KM8JN72D98U8053162008 HYUNDAI Tucson
2008 HYUNDAI Tucson was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 43 owner complaints include 4 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
Executive Summary
2008 HYUNDAI Tucson
2008 HYUNDAI Tucson was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 43 owner complaints include 4 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 1 open recall — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- 4 injuries reported across 43 owner complaints
- Common owner-reported issues: airbag warning, fire, rust/corrosion
- Brakes is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
- Manufacturer delayed recall by 4.6 years after first complaints — pattern of slow response to known defects
43 owner complaints filed — top areas: Engine/Powertrain (23%), Safety Systems (14%), Brakes (12%). Common issues: airbag warning, fire, rust/corrosion, steering issues, stalling. 5 crashes reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- HYUNDAI
- Model
- Tucson
- Year
- 2008
- Trim / Series
- Wagon body style
- Body Style
- Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
- Vehicle Type
- MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Drive Type
- AWD/All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 6-cyl 2.7L 173 hp
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- HYUNDAI MOTOR CO
- Assembly
- ULSAN, SOUTH KOREA
- GVWR
- Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: ULSAN, SOUTH KOREA
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Brake system recall
- ▸5 complaint(s) involved a fire
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
A snapped timing belt causes immediate, catastrophic engine damage — bent valves, destroyed pistons. No warning. Replace before the interval, not after.
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
1 RECALLNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 1 recall below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 1 recall is ~68%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
HYUNDAI completes recalls at a good rate (88%), averaging about 19 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~19 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
SummaryHyundai 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.Read full details...
~32% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Manufacturer Recall Response Time
Time between first owner complaint and recall issuance
First complaint was filed 4.6 years before the recall was issued — manufacturer was aware of this issue for years before acting.
4 injuries reported across 43 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.
Complaint Intelligence
43 complaints analyzed across 10 system categories
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME43 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
#1. The airbag light comes on saying the passenger airbag is not connected (something like that). #2. Braking lights did stop working and stayed on while the car was turned off. I never received any recall notice of this and we fixed it ourselves. #3. And most important and dangerous! The back driver's side wheel froze up and started to catch on fire. We had the Caliper, and several other surrounding parts changed and the master cylinder when it almost caught fire again. A mechanic could not figure it out. I did a lot of research and discovered the problems with the ABS, which I strongly believe this is the problem. I cannot drive it at all. The emergency brake is like mush and does not work at all. I have now read of these cars catching fire from the ABS and people have died! My car is a 2008 and not the year of the car that has been recalled. But my 2008 is doing the same thing. My special needs son and I could have been killed! Flaming red inside the tire area. We threw bottles of water on it so it wouldn't catch on fire and catch all the other cars and buildings on fire. Please help! Also, the ECS light comes on for no reason. I'm afraid of this car and I'm afraid to sell it to someone who may be killed by it. We thought we fixed this problem in 2020 but it started catching on fire again in 2022 and had not been driven since Aug. 2022 since the last fire flames and stinky smoke that comes out from the back tire area.
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 are not included in the ABS module recall event. Yet the information printed on all hyundai ABS recalls threaten a possible fire safety concern. I want to file a complaint because the ABS brake systems are all the same on all hyundai models. Please address my safety issue asap.
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 mechanic where he was informed that he had approximately a year before the suspension would fail and the render the vehicle undrivable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
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 cannot operate the driver side door. You cannot enter or exit the vehicle from the driver side.
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 June of 2021 I took the car in for a recall on the brake lights to the Hyundai dealership and told them of the first incident and asked them to check and was told that all was fine. On December 23rd 2021, the same thing happened when I was pulling into my parking space at home. When it accelerated, I had both feet on the brake and ended up hitting a wall damaging the car again. Fortunately, this time injuries were minor. There were no warning lights, messages or symptoms before these two incidents happened. I am concerned that others will be put at risk if this happens again or to anyone else with one of these vehicles. I might add that with these accidents, the airbags did not deploy. The first was a significant crash which should have deployed the airbags.
MY ELDERLY MOTHER INLAW PURCHASED A CAR AT A BUY HERE PAY HERE PLACE. HER GRANDSON IMMEDIATELY NOTICED IT WAS SKIPPING WHEN IT GOT OVER 40. HIS GRANDMOTHER TOOK IT BACK THEY SAID IT WAS FINE THEN HIS GRANDMOTHER AND OTHERS NOTICED THE SKIPPING. SHE CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SENT IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP WE ARE UNABLE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH. IT HAS BEEN THEE DAYS AND THEY WILL NOT TELL HER ANYTHING NOR PROVIDE A RENTAL CAR FOR HER USE. THEY SEEM TO BE SET UP TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS ELDERLY SICK LADY WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.
