I bought a used 2008 hyundai sonata with approx 50,000 miles on it in 2012. Since purchasing is all it has been was one problem after the other. I had to have the engine replaced this week (which is another story) and since my inspection was due I asked them to inspect the car also at a certified dealer. And again my car did not pass inspection due to the same issue as last year. Caliper seized and needs new brakes and rotors again. I had a mechanic do the work last time since it was approx $200 cheaper than the dealer and I guess plan on it again at $500.00. Im thinking it may be a good idea to get rid of this awful car prior to this happening again or anything else. Wouldn't recommend a hyundai to my worst enemy. I am a grandparent and would hate for the calipers to seize while driving with my grandson, the safety of this vehicle is a concern
2008 Hyundai Sonata brakes complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 55, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I've had the breaks grinding noise coming from the front breaks when driving and use braking. It seems that the brake assembly was coming loose and need to get it fixed with a workshop nearby
After driving 1/2 mile or so the ESC light would come on. After shutting off the engine it would always reset and go off but it would come back on after a mile or so of driving. Sometimes it stays off for a prol;onged period of a month or so then the condition starts up all over again. This had been going on for 6 years. Brakes have been checked/replaced as required. Something wrong with the sensor? This should have been recalled years ago as many people have complained about the same issue.
Pedal to the metal rusted out brake line close to $1,000 to repair
I was driving south on i25 in colorado near denver. The car was on cruise control, going approximately 55 MPH. I saw a bus a couple of hundred yards away. The bus was either stopped or going very slowly. I applied the brakes and my 2008 sonata would not go out of cruise control. I tried canceling cruise control and braking and car remained in cruise control. At the last moment, I tried the emergency brake as I crashed into the back of the bus going about 55 MPH. I nearly died. I couldn't breathe for 20 seconds. I have fractured ribs and fractured bones in my back. The car is totaled. It looks like a squashed accordion.
Rear driver size pads and rotors had to be replace when the car only had 14k miles. Rear pads and rotors have to be replaced every 5-6 months. The brakes were burning and smoking. Dealer says its normal wear and tear. Took car to another repair shop and was told this is not normal and brake pads and rotors should not have to be repaired every 5-6 months, the braking system is faulty and if not repaired it could cause the brakes to fail.
Grinding noise on rear driver's side brakes--discovered missing bolt on caliper frame, brake pads badly worn. All other brake pads in great shape, showing little wear. Car is driven in rural area, with very little city driving. When I went to hyundai to buy a new bolt the parts guy said "this happens all the time" I think there must be something wrong here. Also checked on line finding I'm not the only one having brake problems on the rear wheels.
The front brake system failed.
The following is an email that I sent to the service department I recently went to for recurring brake/caliper issues on this vehicle. As you know I was in yesterday (buerkle hyundai white bear lake, mn @ 8:48 am invoice 183543) with my 2008 hyundai sonata with left rear brake issues. It seemed like the left rear caliper may be sticking. As I explained when the car was dropped off yesterday (2/5/13), we had just replaced both rear brake pads and rotors and the car only had 29,975 miles when the brakes and rotors were replaced on 12/22/2012. I brought in the previous brake pads and rotor for your inspection from the rear drivers side of the vehicle. The side that is currently having issues. It clearly showed the brake pads were completely gone and the rotor was scraped and ruined. This was shown to the service advisor helping me, brian coyle. I have attached, just a few out of several, websites for your review to show this is a known problem that has received many consumer complaints. Http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2008/hyundai/sonata/service_brakes_hydraulic/problem.aspx http://www.sonatabrakedefect.com/index.php/sonatadefect/sonatacomments.html http://www.carproblemzoo.com/hyundai/sonata/brake-disc-caliper-problems.php http://www.aboutautomobile.com/complaint/2008/hyundai/sonata/hydraulic+brake as you can see, this issue, definitely, needs to be addressed by hyundai as well the hyundai certified service department locations. The consumer should not be responsible for repair and payment of a known manufacturing defect, one time, let alone over and over again for the same issue. Not to mention, brake issues like these and to this extent of needed repair at such low mileage. I really should not have been charged for a repair or for lubrication to brakes, etc, when the same thing was done to these brakes a few weeks ago.
My rear brake calipers were frozen/ corroded into the pads. The rear brakes were inoperable. This could have effected the ability of the car to stop effectively. The dealer said they would not replace unless the caliper was leaking. It was corroded at only 39,000 miles and 3yrs after bought.
