Check a VIN

2008 Hyundai Veracruz problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz is engine and cooling, typically around 115,000 miles. It has 2.2 times the complaints of a typical Veracruz model year.

Year to avoid2.2x the typical complaints
Year score
43/100
Owner complaints
231
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
53
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
18mpg
Typical repair
$2,500

The worst 2008 Hyundai Veracruz problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz

ABS 42Stalling 38Check engine light 24Airbag light 15Loss of power 13Headlights 9Adaptive cruise 7Engine failure 7Warning lights 7Battery drain 6Power steering loss 6Won't start 5

Recalls 5

Engine and engine cooling: engine: oil/lubrication: seals/gasketsReported November 13, 2020 · 60,097 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles that were previously recalled under recall number 14V‑415. Oil may leak from the front cylinder bank cover gasket, potentially dripping onto the alternator and causing the charging system to become inoperative.
Risk
An inoperative charging system can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the valve cover gasket and repair it as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 7, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 197.

Recall number 20V705000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported July 8, 2014 · 61,122 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2007-2012 Veracruz vehicles manufactured from December 26, 2006, through July 24, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an oil leak from the front cylinder bank valve cover gasket. If there is a sufficient amount of oil dropped onto the alternator, the alternator will be damaged causing the charging system to become inoperative.
Risk
If the alternator is damaged, the charging system warning lamp in the instrument cluster will illuminate, and the engine will lose power and the vehicle will eventually stop operating while being driven. An unexpected failure of motive power while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect/repair or replace the alternator and the front valve cover gasket, free of charge. Hyundai sent out an interim letter to owners on September 3, 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑800‑633‑5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 121.

Recall number 14V415000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported April 1, 2013 · 1,712,336 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 13V113000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontalReported September 9, 2011 · 205,233 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 hyundai veracruz vehicles manufactured from december 26, 2006, through march 21, 2008, and model year 2007-2008 hyundai santa fe vehicles manufactured from april 19, 2006 through march 20, 2008. The clock spring contact assembly for the driver's air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) may become damaged through usage over time. The driver's air bag electrical circuit will experience a high resistance condition, potentially causing the driver's air bag to not deploy.
Risk
If the clock spring develops high resistance, in the event of a crash, the drivers air bag will not deploy and will not be able to properly protect the driver, increasing the risk of injuries.
Remedy
Hyundai dealers will replace the vehicle's driver's air bag clock spring contact assembly free of charge. The safety recall began in november 2011. Owners may contact hyundai customer connect center at 1‑800‑633‑5151.

Recall number 11V472000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported April 15, 2009 · 532,633 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Hyundai is recalling 532,633 my 2006-2007 accent, entourage, sonata, my 2007 azera, elantra and santa fe, my 2005-2007 tucson and my 2007-2008 veracruz vehicles. The stop lamp switch in the affected vehicles may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause the brake lights to remain illuminated when the brake pedal is released. A stop lamp switch malfunction may also affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature so the transmission shifter would not be able to be shifted out of the park position. It may also cause the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate, and it may not deactivate the cruise control when the brake pedal is depressed.
Risk
Any of these malfunctions, alone or in combination, may lead to a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch free of charge. The recall began on june 29, 2009. Owners may contact the hyundai customer assistance center at 1‑800‑633‑5151.

Recall number 09V122000 · Recall details

See all 5 recalls for the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz

Defect investigations

Stop lamp switch failureOpened January 14, 2009, closed April 24, 2009

By letter dated april 15, 2009, hyundai notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (the federal safety agency recall number 09v122) to replace the stop lamp switches on many of its model year 2005-2008 vehicles.see recall 09v122 for a complete list. The agency opened its investigation based on five complaints of stop lamp failure across several 2007 hyundai models. The agency also received early warning (ewr) reports on this issue.most of those failures were traced to the improper operation of the stop lamp switch that controls stop lamp illumination.a malfunctioning stop lamp switch can cause the vehicle's brake lights not to light during braking, or alternatively, it can cause the brake lights to stay lit even when a driver takes the foot off the brake pedal. Failure of the stop lamps to illuminate properly creates the hazard of rear end collisions when drivers following the subject vehicle do not recognize that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Hyundai reported one crash incident (a frontal impact), without injury, that was alleged to have been caused by this defect.the agency reviewed the incident and cannot conclude that it is related to this defect. There are other potential problems related to failure of the stop lamp switch: failure of the cruise control to disengage, interference with proper functioning of antilock brakes and electronic stability control, and inability to move the gear shift lever out of park position.based on the above safety recall, this investigation is closed.

PE09003

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz 53

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 53 bulletins for the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz

2008 Hyundai Veracruz fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.8L 6‑cylFWD162318
3.8L 6‑cyl4WD152218

What 2008 Hyundai Veracruz owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Electrical · IL

All warning lamps are on while vehicle is operating and fail to shut off. This issue has occurred since 2015.