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 NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER NOR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR CROSS MEMBER WAS EXTREMELY RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 168,000.
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 FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER NECK BECAME HOT FROM THE INTENSE FLAMES HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO INJURY SUSTAINED. THE CONTACT QUICKLY EXITED THE VEHICLE AND RAN AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FIRE HOWEVER, THE FIRE EXTINGUISHED ITSELF PRIOR TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVING AT THE SCENE. A STATE TROOPER ARRIVED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED BUT WAS TRADED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 188,000.
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 FLATBED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE AND FROM THERE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FUCCILLO HYUNDAI OF SYRACUSE, 2601 ERIE BLVD E, SYRACUSE, NY, 315-445-7900, AND WAS TOLD TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO ONE CALLED HER BACK, EVEN THOUGH SHE WAS TOLD THAT SOME ONE WOULD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
I RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL THAT MY STATEN ISLAND HYUNDAI SAID THEY COMPLETED ALL THE RECALL NOTICES ON MY CAR IN THE MAIL.I NEVER BROUGHT MY CAR THERE!
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 IS A ACCIDENT AND CANNOT OPEN DOOR THEN WHAT.
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 BRAKE LINES HAD TO BE REPLACED. CAUSE WAS CORROSION. STEERING GEAR ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED.
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 BEGINNING OR POST BRAKE.
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 DRIVE?
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 THEY CANNOT FIX AN ISSUE THAT DOES NOT EXIST. I FEEL VERY UNSAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WHEN IT RAINS AND THE FACT THAT I JUST PAID THIS VEHICLE OFF IS MAKING ME RE-CONSIDER IT AND PURCHASE A NEW ONE. I HAVE CHILDREN AND NOW THAT WE'RE IN HURRICANE SEASON IN SOUTH FLORIDA I CANNOT DRIVE WHILE IT''S RAINING ON WHEN IT HOT AS HELL OUTSIDE. THIS IS RIDICULOUS HYUNDAI NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING BECAUSE I'M SURE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS ISSUE. I'M GOING TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL BECAUSE I PAID 20,000 FOR THIS VEHICLE AND I FEEL THAT SOMEONE SHOULD REPLACE THIS VEHICLE OR PERFORM A RECALL TO FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING THE ISSUE.
ESC OFF LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY COMES ON WHILE DRIVING. IF RESTART VEHICLE LIGHT DOED NOT COME ON. THIS IS A MANUFACURING DEFECT & SHOULD BE RECALLED. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A MECHANIC TO FIX SOMETHING THAT ISN'T REALLY BROKEN. THERE IS NOTHING WRING WITH THE SYSTEM. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE SENSOR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEED CONTROL KNOB FOR THE AIR BLOWER BECAME HARD TO TURN AND REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE CONNECTOR FOR THE BLOWER CONTROL WAS SLIGHTLY MELTED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BLOWER CONTROL MODULE AND NOTICED THAT THE GROUND WIRE MELTED INSULATION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT OVERHEATING OCCURRED IN SPEED FOUR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,546. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY, I HEARD AIR COMING THROUGH MY MOONROOF. OPENED SUNSHADE & SUDDENLY, SUNSHADE BUSTS OPEN & I SEE NO GLASS AT ALL. INSTANTLY LOOK IN REARVIEW MIRROR THINKING SUNSHADE FLEW ONTO THE ROAD, BUT SAW NOTHING. THANK GOODNESS B/C THIS SITUATION COULD'VE BEEN SO MUCH WORSE THAN IT ALREADY IS. GO TO DEALERSHIP & WAS TOLD IT'S A RECALL PRODUCT & TOLD ME WHICH REPAIR SHOP TO GO TO. HEARD BACK FROM REPAIR SHOP NEXT DAY (3/29); THEY SAID I'D HAVE TO PAY $180 (PUTTING FABRIC ON SUNSHADE & SERVICE MAINTENANCE). I WAS SHOCKED B/C I WASN'T EXPECTING TO PAY FOR A RECALL PRODUCT. CALL WEBASTO TO SEE IF THEY'LL REIMBURSE ME & THEY SAID THEY ONLY COVER PARTS. THIS SHOULDN'T BE THE CASE; IT'S THEIR BAD PRODUCT & THEY NEED TO DO WHATEVER THEY CAN TO FIX IT. WAS ALSO INFORMED THE PARTS NEEDED TO BE ORDERED. FIND OUT TODAY THAT WEBASTO DIDN'T HAVE A PART & IT WOULDN'T GET TO THE REPAIR COMPANY UNTIL THURS (4/9) OR FRI (4/10) OF THIS WEEK. HAD TO GET A RENTAL CAR B/C I NEEDED TO TAKE CARE OF PERSONAL STUFF & I COULDN'T KEEP INCONVENIENCING FRIENDS. CALLED WEBASTO HOPING THEY COULD AT LEAST REIMBURSE ME FOR A RENTAL CAR (WAIT TIME WAS ON THEM). THEY ALREADY WOULDN'T COVER THE COST FOR THE $180. WELL, THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULDN'T REIMBURSE ME FOR THE RENTAL. CHECKED W/ MY INSURANCE CO. & THEY WOULDN'T EITHER. IT'S GOING ON 10 DAYS NOW W/O MY CAR & I PROBABLY WON'T GET IT BACK UNTIL FRI (4/10) OR MON (4/12), WHICH WOULD PUT ME AT 13-16 DAYS. THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT BEING TAKEN CARE OF IN A TIMELY MANNER. I HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND MY FRUSTRATION. I FEEL LIKE I'M BEING BLAMED SINCE I'M HAVING TO SPEND $380 ALL B/C THE PRODUCT WAS DEFECTED TO BEGIN WITH; NONE OF THIS WAS MY FAULT. I'D BE APPRECIATIVE IF THE COST OF MY RENTAL CAR & REPAIR SHOP FEE BE REIMBURSED TO ME. I DON'T FEEL LIKE THAT'S TOO MUCH TO ASK FOR, AS THIS IS A HUGE INCONVENIENCE. *TR
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 REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,380.
WE WERE DRIVING TOWARDS HOME WHEN THE CAR STARTED TO BUCK AS IF SOMEONE WERE APPLYING THE BRAKES AND SOUNDED AS IF GEARS WERE GRINDING. THE ESC IDIOT LIGHT KEPT GOING OFF AND ON SO I TURNED THE ESC OFF WITH THE MANUAL SWITCH AND IT SEEMED TO WORK MEANING I COULD DRIVE WITH NO APPARENT PROBLEM. I AM CERTAINLY VERY HAPPY THAT IT DID NOT HAPPEN AT A HIGHER SPEED BECAUSE THE JERKING WAS SOMEWHAT SEVERE AT 35MPH. *TR
AIRBAG LIGHT ON. DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED, HYUNDAI INLAND EMPIRE, LOMA LINDA, CA, DIAGNOSED AND DETERMINED A WIRE WAS SEVERED IN LOOM ATTACHED TO PASSENGER SEATBELT THAT CONNECTS TO ASSEMBLY UNDER VEHICLE (PHOTOS AVAILABLE). THIS PART HAS NEVER BEEN TAMPERED AND UNAWARE THAT PART EXISTED UNTIL MECHANIC CHECKED AND ONLY DEALERSHIP WHERE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED. I ASKED FOR AN EXCEPTION TO WARRANTY AS THIS IS NOT A MOVING PART. THERE IS NO REPLACEMENT PART AND THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY HAS TO BE REPLACED FOR THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. I DO NOT HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY TO FIX A SAFETY ISSUE AS PART MUST BE DEFECTIVE IF WIRE SNAPPED. NO LONGER UNDER 60,000 MILE WARRANTY SO HYUNDAI WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND DENIED PAYING FOR THIS. NOW MY AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY. THEY HAVE ADVISED THE LOOM WHERE WIRE SNAPPED MUST BE REMANUFACTURED IN KOREA. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT IS THE CASE WHEN THESE VEHICLES ARE STILL BEING MADE. I NEED HELP. *TR
ELECTRIC LOCKS NO LONGER WORK VEHICLE MUST BE MANUALLY LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. *TR
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 AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME AND WAS NOT TAKEN FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE PHYSICALLY DIAGNOSED IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE SPECIFIC FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 12,800. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT CAME TO A STOP WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAINT HER PROPERLY AND THE SEAT POPPED BACKWARD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE SHE WAS GIVEN A NECK RESTRAINT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
THE RUBBER FUEL LINE WAS ROUTED SUCH THAT IT RUBBED THE METAL CLIP SECURING THE AIR FILTER, CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. THE REPLACEMENT FUEL LINE INSTALLED BY THE DEALER ALSO WILL REACH THIS METAL CLIP. THERE IS NO RESTRAINT ON THE FUEL LINE TO PREVENT THE RUBBING AND IT REPRESENTS A FIRE HAZARD. *TR
I WAS DRIVING ON 611 NORTH WHEN MY STEERING WHEEL FORCFULLY TURNED TO THE LEFT. IT PUT ME IN THE SECOND LANE OF ONGOING TRAFFIC, WHERE I HIT THE OPPOSING CAR HEAD ON. I WAS KNOCKEDOUT FOR AT LEAST 20 MINUTES. I DO NOT KNOW THE OTHER DRIVER'S INJURIES. I WAS TOLD THEY WERE MINOR.
