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2008 Hyundai Tucson Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2008 Hyundai Tucson has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Underbody corrosion of subframe and oil pan.” Hyundai's owner's manual splits service into Normal and Severe schedules. Most US drivers qualify as Severe due to short trips, extreme temperatures, or stop-and-go traffic. Hyundai Assurance covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance on new vehicles. The Theta II 2.0L and 2.4L engines (2011-2019) are subject to TSBs around oil consumption — strict adherence to oil intervals matters.

Save this car as:

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2008 Hyundai Tucson.

Reported to NHTSA

Underbody corrosion of subframe and oil pan

SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2015-06 → 2023-06

“The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that a section of the rear sub frame was extremely corroded. The contact believed that a welding failure might have caused the severe corrosion on the subframe. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11525036
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT THE VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL WAS WOBBLING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO NOT DRIVE IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11413283
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL PAN WAS RUSTED, WHICH CAUSED THE OIL TO GO THROUGH THE METAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL PAN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10725938

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door lock and handle failure

STRUCTURE, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2013-05 → 2023-02

“The driver side door will not unlock. It will not unlock with the key fob. It will not unlock with the key. It will not unlock manually. The locking piece that should flip back and forth (from lock to unlock) is stuck in the locked position. This should be safety issue as you”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11506674
“ELECTRIC LOCKS NO LONGER WORK VEHICLE MUST BE MANUALLY LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10514430
“THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY SON'S HYUNDAI SONOTA ALSO ON 3 DIFFERENT DOOR'S. HYUNDAI REFUSED TO PAY FOR REPAIRS.I SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND HYUNDAI WILL NOT PUT THIS ON A RECALL. THIS CAN BE A SAFETY PROBLEM AS IF THERE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11222801

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake system failure from corrosion or ABS fault

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

6 NHTSA complaints · 2010-02 → 2023-07

“ON 18 OCTOBER 2017 BRAKES FAILED ON A HILL IN TRAFFIC WITH RED LIGHT AHEAD. 43903 MILES ON THE CAR. MY LIFE WAS IN DANGER AS THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. SOMEHOW I CONTROLLED THE VEHICLE AND GOT IT TO STOP. DIAGNOSED AS BRAKE LINE RUPTURE. BOTH REAR BRAKE LINES RUPTURED. ALL 5”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11054598
“I took the car to my mechanic to get brake pads because car was pulling to the left upon braking and he informed me the ABS module was bad and was not distributing brake fluid to the right front wheel. I called Customer Care Center for Hyundai and they informed me Tuscan models”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11529839
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL IN INCLEMENT WEATHER AT APPROXIMATELY 5 -10 MPH, THE WHEELS SEIZED, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10490061

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering wheel lock-up or power steering loss

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2012-02 → 2017-11

“STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE DRIVING, UNABLE TO TURN WHEEL. BRAKE LIGHT AND EMERGENCY BREAK LIGTH WENT ON - ON DASHBOARD. HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN 3 DAYS. AT 5 MPH, 10MPH AND 25MPH. LUCKILY THESE WERE ON CITY SIDE STREETS AND 1X WHILE PARKING. TYPICALLY WHEN ATTEMPTING A TURN WHILE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11047827
“ALL VEHICLE LIGHTS COME ON DASHBOARD AND POWER STEERING SHUTS OFF WHEN GOING THROUGH A RAIN PUDDLE APPROX 3-4 INCHES DEEP. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT TURN AND THE WHEEL LOCKS UP. I'VE BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEY TOLD ME THERE'S NO SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM AND THAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10883762
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED UPON STARTING AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TURNS. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING RACK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10448966

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine compartment fire while driving

ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2009-03 → 2020-10

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, OTHER DRIVERS ON THE HIGHWAY ALERTED HER TO AN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE THAT THERE WAS A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AT THE TIME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEN NOTICED ORANGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11366642
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH, THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT JUMPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND CALLED 911. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED ON THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11354954
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI TUCSON. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON MARCH 6, 2009, THE DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE DRIVING. SHE REACHED HER RESIDENCE AND OBSERVED STEAM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. HYUNDAI ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10261137

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration or vehicle movement

AIR BAGS, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 NHTSA complaints · 2010-03 → 2021-12

“In October of 2020 I was pulling into a parking space and my car accelerated and crashed into a light pole resulting in injury to both my husband and myself. He is 91 years old and shattered his upper arm. We had the vehicle fixed and checked out and was told all was fine. About”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11445606
“WHEN CAR IS OFF AND STILL IN DRIVE YOU CAN TAKE THE KEY OUT AND LEAVE THE CAR, STILL IN DRIVE. I DID THAT AND IT BACKED UP AND HIT A TRUCK IN A PARKING LOT. IT HAS DONE IT EVER SINCE I'VE HAD THE CAR. NO BIG DEAL UNTIL NOW. WHY DOES IT LET ME TAKE MY KEY OUT WHILE IT IS STILL IN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10970009
“ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER, I HAVE A 2008 HYUNDAI TUSCON, PURCHASED AT FITZGERALD'S, WHICH YOU HAVE SERVICED IN THE PAST. YESTERDAY (3/21/10) WHEN ON A SHORT ROAD TRIP I STOPPED FOR GAS. ON STARTING, THE ENGINE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN (WITHOUT ACCELERATOR PRESSURE) TO AN IDLE RPM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10321508

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unexpected engine stalling while driving

ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2011-08 → 2014-07

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10608844
“OWNER (HYUNDAI TUCSON 2008 GLS) HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE AND REPRESENTATIVE IS THE WORSE. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN CUTTING OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING. I'VE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIME INDICATING THE CAR CUT-OFFS WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER IN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10422557
“MY 2008 V6 TUCSON HAS STALLED WHEN STOPPED IN TRAFFIC NUMEROUS TIMES.IT USUALLY STARTED RIGHT BACK UP BUT THE LAST TIME IT WOULD START BUT NOT STAY RUNNING. THE CAR ALSO CHUGS WHEN I RELEASE THE GAS PEDAL AT AROUND 45 MPH AND IT DOES NOT SHIFT SMOOTHLY DURING REGULAR DRIVING. I”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10430074

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal service: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson 2011-2019): never extend — oil consumption issues are documented in Hyundai TSBs.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. AWD Tucson and Santa Fe owners benefit from rotation at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Elantra and Sonata front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required to maintain ABS and ESC pump life.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe service or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Hyundai SP-IV or SPH-IV — substitutes can cause harsh shifting and torque converter damage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on Theta II, Lambda II, and Smartstream engines. 1.6T (Veloster N, Kona N): 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Hyundai Long-Life Coolant (pink): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it damages the cylinder head gasket on GDI engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on most Hyundai models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Replace at 90,000 miles on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

15 crashes 1990–2024

How the 15 occupant deaths break down

10

driver deaths

5

passenger deaths

15

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2008 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

5

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2008 Hyundai Tucson reflects Hyundai's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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