Filed May 14, 2026 · Engine · 202,427 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Veracruz. The vehicle The contact stated that while driving, The approximate failure mileage was 202,427. The oil light illuminated, looked and there was no oil. The vehicle knocked. the vehicle stalled.

Filed Apr 28, 2026 · Engine · 200,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Veracruz. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil, and over time, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the vehicle, with a significant amount of oil leaking from the vehicle, resulting in engine damage. The vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was first taken to an independent mechanic, where the oil leak was discovered; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was later taken to a dealer, where the oil leak and engine damage were confirmed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V705000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall; however, the failure occurred. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Filed Mar 20, 2026 · Engine · 175,044 miles · VA

The contact's mother owns a 2008 Hyundai Veracruz. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while at a stoplight. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer to be repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 14V415000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 20V705000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted online and declined to assist with reimbursement. The failure mileage was approximately 175,044.

Filed Nov 10, 2025 · Engine · FL

Radiator needs fluid and the liquid would go to the engine. The head gasket is blown. Repaired multiple times still giving the same issue. Oil is leaking.

Filed Oct 23, 2025 · Engine · 120,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Veracruz. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who discovered there was oil leaking from the valve cover gasket. The mechanic performed an unknown repair, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V705000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); associated with the VIN after the vehicle failed the State Inspection due to the unrepaired recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Aug 6, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · NY

This is referring to the federal safety agency recall 20V705000 a/k/a Hyundai TSB: 21-01047H-2 whereas my 2008 Hyundai Veracruz was brought into a Hyundai dealership regarding the above mentioned safety recall. Dealer refused to remedy the recall without first purchasing an otherwise irrelevant part to the remedy. The TSB clearly states all parts and labor necessary to honoring the safety recall would be granted to the consumer. This refusal to honor a recall poses a safety hazard as this vehicle is my sole form of transportation.

Filed Mar 22, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · GA

Bought my Veracruz in 2018. After not even a year I started experiencing problems with the charging system. Car would die overnight. Replaced a battery with the new one 3 weeks later same thing happened. Changed many sensors checked the fuses looked for parasitic draw... battery cables. Removed the alternator had it checked at advance auto it was surprisingly good. It was covered with oil leaking out of valve cover.. replaced the valve cover seal but the problem still remains. That leakage messed up my charging system. I cannot even drive the car safely anymore because the voltage keeps dropping rapidly. Even tho alternator is good it's not charging the battery while car is running. P0346 is the code I'm getting when I scan the vehicle. Check engine and TPMS are on. I won't even be able to pass emissions test next month due to this mess.

Filed Jul 2, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · 170,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Veracruz. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes seized in the middle of the highway. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact's wife and a nearby driver were able to guide the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact's wife raised the hood, and the contact became aware that smoke was coming from the ABS module accompanied by electrical sparks. The contact’s wife turned the vehicle off. The contact noticed that the aluminum ABS module casing was burned. The contact disconnected the battery and the ABS fuse, which stopped the smoke and the electrical sparks. The vehicle was then driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Filed Mar 28, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · NY

ABS Anti-Lock Brake System Failure (ABS Control Unit) As seen in the federal safety agency CAMPAIGN [XXX], for newer year models, The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. This recall should also include 2008-2010 Hyundai Veracruz's as the ABS Module is the same part number and can leak brake fluid. This can lead to serious injury or death as the car may not function as intended or catch on fire. I noticed a strong burning smell similar to burning toast when the car was dropped off at the shop. My Mechanics noticed my ABS Control Unit had liquid coming out of the poorly sealed module, and told me to report this to the NTSHA. The unit had to be replaced for about $3800. The first symptom is the ESC Light flashing while driving. Others include the AWD Light, Brake Light, ABS Light, and, Traction Control Lights. On many forums like the link shown below other people have experienced this issue on the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz as well. This indicate that the recall should be pushed to ALL Veracruz models. Hyundai should be responsible for the safety of all Veracruz owners just not a few. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2008 Hyundai Veracruz before you buy

Compare the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz

Other model years

200720082009201020112012

Questions about the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz

Is the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz reliable?

Owners have filed 231 complaints about the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz, 2.2 times a typical Veracruz model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz year score?

The 2008 Hyundai Veracruz scores 43 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Hyundai Veracruz: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz?

Engine and cooling, with 94 complaints, typically around 115,000 miles. Next is electrical (66).

How many recalls does the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz have?

5 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, exterior lighting and air bags.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz engine?

Yes, 2 recalls: 20V705000, 14V415000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Hyundai Veracruz have bad engine?

The Hyundai Veracruz model years with the most engine complaints are 2008 (94 complaints), 2007 (66 complaints) and 2011 (63 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz get?

Official estimates for the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.8L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 16 city and 23 highway.

Share your experience with the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2008 Hyundai Veracruz?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN