken 
Hyundai Elantra in Pennsylvania, United States
Jan 2011 - Feb 2012
Dec 2011

69000 mi

US $115
ESC OFF warning light turning on and off intermittently. Dealer performed OBD, root cause was bad break light switch/module. Module replaced. 
Hyundai Elantra in Idaho, United States
Oct 2010 - Mar 2013
Mar 2013

112000 mi

US $2000
Replaced the transmission. 
Hyundai Elantra in New York, United States
Nov 2014 - Mar 2021
Jan 2015

US $15
I broke one stud off of each of the rear wheels. Lug nuts seized. Needed to replace the studs and two lug nuts. 
Mar 2016

83000 mi

US $35
Front Sway Bar Links needed replacement due to excessive wear (knocking noise). 
Apr 2017

98971 mi

US $24
Replaced rear sway bar links due to knocking noises from rear. 
May 2017

100000 mi

US $30
Replaced front sway bar links. Previous replacement parts (2016) were worn out, resulting in knocking noìse from front end. 
Dec 2017

111000 mi

US $85
Upstream O2 sensor needed replacing. Failure code was intermittent. Replacement of sensor solved the problem. 
Aug 2018

121000 mi

US $110
Both Left & Right side outer CV boots were leaking. CV Joints did NOT fail, but I wasn't taking chances. I replaced both driveshafts (they came with new boots). 
Hyundai Elantra in Oregon, United States
Jan 2009 - Jun 2011
Dec 2009

28848 mi
Doors lock but key pad alarm won't set and the lights won't flash when you push the "lock" button. Dealer found the hood contact switch not making contact and replaced the pad-lid switch part #92736-3A000. No charge. 
Hyundai Elantra in Virginia, United States
Feb 2017 - Jul 2019
Jun 2017

83000 mi

US $600
Changed rotors and pads 
Hyundai Elantra in West Virginia, United States
Jul 2017 - Jul 2017
Jul 2017

78000 mi

US $450
R and R all pads and rotors 
Hyundai Elantra in Alabama, United States
- Dec 2008
Jul 2008

600 mi
Check engine light on --engine stalls 
Aug 2008

1800 mi
Had to have valve lash adjusters replaced 
Oct 2008

2000 mi
Blown Engine 
Dec 2008

4200 mi
1.Sunroof leaking 2.Added one quart of oil that was lost from an oil leak. 3.Engine clattering and idle at 1500rpm with miss while wet conditions 4. Strong smell of fuel/exhaust smoke/CEL on 5. Loosing coolant 
Hyundai Elantra in Virginia, United States
Oct 2010 - Jan 2014
Dec 2010

43000 mi
Driver's window regulator replaced ESC would intermittently turn off and require the car to be turned off and back on to reset. Dealer replaced the brake pedal switch to resolve the problem. 
Mar 2011

46000 mi
Driver's seatbelt catches. Dealer said they could not replicate. 
Sep 2011

52000 mi
Drivers seatbelt catches and is noisy. Dealer says they can't replicate. Again. 
Mar 2012

58000 mi
A/C was completely discharged. Dealer said they could not find a leak. System discharged again. Dealer found that the compressor was indeed bad. 
Hyundai Elantra in Manitoba, Canada
Dec 2014 - Aug 2016
Aug 2016

59520 mi

C $500
rear shock absorber 
Hyundai Elantra in Colorado, United States
Jul 2013 - Sep 2017
Dec 2013

49000 mi

US $269
Parking lights would not turn off after changing to bright or turning off headlights. The dealer had to replace a relay in the signal stalk. 
Jun 2015

70000 mi

US $105
Connection from battery to car was eroded and battery was not charging or managing power at all. 
Hyundai Elantra in Georgia, United States
Jul 2013 - Oct 2015
Aug 2013

80000 mi

US $10
TPMS valve was damaged in rear left tire. A non-TPMS valve was installed. Tire pressure indicator is still on. Have a new uninstalled TPMS that needs to be excited to register on car's CPU 
Hyundai Elantra in Illinois, United States
Jun 2012 - Sep 2013
Jul 2012

98000 mi

US $50
Right tail light and dash lights were going out. There was a short in the ashtray light. They disconnected the light. My air conditioner will blow cool air and then hot. It has enough freon, can't find the cause. 
Hyundai Elantra in Minnesota, United States
Sep 2009 - Jan 2022
Jan 2011