Last week we noticed that the "ESC off" light was on. Tonight on 5/24/2012 we noticed that the brake lights were not working. I had to just barely plug in the brake light switch wire for the brake lights to work again. This was a problem with earlier sonatas the recall was the federal safety agency action number: pe09003. My 2008 exhibited the same problems with the ESC light and the brake lights.
The braking system on this vehicle is poorly engineered and extremely frustrating to the car owner. After 16,000 miles, my rear brakes began squealing. After inspection, it was determined that the back brakes are sticking on and grinding off against the rotor. This is a recurring problem that can not be fixed, with multiple replacements the only choice. In the four years I have owned the vehicle, I have gone thru 5 sets of brake pads and 4 rotors, with no end in sight as long as I keep this car.
Rear brakes on my sonata started grinding at 25000 miles. Contacted hyundai headquarters by email and they stated the brakes were out of warranty and no recall on this problem. I was informed by them to take it to the hyundai dealer. Since this should not happen at this mileage I had taken it to my mechanic who is state certified. Hyundai needs to do a recall on this safety problem. I have kept the email response that hyundai headquarters sent to me.
Purchased demonstrator car with approximately 2,500 miles for normal use. Rear disk brake noise at 15,976 miles required both rear brake pads and rotors to be replaced under warranty. Same problem happened again at 33,356 miles, again requiring replacement of pads and turning of rotors (this time it was not covered - considered normal wear items). Once again, at approximately 52,000 miles, loud grinding from the left rear brake revealed that both inner and outer pads had been totally scrubbed off with light metal to metal contact, while the right rear pads still had greater than 50% of original pad thickness. The caliper slides operated smoothly and were well lubricated and sealed, and the pad slides were dirty with brake dust, but not corroded or blocked with dirt. The pads appeared to have been exposed to high heat. I replaced the pads to finish my trip and upon return it was apparent that the new pads had been dragging as evidenced by a strong smell and glazed appearance. It does not seem normal for this condition to happen - there was no grinding or abnormal noise observed during the most recent event, until pulling into our destination, when it was very loud. Appears that the caliper or caliper piston is sticking to keep the pads in contact with the disk, thus overheating and challenging the brake pad life. This seems to be only on the left (driver's side) caliper. Hyundai discussion forums have indicated this is a common problem that hyundai is not formally addressing. I will take the car to the dealer this week, but wanted to register with the federal safety agency since it is a brake issue with safety implications.
Rear brakes wore out. Front brakes 'like new'. Shouldn't front brakes wear out first as that is where the engine weight is?
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that the vehicle was being inspected by an authorized dealer and the dealer stated that the rear brakes were corroded. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileages were 22,000. Updated 12/12/11*lj the consumer believed substandard material were used in the initial production or design of the brakes. Updated 06/22/12
When I bought a new 2008 hyundai sonata, I soon experienced a squealing sound from the rear brakes. The dealership serviced the brakes. They said it was the shims causing the brakes to seize and keep from sliding properly. Within 30,000 miles the rear brakes were worn out. I now have 54,000 miles on the car and the rear brake pads are worn out. I discovered from my mechanic that this model is known for a premature wear problem with the rear brakes. The pads seized in place unable to back off the rotor. I'm prompted to notify you due to the many postings of this issue on the internet. I'm not sure if it is a weather concern with corrosion or a design flaw in the caliper.
Our 2008 hyundai sonata , at around 25000 miles began to have intense screeching from rear brakes. Local mechanic informed us hydraulic piston was stuck/rusted open and was wearing brakes totally down. He was able to grease and do painstaking repairs to pistons . Had to replace shoes/rotors. Neither visor will stay up they have sagged to the point that we have escorted to industrial velcro to keep them up.this has nearly caused 2 accidents.
I have been concerned about the rear brakes due to the numerous complaints on mycarstats.com. Often when I get the car serviced by the dealer I have mentioned that they should check the rear brakes. This time was the 45000 mile service and I brought a printout of the 26 existing complaints. The service manager assured me that they always check and clean rear brakes, calipers, rotors, etc to prevent an early failure. Shortly after leaving the car, the service manager calls me to say that indeed the rear brake pads were worn out and needed replacing. I told him I thought that it should be under the bumper to bumper warranty because it was a known defect in these sonatas. He said brakes only had a 1 year warranty and I would have to pay. There was no sound or warning in advance. If it wasn't for the mycarstats.com website, I would have never known to keep asking. The front brakes are fine and have not yet been replaced. Driving is mostly highway. Is there a class action suit for this yet?
