VehicleVerdict

2008 Hyundai Tucson problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2008 Hyundai Tucson is among the quieter years of the Tucson on NHTSA's books: 66 complaints (72% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (10), engine (9), and brakes (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

66

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Tucson years?

Tucson NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted2,157 complaints2005: 273 complaints2006: 202 complaints2007: 85 complaints2008: 66 complaints2009: 24 complaints2010: 78 complaints2011: 174 complaints2012: 314 complaints2013: 317 complaints2014: 238 complaints2015: 304 complaints2016: 2,157 complaints2017: 1,445 complaints2018: 525 complaints2019: 517 complaints2020: 227 complaints2021: 102 complaints2022: 559 complaints2023: 204 complaints2024: 137 complaints2025: 414 complaints2026: 60 complaints
Tucson NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tucson years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Hyundai Tucson problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1015%
Engine914%
Brakes711%
Other58%
Speed Control58%
Airbags46%
Steering46%
Visibility & Wipers35%
Body & Structure35%
Suspension35%
Tires & Wheels35%
Fuel System23%
Transmission23%
Seat Belts23%
Latches & Locks23%
Driver Assistance12%
Seats12%

Does the 2008 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V113000LightingApril 1, 2013 · 1,712,336 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Consequence

Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEED CONTROL KNOB FOR THE AIR BLOWER BECAME HARD TO TURN AND REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE CONNECTOR FOR THE BLOWER CONTROL WAS SLIGHTLY MELTED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BLOWER CONTROL MODULE AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 15, 2012 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI TUCSON. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON MARCH 6, 2009, THE DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE DRIVING. SHE REACHED HER RESIDENCE AND OBSERVED STEAM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. HYUNDAI ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TOWED THE VEHICLE BACK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 8, 2009 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL IN INCLEMENT WEATHER AT APPROXIMATELY 5 -10 MPH, THE WHEELS SEIZED, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 21, 2012 · crash

“THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY SON'S HYUNDAI SONOTA ALSO ON 3 DIFFERENT DOOR'S. HYUNDAI REFUSED TO PAY FOR REPAIRS.I SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND HYUNDAI WILL NOT PUT THIS ON A RECALL. THIS CAN BE A SAFETY PROBLEM AS IF THERE IS A ACCIDENT AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 24, 2019

“In October of 2020 I was pulling into a parking space and my car accelerated and crashed into a light pole resulting in injury to both my husband and myself. He is 91 years old and shattered his upper arm. We had the vehicle fixed and checked out and was told all was fine. About June of 2021 I took…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 11, 2021 · crash

2008 Hyundai Tucson — common questions

Is the 2008 Hyundai Tucson reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 66 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Tucson year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2008 Tucson problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (10 complaints), engine (9 complaints), brakes (7 complaints).

Does the 2008 Hyundai Tucson have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Hyundai Tucson. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Hyundai Tucson years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tucson years to avoid are 2016, 2017, 2022, 2018, 2019, 2025, 2013, 2012, 2015, 2014, 2020, 2011, 2021, 2010. The cleanest record among Tucson years belongs to 2009.

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.