108500 mi

US $225
Windshield wiper control lever snapped, unable to use windshield wipers. Replaced windshield wiper switch assembly with a new part. $75 for the part, $138 for half an hour of labor. Would not cover under warranty. 
Apr 2013

90000 mi

US $20
Replaced inoperative brake light switch on the brake pedal. Affected only the lights, informed by another driver at a light. Replaced inoperative brake light switch on the brake pedal. 
Apr 2014

108000 mi

US $800
Front end alignment issues causing uneven tire wear (had been driven in this state for 9 months, tires were worn to cords), found neg. camber and toe caused by worn steering arms. Repaired rod ends and fixed alignment and replaced tires. 
Dec 2014

118000 mi

US $300
Misfire on one cylinder. Liquid found in spark plug well for that cylinder, suspected from engine wash during front-end collision repair 1 month prior. Replaced all spark plugs and wires. 
Jun 2017

153000 mi

US $400
Replaced all brake rotors, pads, and drums. Inspected suspension for excessive wear/damage while wheels were off also. 
Jun 2021

207000 mi

US $200
Replace rear brake pads, inspected all brake pads and rotors. 
Hyundai Elantra in Michigan, United States
May 2008 - Jun 2011
Aug 2008

1000 mi
Oil Control Valve had to be replaced. Fuel pump was replaced. Although this is a recalled part, car was losing power / running rough. Felt like it was about to stall. Technician indicated diagnostic code revealed OCV was causing this. Fuel pump replaced also due to recall at same time. 
Jun 2011

25000 mi
annoying squeal from rear right wheel, could not replicate 
Hyundai Elantra in Iowa, United States
Apr 2008 - Sep 2017
Mar 2014

50000 mi

US $100
calipers sticking 
Hyundai Elantra in New Jersey, United States
Jul 2008 - Dec 2012
Nov 2008

5000 mi
Power steering stopped working one cold morning. Shut engine off and started again, and steering worked fine. No other issues since, but brought into the shop anyway. They found code C2412. Remove and replace EPS column. 
Hyundai Elantra in New York, United States
Oct 2008 - Jun 2011
Oct 2010

33000 mi

US $450
Passenger door lock unreliable, "Actuator and Lock defective" 
Hyundai Elantra in Connecticut, United States
Sep 2008 - May 2022
May 2013

62700 mi

US $32
Driver's side sun visor broke. Would not stay in up position. Replaced with a used part. 
Mar 2017

122000 mi
Hood release broke (plastic cable support under hood by radiator broke) 
Apr 2018

145000 mi

US $178
Rear sway bar links replaced 
Jun 2018

150000 mi

US $632
Timing belt, timing belt tensioner, and water pump (preventative) replaced upstream oxygen sensor replaced 
Jan 2020

178000 mi

US $340
Replace rear rotors, calipers, pads under parts warranty (labor cost not covered) 
Jun 2021

187000 mi

US $200
replace worn out front sway bar links 
Oct 2021

188350 mi

US $15
replace headlight bulb 
Hyundai Elantra in New York, United States
Mar 2008 - Sep 2014
Jun 2011

28000 mi
clicking noise when car gets on bumps, stabilizer links - left and right were replaced 
Jun 2012

39000 mi
Sway Bar Links were replaced. 
Hyundai Elantra in Nova Scotia, Canada
Mar 2008 - Sep 2016
Apr 2016

112100 mi

C $200
Worn bushings for the third time 
Hyundai Elantra in Virginia, United States
Mar 2008 - Sep 2013
Jun 2008

2000 mi
Two crossbars providing trunk release are clipped into place underneath the center tail-light, in the trunk; with trunk empty, and driving normally, they will dislodge from clip and rattle noisily. However, They are snapped back into place in 5 secon 
Mar 2009

9000 mi
Inconsistent hissing from driver foot-well when making left-turns. No loss in control or power.  
Apr 2009

9000 mi
Malfunction Indicator Light came on as car started to buck in first gear. Drove to dealer. Dealer replaced oil control valve (FP Number 24355-23763). Problem resolved. 
Hyundai Elantra in Michigan, United States
Mar 2008 - Aug 2014
Nov 2010

24700 mi
"ESC off" dashboard light was intermittently coming on for no reason; faulty brake light switch was the problem. It was replaced, but only a few days ago, so I'm not 100% sure that the problem is fixed. 
Aug 2013

44000 mi
Stop lamp switch recall. Car was experiencing problems with it at the time ("ESC off" engine light flashing on randomly). Stop lamp switch replaced. Stop lamp switch replaced on previous repair trip but then rear brake lights were remaining on even when brake pedal not depressed; also remained on for 20 minutes after vehicle was turned off. Battery had died once while brake lights were acting funny, so I asked them to check it while in for this repair trip. Reported that battery was fine (wait and see Repair Trip #3 next) Drove car 10 minutes away from dealer after Repair Trip #2. Car battery died in parking lot. Could not be jumped, required tow to dealer. Turned out to be severe corrosion on negative battery terminal that went unnoticed during prior trip 
Hyundai Elantra in New York, United States
Mar 2008 - Mar 2010
Jun 2008

5000 mi
Fuel pump replaced as car stall while driving on highway at 65mph. 
Hyundai Elantra in New Brunswick, Canada
Mar 2008 - Mar 2010
Apr 2008

4960 mi
Clearcoat issues on trunklid.. resolved by repainting trunklid.. warranty fix. 
Mar 2009

36580 mi
SES light on for an extended period of time. Dealer unable to fix, traded car. 
Hyundai Elantra in New York, United States
Sep 2008 - Dec 2014
Mar 2011

47326 mi
Left Front sway bar link needed replacement. Symptom: Knocking noise when driven on bumpy roads. Replaced left hand front sway bar link. Work done under warranty. 
Jun 2011

55000 mi
Right front sway bar link was rattling on bumpy roads. Part was replaced under orignal factory warranty. 
Hyundai Elantra in Iowa, United States
Sep 2008 - Jun 2022
Oct 2008

1000 mi
08 Elantra SE was recalled: fuel pump replacement. Since then, car continues to fail to start (cranks but won't turn over) when sitting for ~2.5-4 hours. When it sits for 8-9 hours or more, it starts fine. Dealer will repair in Nov 2008. 1006 ttl miles. 
Nov 2008

1000 mi
This was the third fuel pump in a vehicle with less than 1400 miles. Third time is a charm. Orig pump was bad, recall caused replacement with another bad pump, third pump was good - finally. I sleep better knowing it now starts reliably. 
Jul 2011

14000 mi
Replace RF suspension link due to crack - sounded like car was falling apart on even slightly uneven roads. 
Mar 2012

24000 mi
Brake warning light came on repeatedly while my tail lights were not illuminating as I braked. Turns out the brake sensor was not working. Dealer replaced it. Half a day. Under warranty. 
May 2018

73000 mi

US $600
Brakes were squeaking; front brakes were rusty. Opted for front brake repairs although plenty of brake pad remained. 
Hyundai Elantra in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2009 - Jan 2022
Jan 2011

36000 mi
Clunking noise in driver side front suspension when going over even small bumps. A strut cover was worked on with some kind of sealant/adhesive. Problem has not returned. 
Feb 2012

58000 mi
Tire pressure sensor failed and was replaced, under warranty. Oxygen sensor failed. Heater fan was noisy -- chirping in cold weather. 
Jul 2012

61200 mi
CD stopped working. 
Feb 2013

73800 mi
Tire Pressure monitor sensor broken. Likely caused by tire shop swapping my snow tires onto car. Engine light stayed on. Caused by a "cannister valve" related to emissions. 
May 2013

76500 mi

US $200
The rear sway bar became loose, causing noises during normal driving (over modest bumps/irregularities in the road). 
Sep 2015

95000 mi
Electronic Power Steering control motor failed. Intermittent, was part of recall, so Hyundail to pay for part replacement. 
Mar 2018

115000 mi

US $20
The door handle's "extension" piece, that holds it in place, is plastic and broke off with normal use. IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR! 
Hyundai Elantra in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2009 - Sep 2017
Nov 2010

47120 mi

C $24
The transmission will hang up in 2nd gear sometimes, when almost coming to a complete stop, then won't downshift easily to gain more torque; sometimes will not downshift when attempting to accelerate up an on ramp; hesitation (fuel del.) 
Jun 2013

95480 mi

C $80
Front and rear passenger stabilizer bar links required replacing 
Sep 2014

124000 mi

C $30
My wife noticed that the front end would wonder sometimes, as well as a clunking/clicking when hitting bumps in the road. Determined that the drivers side outer tie-rod was worn (boot broken and the joint was very loose). Replaced same. My wife noticed that the front end was still a little noisy and would still wonder slightly; decided to replace the passenger side outer tie-rod (this one was not as bad as the drivers side, but still excessively worn). matter now resolved 
May 2015