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 AND PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
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 FEEL THAT THE CAR IS UNRELIABLE AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE TAKING IT ON LONG TRIPS. I HAVE HAD IT IN TO THE DEALER TWICE AS IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THE FIRST TIME THEY REPLACED THE MASS AIR SENSOR. THIS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE SECOND TIME I BROUGHT IT IN, THEY TOLD ME THEY FOUND WIRES THAT WERE LOOSE AND THAT THEY CLEANED A GROUND. THE CAR IS NOT RUNNING ANY BETTER AND I EXPECT THE STALLING PROBLEM TO START AT ANY TIME. I AM VERY UNSATISFIED WITH THE FACT THAT HYUNDAI CANNOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM AND THE CAR IS NOT RUNNING PROPERLY OR SAFELY. *TR
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 2009 COMPLAINING ABOUT THE CUT-OFF AND NOT PICKING UP SPEED. THE DEALER OURISMAN HYUNDAI (LAUREL) SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE INDICATED THERE IS A VALUE THAT ALLOWS THE AIR FLOW INTAKE FOR THE VEHICLE NOT OPENING UP PROPERLY. NEEDLESS TO SAY; THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING. AGAIN THE VEHICLE WENT BACK IN FOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND CUTOFF. THEIR EXPLANATION, THE GAS TANK WAS NOT TIGHT. IN 2010 THE VEHICLE CUTOFF WITH WARNING AND NOW IS CUTTING OFF WITHOUT WARNING. TO DATE THE VEHICLE HAS CUTOFF WITHOUT WARNING MORE THAN 10 TIMES TO INCLUDE AUGUST 16, 2011 (SPEED 10 MPH), AUGUST 17, 2011 (SPEED 15 MPH), AUGUST 23, 2011 (SPEED 20 MPH) AND AUGUST 29, 2011, (SPEED 60 MPH) WITHOUT WARNING. EACH TIME, I'VE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER THEY CANNOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. AS I MENTIONED TO THEM, THE VEHICLE CUT-OFFS WHEN IT WANTS TO WITHOUT WARNING. THE CUTOFF WITHOUT WARNING IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. THE AUGUST 29, 2011(AT 60 MPH) 7:45AM CUT-OFF WAS FORTUNATE THE VEHICLE IN THE BACK DID NOT REAR END ME. THE VEHICLE CUTOFF, AGAIN ON AUGUST 29, 2011 AT 5:45 PM. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WITH THE DEALER EACH TIME, HOWEVER THEY CANNOT DUPLICATION OF LOCATE THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THEY WANT ME TO PAY TO REPLACE THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WITH MAY NOT BE THE PROBLEM. THE JULY INCIDENT WAS THE FIRST TIME. THE VEHICLE IS BACK AT THE DEALER TRYING TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 09/08/11*LJ *TR UPDATED 2/23/12 *CN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SITTING IN IDLE THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SOUND THE HORN TO AVOID A CRASH AND THE HORN DID NOT WORK. THE CONTACT STATED THE HORN WAS VERY HARD TO PUSH. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE HORN WORKED PERFECTLY FINE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY DUE TO THE HORN MALFUNCTIONING IF A CRASH OCCURRED. THE DEALER STATED IF THE AIR BAG MALFUNCTIONED A LIGHT WOULD FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL; HOWEVER, IT WAS CURRENTLY WORKING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,199.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI TUCSON. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD HER SECURELY; THE SEAT BELT LATCHED HER IN BUT DID NOT HOLD HER UPPER BODY CORRECTLY AND TIGHTEN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,580 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,600
HORN DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK. MAY STOP WORKING FOR A FEW MINUTES UP TO A FEW DAYS AND THEN IT WORKS AGAIN. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND IT WASN'T WORKING ON MY DRIVE THERE. OF COURSE WHEN IT WAS BEING SERVICED THE HORN WORKED. THE HORN WORKED FOR ANOTHER TWO DAYS AND STOPPED WORKING AGAIN FOR ONE FULL DAY AFTER WHICH TIME IT STARTED TO WORK AGAIN. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI TUSCON. WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL AND THE STABILITY CONTROL ACTIVATED. SHE ATTEMPTED TO DEACTIVATE THE ESC BUT TO NO AVAIL. SHE ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL FELL INTO THE FLOORBOARD AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE. SHE WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT YET BEEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 16,100.
