VehicleVerdict

2008 Hyundai Elantra brakes problems

The 2008 Hyundai Elantra has 53 brakes complaints filed with NHTSA — 13% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

53

Brakes complaints

13%

Share of year

7

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Brakes complaints by year

Related recalls

20V061000BrakesFebruary 4, 2020 · 476,111 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Elantra and 2009-2011 Elantra Touring vehicles. On February 21, 2020 Hyundai expanded the recall to include 46,425 model year 2007-2008 Entourage and 2007 Santa Fe vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.

Consequence

An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the car is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the vehicle's main junction box to prevent the risk of an ABS short-circuit while the car is turned off, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 188.

What owners report

14 HOURS AFTER PARKING THE CAR, SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. FIRE DEPT WAS CALLED, I DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED SMOKE SOURCE. TOWED TO DEALER, WHO SAID THE ABS SYSTEM SHORTED CAUSING A FIRE AND DESTROYING WIRING HARNESS. LUCKILY IT WAS CAUGHT BEFORE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 31, 2020 · fire

Common questions

How many brakes complaints does the 2008 Hyundai Elantra have?

NHTSA has 53 complaints about the 2008 Hyundai Elantra brakes — 13% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2008 Hyundai Elantra brakes?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the brakes: 20V061000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.