137020 mi
Replaced sway bar link 
Sep 2015

144460 mi
Mechanic removed a seized sway-bar link while performing an oil change (as a courtesy) 
Hyundai Elantra in Georgia, United States
Jan 2010 - Jun 2011
Feb 2010

16000 mi

US $124
ECM repair/replace 
Hyundai Elantra in California, United States
May 2010 - Mar 2018
Mar 2012

37000 mi

US $45
CD player in radio broke, replaced mechanism. 
Hyundai Elantra in Missouri, United States
Jun 2009 - Sep 2017
Jul 2013

97000 mi
After replacing the stop lamp switch during a safety recall, the cruise control stopped working. The mechanic said the replacement switch was defective and replaced it with another one. 
Hyundai Elantra in Nevada, United States
Mar 2009 - Sep 2012
Jun 2009

19000 mi
The console padded top between the two front seats has a crack in it. The dealer says, to bad, not covered by warranty. The dealer stated he has had several complaints about this problem.  
Sep 2009

21000 mi
Had to order 97154-2H000: Actuator-module.  they replaced the console cover also - under warranty. 
Sep 2012

53000 mi

US $65
Elantra could not go into reverse. They had to replace a brake switch. 
Hyundai Elantra in Arizona, United States
Dec 2008 - Dec 2019
Jun 2009

13000 mi
Intermittent ESC light, faulty brake switch replaced. 
Apr 2010

21500 mi
XM radio showed "not ready." Problem resolved by removing main power fuse to reset stereo, which now shows XM code to allow subscription renewal. 
Sep 2010

27000 mi
ESC light came on again. Brake light switch replaced again, steering angle sensor ordered. 
Oct 2010

28000 mi
Steering angle sensor/clockspring unit replaced under warranty (related to ESC light). Steering angle sensor/clockspring unit replaced under warranty (related to ESC light). 
Jan 2014

26800 mi
Replaced brake light switch (again) under recall. 
Hyundai Elantra in Illinois, United States
Nov 2008 - Apr 2018
Sep 2012

34000 mi
control arm, alignment, 2 front tires, rear brakes 'ESC OFF' light went on intermittently - dealer replaced brake switch under warranty.  I also replaced a headlight, which seem to fail more often in Hyundais or Elantras than in other cars I've owned. 
Jun 2015

59000 mi

US $89
Used DIY a/c recharge kit because a/c produced warm air. Fault gauge, leading to a massive overfill. Repair cost $89. The kit + add'l refrigerant cost $60. A/C needed to be recharged, but the kit was a mistake. 1st recharge since car was ne. 
Jul 2015

59700 mi

US $212
Upper radiator hose developed pinhole leak, needed new hose. 
Jun 2016

71000 mi

US $75
A/C system developed a leak, still looking for it, so repair was attempted, but can't say if it was successful 
Oct 2016

74500 mi

US $75
Decided to recharge a/c instead of doing extensive troubleshooting. There's still a leak. 
Aug 2017

81000 mi

US $19
Right low-beam lamp failed. I replaced it myself. 
Hyundai Elantra in Pennsylvania, United States
Jan 2009 - Jun 2011
Feb 2009

12000 mi
Water pump was bad. Replaced, then had to take it back a week later for a cooling system problem...there was air in the cooling system. 
Hyundai Elantra in Georgia, United States
Mar 2009 - Jun 2011
Mar 2010

23000 mi
The transmission has never shifted correctly. Dealer says there's nothing wrong with it so I will wait until it breaks. 
May 2010

25900 mi
the ac condenser locked up. they fixed it with no problem. on a side note had to replace 2 front tires, at 30,000 miles. my mother has the entorage van, she had to replace 2 front tires at 15,000 miles. 
Mar 2011

52000 mi
had to replace engine because the oil pan lug backed out and dumped all the oil on the interstate. shop replaced with used engine, but this voided factory warranty. 
Hyundai Elantra in Illinois, United States
Jul 2010 - Jun 2011
Dec 2010

14000 mi
check engine light 

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2008 Hyundai Elantra 4-door

4-cylinder manual 2WD

Hyundai Elantra in Nigeria
Apr 2009 - Mar 2014
Jan 2010

21800 mi
Air conditioner was not working like before. Probably just a recharge, but might have also been something with the fan. 
Sep 2011

47120 mi
Brain box. Computer module that controls the a lot of the processes in the vehicle. The symptoms were the vehicle was high-starting and eventually stopped moving with a burning smell coming from the module. Stayed in the workshop for about a month until t 

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2008 Hyundai Elantra 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 Elantra problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.