Tl* the contact owns a 2008 hyundai sonata. While driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal tapping noise and the vehicle stalled. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to coconut creek hyundai (4960 n. State road 7, coconut creek, fl 33073, (954) 283-1002), but was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the engine failed three times previously and was replaced under warranty. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 35,000.
2008 Hyundai Sonata: engine failure
11 of the 425 complaints about the 2008 Hyundai Sonata describe engine failure.
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- typical mileage
- 108,000
- recalls
- 0
Engine failure by model year
What owners say
This issue effects 2.4 liter gasoline direct injection engine model sonatas. Metallic debris may not have been fully removed during manufacturing of the engine crankshaft. If the debris was not completely removed, oil flow may be restricted through the connecting rod bearings, causing connecting rod damage. A worn connecting rod bearing will produce a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine and possible engine failure resulting in the need to rebuild or replace engine. My engine first failed out in october of 2016 and caused me to require an engine replacement. In august 2017 that same engine had the exact same issue happen to it. This has been 2 of the 2.4 cyl I-4 engines having the exact same issue on the exact same care with around the same mileage on both engines. There have been many various complaints reported all over the internet effecting this engine. Additionally, there is an open recall by hyundai for the 2011 hyundai sonata for the exact same issue because the 2011 sonata used the exact same engines that are in the 2008 sonata. The link for that recall is here: the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v568000 url:
Driving on the highway at approximately 70 MPH when my vehicle lost power without any warning whatsoever, including power steering. Momentum and struggle steering allowed me to move from center lane to shoulder of the road safely. Initially thought it was the leaky head cover gasket that slowly leaked onto the alternator. Had it towed to a reputable mechanic who later informed me the engine had seized. He did verify that was oil in the engine at the time. The car was not even 10 yrs old and purchased brand new.
Engine seized at around 124000 while driving. I have replaced with a used motor and now I believe the engine is going to blow again at the same mileage. I have used only mobil one synthetic oil in both motors.
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
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 hyundai sonata. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle seized. The vehicle was not able to restart and was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 108,000.
Engine died while driving. The cause was alternator failure due to oil leak from front valve cover. This is a 2008 hyundai sonata 2008 with 3.3 liters v6. *tr
Engine failure -lower rod bent no cause by operator car well maintained.
Driving approximately 50 MPH when I heard pop. Smoke came from under hood. Pulled over. Popped hood. Smoke coming from engine. Checked dipstick and no oil. Never had oil leak. No oil light ever came on. No check engine light. No overheat or hot engine light. Just a small fire underneath the engine on ground. Bought oil that just leaked immediately after putting in. No warning. No signals. No alerts. Blown engine. They want $5300 for a used engine.
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.
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.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Higher-than-expected engine oil consumption
- Higher-than-expected engine oil consumption
- This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
- Follow the guidelines outlined in
- This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing
- This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
- Hyundai: a revised procedure for replacing the timing chain tensioners
- Hyundai: DTC P2135/P0638 or cold engine RPM fluctuation; tps replacement and ECM update. some 2.7L, 3.3L...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2008 Hyundai Sonata engine failure
Is engine failure a common problem on the 2008 Hyundai Sonata?
11 of 425 owner complaints about the 2008 Hyundai Sonata (3%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2011.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2008 Hyundai Sonata?
There are 0 recalls and 10 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2008 Hyundai Sonata
Airbag light 94Check engine light 19Knocking 19Grinding brakes 16Fire or smoke 13Seat belt 13No deployment 11Door locks 10Stalling 10Headlights 9Brake failure 7Premature wear 7Adaptive cruise 6Overheating 6Sudden acceleration 6Jerking 5Loss of power 5Won't start 5
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