ON 3/23/2010 WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 HYUNDAI TUCSON (MILEAGE 17372 )ON A RAINY DAY, MY FRONT WIPERS STOPPED IN THE 1:00 POSITION (APPROX) RESTRICTING MY VISUAL SIGHT OF OTHER VEHICLES AND OBJECTS ON THE ROAD. I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGH TRAFFIC ROAD THRU TOWN. I WAS TERRIFIED SINCE I COULD NOT JUST STOP THE CAR AND HAD TO DRIVE APPROX 100' WITH POOR VISIBILITY. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO REPORT THE INCIDENT & TO GET SERVICE. THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME IT WAS A SAFETY HAZARD DRIVING WITH NO WIPERS AND TO GET IT IN. I EXPLAINED THAT I LIVED 50 MINUTES AWAY AND HAD TO WAIT FOR THE WEATHER TO CLEAR BEFORE ATTEMPTING THE DRIVE. ON 3/25/10 I DROVE MY TUCSON TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS TOLD I WOULD BE CHARGED 47.50 FOR THE REPAIR IF IT ENDED UP BEING A NUT, DUE TO THE WARRANTY NOT COVERING IT. I STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NEW, IT WAS A SAFETY HAZARD & THAT I REFUSED TO PAY SUCH A CHARGE. I TOLD THE TECH THAT IF I WAS CHARGED I WOULD FOLLOW THRU WITH THE PROPER CHANNELS TO COMPLAIN ABOUT SUCH CHARGE. AFTER SERVICING MY TUCSON I WAS TOLD THAT THEY FOUND THE WIPERS LOOSE AT THE MOTOR AND THEY FOUND THE NUT OFF LINKAGE. THEY REPLACED NUT, TESTED THE TUCSON AND SAID THE VEHICLE WAS DONE. THE GENTLEMEN TOLD ME THIS NUT BECOME LOOSE DUE TO SNOW/ICE BEING ON MY WINDSHIELD & TRYING TO USE THE WIPERS. HE STATED THAT THEY MANUFACTURE IT THIS WAY SO YOU DONT BLOW THE WIPER MOTOR. SO MUST BE YOU CANT DRIVE WHEN ITS SNOWING OR SLEETING OUT EITHER SINCE THIS COULD CAUSE THE NUT TO BECOME LOOSE ON THE WIPER TRANSMISSION?... THIS MAKES NO SENSE TO ME! IT WAS RAINING OUT. NEEDLESS TO SAY THE TECHNICIAN SAID HE GOT IT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SO NO CHARGE....