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that while engaging the brakes it produced a grinding noise. A local mechanic inspected the vehicle and determined that the rear brake system was defective. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact to have the failure diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted and did not offer any assistance since there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 29,000 and the current mileage was 30,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 hyundai sonata gls. The contact stated that the left rear brakes were grinding abnormally. The dealer informed the contact that the brakes were worn and would need to be replaced. The dealer replaced both rear brakes and pads. The current mileage was 30,279 and the failure mileage was 29,000. Updated 03/31/11*lj updated 04/05/11
Took car to dealer for annual state vehicle inspection and to have "chirping" noise from brakes checked. Rear brake pads were at 3/32"; min allowed is 2/32". Front pads ok at +7/32". Replaced rear pads, machined rotors. Mileage was 23,226; car purchased feb2008 and was regularly serviced at dealer. Dealer sa advised that pad wear was normal and that 'on this model the rear brakes always wear faster'. When this was disputed the sa said that corrosion on caliper did not allow pads to withdraw and that constant contact wore out the pads. When asked about warranty coverage sa said that brakes are only covered for 12 months. Subsequently noted that on side of car with sticking caliper that the paint on both steel wheels has peeled and wheels have rusted. Tires have been rotated, front-to-back, several times since new. Possible that excessive heat from dragging pads overheated wheels and damaged paint. Also possible that there was excessive heat to wheel bearings. Will have this checked at next service, or sooner. This premature rear pad wear is not normal for hyundai. Also, presently driving a 2001 elantra that went 60k+ before needing brakes. Never owned any car that had rear brakes wear before front. The number of complaints registered indicates that this is a design/material issue that needs correcting before someone is hurt.
No failure occurred. The problem was detected before failure. I had the brakes checked at just under 45,600 miles expecting to have the brake pads replace. Inspection showed that the rear brake rotors were made of defective metal which corroded and pitted badly. It destroyed the outer part of the brake pads so they did not make contact with the rotor. Less than one half of the brake pad was providing braking ability. The rotors had to be replaced on the rear wheels as well as all brake pads on all 4 wheels. The brake pad replacement is expected maintenance. The rear wheel rotors were defective parts.
Rear brake rotors rusted. Rear brakes worn. Replaced rear brakes and resurfaced rotors. Vehicle only has 35,570 miles. Front brakes fine. Rear brakes should be rusted and need repair at 35,570 miles.
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 hyundai sonata. While driving approximately 20-25 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal and noticed a very loud rubbing sound, like metal to metal. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer but there were no repairs performed. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where the contact was told to take the vehicle back to the dealer. The dealer polished the drumbs and reset the brake pads but the failure occurred again. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer at least eight times and the dealer polished the drums and reset the pads on each visit. The vehicle had not been repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileae was approximately 14,000 and the current mileage was approximately 18,500.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 hyundai sonata. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the contact engaged the brake pedal and heard a metal to medal loud screeching noise. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they informed the contact that when the vehicle was produced the manufacturer did not lubricate the pistons properly; and the quality of the lubricant was insufficient. The rear rotors were replaced at the owner's expense. Additionally, the owner's manual instructed that the brakes be diagnosed every 15,000 miles, and if the brakes lubrication was not functioning properly then the calipers would need to be replaced. The contact stated the information provided in the manual was not communicated to him at the time the vehicle was purchased, which was a significant concern. The failure mileage was 22,000. The VIN was unavailable.
I have a 2008 hyundai sonata and had to replace my rear brakes at 24,000 miles. My dealer said that it had something to do with the calipers sticking and this caused my rear brakes to wear prematurely. My dealer also indicated that this is "a hyundai problem" and they see this a lot with "these cars." I contacted hyundai and informed them of this issue, and they were very rude to say the least with regard to their response. They clearly took no responsibility for this issue and for the most part lays the blame on the driver and the driving conditions. Under no circumstances should the rear brakes require replacing at such low mileage. There are many other complaints listed here where other owners of these cars have had the same problems, yet no investigation is being launched and hyundai clearly refuses to take responsibility for clearly substandard braking systems.
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 hyundai sonata. She heard a noise near the brakes. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the brakes and rotors were replaced. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that the brakes should be inspected every 15,000 miles but offered no further assistance. The current and failure mileages were approximately 27,100.
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.
I have a 2008 sonata with 46,000 miles and this is the second time the brakes have given me a problem. The first time I had to replace the rotors too. This time rear brakes are going out again and are down to the rotors. I think there should be some kind of warning light to warn the driver that the brakes are going bad. But twice at 46,000 miles that is not normal! The dealer has said it is normal wear and tear. I have mostly driven highway miles and can't understand why this is happening.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2008 Hyundai Sonata?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history