This month, when I was driving my car on the highway, it would periodically accelerate uncontrollably. I have never previously had this problem. I have had my car checked out by the dealer and independent mechanics who cannot explain the problem.
2008 Hyundai Elantra acceleration problems
24 complaints (8% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 48,000. 6 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 24
- of this car's complaints
- 8%
- typical mileage
- 48,000
- crashes
- 6
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Hyundai Elantra acceleration problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Hyundai Elantra acceleration
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the federal safety agency received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. the federal safety agency's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in the federal safety agency's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agency?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.
DP21003
What 2008 Hyundai Elantra owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
After receiving letter from hyundai about defects in cruise control and other technical items, I took my car into dealer in fresno, california and they turned me away refusing to service recall order to fix and replace recall requirements stating that they did not have time and that they would call when they did. They never called, my contact number has never changed in 15years or more.
Accident major tried stoping and car stop alittle then gas excelarates forward never notified about recall caused three accents after
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 hyundai elantra. While parking, the vehicle independently accelerated when the brake pedal was depressed and crashed into a fence and a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained bruises to the chest that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,000.
Leaving the parking lot at walgreen in tonawanda,ny. I was backing out with my foot on the brake. Putting the car in drive.the car leaped into a very high accelerated speed like a jet with the engine racing. The brake did not help. The car hit the barrier between the sidewalk and the store and the engine burst into flames.the distance was only a matter of yards.the airbags and seat belt kept me from going thru the windshield the force of the crash totaled the car. There was no one in this area of the parking lot thank goodness it was 10am sunday morning. I do not know who called the fire dept and police.. This is a very serious problem. This situation happen so fast you don,t have time to blink. I am now left with no car and a twisted back.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 hyundai elantra. While parking and attempting to engage the brakes, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning and crashed into a light pole. It was unknown if there were any injuries or if a police report was filed. The dealer stated that the vehicle was working up to specifications. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,460. Ma 08/05/15 the consumer has since traded the vehicle. Updated 08/11/15
My vehicle was turning a corner and the power steering assist shut down totally, I was unable to steer my vehicle. The eps light lite up on the dashboard. It took two people, my boyfriend and myself to steer the vehicle to the curb, but only with a great deal of effort on both of our parts.
Was driving at regular speed (35mph to 40mph) then my I felt a stall transmission and my car couldn't shift up or down was keeping into 3rd gear and my engine light came on!
This past saturday, may 10, 2014 I was driving my four year old daughter home from soccer class and all of a sudden my steering went out. After avoiding an accident with woman behind me, I realize that the steering wasn't out but had become very difficult. The eps light on the dash was on and I learned that the power steering had gone. We took the car to our local mechanic to see if it was a simple thing like a fluid change. He informs us that the steering is computerized, that there is a service bulletin about the power steering in our car and we should take it to our dealer and it shouldn't cost anything to reprogram.
Entering a crowded parking lot in the city of chicago, I slowed down to approx. 2 MPH (almost idle speed) as I approached the ticket dispenser when all of a sudden the car accelerated over 6000 rpms and took off. As reflex, I slammed the brakes (since the ABS doesn't work without power) but the acceleration kept increasing and the brakes were not inhibiting movement so I then forced the key out of the ignition and pulled the emergency break - all within a second or two. The car stopped within inches of hitting a few other cars and people inside those cars after the forward momentum had been overcompensated by the initial brake push and emergency braking. There was a strong burnt rubber and oil smell but it wasn't from the tires. The check engine light came on after two driving cycles and has remained on. This is a very serious situation that needs attention! I am very experienced driver and knew what to do and how to do it but was still within inches of seriously hurting others and destroying property. I also suffered whiplash on my neck and hit the steering column as a result of the sudden stop. Air bags were not deployed. There are several incidents that have been reported in the past few months (march 2013 - may 2013) by drivers in several states on this same year model. I am urging the federal safety agency to look into this. I will also contact hyundai and if hyundai doesn't respond I will be contacting media outlets because hyundai owners need to be informed of this very dangerous and potentially fatal situation.
Questions about the 2008 Hyundai Elantra acceleration
Does the 2008 Hyundai Elantra have acceleration problems?
Owners have filed 24 complaints about the acceleration of the 2008 Hyundai Elantra, 8% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2008 Hyundai Elantra acceleration problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 48,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Hyundai Elantra acceleration?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Hyundai Elantra have the most acceleration problems?
The Hyundai Elantra model years with the most acceleration complaints are 2013 (50 complaints), 2012 (27 complaints) and 2014 (27 complaints).
Other 2008 Hyundai Elantra problems
Steering 55Brakes 52Fuel system 45Engine 41Airbags 38Electrical 31Transmission 29Lights 24Suspension 11Visibility 11Body 10Driver assistance 6Tires 5Seat belts 4Wheels 2
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