2008 Hyundai Sonata: brake failure

7 of the 425 complaints about the 2008 Hyundai Sonata describe brake failure.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 2%
typical mileage: 38,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 2 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Brake failure by model year

2023
1
2022
1
2017
3
2016
6
2015
9
2014
8
2013
21
2012
15
2011
14
2010
4
2009
13
2008
7
2007
11
2006
10
2005
1
2004
3
2003
1
2002
3
2001
1
2000
1
1999
1
1995
1
1993
1
1992
1
1991
1
1990
1

What owners say

Filed Nov 23, 2024 · Brakes · NY

On November 4, 2024 while coming to a stop in traffic, the brake pedal went to the floor without any warning. Just prior to using the brakes, there was no feeling of softness in the pedal, and no indication a low pedal situation, and there was no indicator of pending brake failure. The brake light indicator only lit when the brake pedal went to the floor. I was fortunate that I did not rear end the vehicle ahead, or more seriously had there been a jay walker, because i quickly pumped the brake pedal with what little braking I had while shifting the automatic transmission to second gear. I was able to slowly drive ten miles home in second gear while using the hand brakes. eom

Filed May 4, 2017 · Brakes · 73,250 miles · NY

As others have reported, the brake lines on my 2008 sonata rusted through causing brake failure while driving on the highway. Repair costs near $600. Service manager states that "every one of these cars will be in for the same problem" due to the design. The two brake lines and two fuel lines which run from front to rear on the vehicle (under the driver's seat) are held in place with clips and then the entire length is covered with a rectangular plastic cover (or raceway). While this might work well in other climates, here in the northeast "salt belt", this cover traps the road salt which collects at the clips and rots through the steel brake lines. Fuel lines are not steel and are not affected. At the very least, hyundai should require customers to bring the car in for service to have the cover removed and discarded, and the lines washed off and inspected. If corrosion is present, they should repair the damage. Due to the way the lines are routed, the position of the master cylinder and other components, the repair is costly - but is all labor. It is about $50 in parts and $500 in labor.

Filed Dec 29, 2016 · Brakes · 102,127 miles · VA

Brakes failed while driving down an incline in parking lot in tysons corner, virginia. Had to pump brakes to stop hitting the exit gate. Brake line rusted, broke, and all brake fluid leaked out. Car had 102127 miles. Never had a car with a brake line that rusted through. Mechanics fixed by replacing section of steel brake line under right side of body subframe that had rusted and split.

Filed Aug 16, 2010 · Brakes · 26,896 miles · ME

At 10k miles rear brake rotors were glazed from sticking brake pads; rotors were machined and brake pads replaced. At 26.8k miles the rear brakes were "metal to metal" and brake pads completely worn due to drivers side brake pad being seized into rotors (dealers language). Dealer attributed brake failure to increased corrosion due to our maine location. None of the other vehicles we have had exhibited these problems. This is a safety issue in that I have been operating the car for an indeterminate time with no rear brakes. The defect was discovered during a normal tire rotation. I suspect hyundai encourages tire rotation at every service interval in order to have an opportunity to examine rear brakes.

Filed Jun 12, 2010 · Brakes · 35,000 miles · IL

Rear brakes sticking on. First occurred at 35,000 miles and dealer notified me that the brake pads needed replaced, but upon inspection I saw that only one pad was worn to the metal, and the others were at > 50% life. I replaced the pad but the caliper and slider design is defective and the failure happened again at 40,000 miles. This time the car began jerking and suffered loss of brake performance as the indicator, along with noise, smoke, and odor. The hyundai dealer (mike miller in peoria, il) would not fix the problem under warranty, instead saying it was a normal wear item.

Filed Jan 25, 2010 · Brakes · 35,000 miles · OH

Premature wear of rear brake pads on a 2008 hyundai sonata. Rear brake pads were completely gone at 35000 miles. My wife had brake failure while on the interstate. Removed wheels at home and found calipers were digging into rotors because of complete erosion of brake pads. Called dealer he said it has been an ongoing problem with this car. Not sure why, hyundai offers no explanation or suggestions either. Replaced pads with new ones, will wait to see what happens. I will inspect every 10000 miles to determine extent of future wear on the brake pads. Front pads were at 8/32 rear pads were 0/32.. Pistons were clean on the rear and appeared to be working fine, both rear pads were gone equally.

Filed Jun 10, 2009 · Brakes · 38,000 miles · NH

Grinding of rear brakes beginning at 37,000 miles. Car is driven all highway miles. Brought in for service and mechanic was shocked to see pads were gone and rotors worn beyond repair. He said front brakes should usually go first. Hyundai claimed pads should be removed and cleaned every 15,000 miles. Assuming a customer was denying the brake problem due to the low miles the loss of brakes could lead to a serious accident. Brakes and rotors will be close to $400 for repair.