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 OF 5000 WHILE IN "PARK". IT DID THIS REPEATEDLY. I WAS ABLE TO PUT IT IN GEAR ONLY BY SHIFTING IT RAPIDLY INTO DRIVE IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING, BEFORE THE ENGINE RPM INCREASED DRAMATICALLY. THE CAR WOULD THEN MAINTAIN A ROAD SPEED OF AROUND 60 MPH ON ITS OWN WITHOUT ACCELERATOR PRESSURE IF THE BRAKES WERE NOT APPLIED. THANKFULLY, THE BRAKES WOULD SLOW THE CAR, BUT AT A STOP (WHILE IN DRIVE) THE ENGINE WOULD IDLE AT 2000 RPM REQUIRING MARKED BRAKE PRESSURE TO KEEP IT FROM ACCELERATING FORWARD. IF PLACED IN NEUTRAL THE ENGINE WOULD ACCELERATE TO AROUND 5000 RPM. IT DID THIS CONTINUOUSLY AND REPEATEDLY OVER A 6 HOUR PERIOD OF TIME. THIS AM (THE FOLLOWING MORNING) THE CAR FUNCTIONED NORMALLY! I AM IN SYRACUSE FOR THE NEXT 2 WEEKS AND WOULD PREFER TO HAVE THE CAR SERVICED IN THE DC AREA, IF IT CONTINUES TO FUNCTION SATISFACTORY IN THE INTERIM. OBVIOUSLY, THIS SITUATION IS DANGEROUS AND RINGS OF THE TOYOTA FIASCO. I CALLED HYUNDAI MOTOR CONSUMER ASSISTANCE (800-633-5151) TO REGISTER THE CONCERN, BUT WAS PLACED ON HOLD INTERMINABLY AND NEVER GOT THROUGH. I WILL FORWARD THIS E-MAIL TO THEM VIA LAND MAIL AS WELL AS TO THE NATIONAL SAFETY TRANSPORTATION BOARD. PLEASE REGISTER THIS CONCERN IN YOUR RECORDS. I PLAN TO BRING IT IN FOR SERVICE WHEN I RETURN TO MARYLAND. *TR
DRIVING IN HEAVY SNOW IN DECEMBER 2009 AND TWICE IN JANUARY 2010. I APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WILL NOT STOP THE CAR WITHIN 20 TO 30 FEET OF THE CAR AHEAD. I HAVE TO DIVERT OFF ROAD TO AVOID REAR ENDING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. REPORTED THE PROBLEM AND INCIDENTS TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE CAR WAS TEST DRIVEN ON DRY PAVEMENT. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM IS PERFORMING FINE. *TR
UPON REACHING A SPEED OF 65 AND HIGHER, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGINS TO SHAKE AS THOUGH THE TIRES ARE UNBALANCED. 4 SETS OF TIRES HAVE BEEN BALANCED AND INSTALLED, AND THE ORIGINAL TIRES WERE BALANCED SEVERAL TIMES AS WELL. TIRES FROM A DIFFERENT CAR WERE INSTALLED, TO NO AVAIL. HYUNDAI TECHNICIANS TO DATE ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REPAIR FOR THIS DEFECT. 2008 TUCSON LIMITED. NEW. *TR
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 TOWED THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE HYUNDAI MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT DOES NOT WANT THE VEHICLE BACK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 382. 4/01/09 *NJ THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE INSULATION AND THE COVER OVER THE INSULATION ALONG THE FIREWALL BEHIND THE ENGINE BURNING AND SMOKING. THERE WAS NO FLAME JUST A RED GLOW ALONG THE BURNING EDGE OF THE MATERIAL/INSULATION AND A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF SMOKE. UPDATED 04/09/09. *JB
SNOW AND RAIN ICE STORM, WARMED UP CAR SCRAPED WINDOWS WELL, GOT ON RTE 3 @ 530AM WENT FROM SLOW TO HI ON WIPERS DUE TO VISIBILITY. THE WIPERS JUST STOPPED. GOT OFF HIGHWAY AND DROVE TO WORK WITH WINDOW OPEN. CALLED DEALERSHIP. IT APPEARS THIS IS A "COMMON PROBLEM 1 OF 3 THINGS "WE TRIED FUSE THE NUT THAT HOLDS ON THE WIPER AND THEN WE CALLED SERVICE AND THEY INSTRUCTED US TO REMOVE BLADES AND COVER TO MOTOR WERE AN ARM FELL OFF DUE TO A NUT COMING OFF. STILL DID NOT WORK BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY, AND WAS THEN CHARGED $60 DOLLARS BECAUSE WE ATTEMPTED TO FIX IT, SO I COULD DRIVE HOME. THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THIS WAS A DANGER TO DRIVE IN SUCH WEATHER AND IF IT HAPPENS AS FREQUENTLY AS THEY SAY I FEEL IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. THE DEALER I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM SAID HE REPAIRED 4 VEHICLES THAT STORM FOR THE SAME THING. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI TUCSON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WOULD SLIDE AS IF IT WERE ON ICE WHILE DRIVING ON DRY LAND. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO SURGE FROM APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH TO 35 MPH. THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, WHERE THE WHEEL WOULD SLIDE, WOULD DROP AND BANG AS IF THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN STRUCK. A SECOND VEHICLE THAT SHE TEST DROVE AT THE DEALER EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT NO FAILURES COULD BE FOUND. THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NORMAL. ON MAY 24, 2008, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE REAR TIRE LOCKED AND WAS DRAGGED ALONG BY THE REMAINING THREE TIRES. THE VEHICLE ALSO SURGED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,436 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 330.
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
▸ Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 43 total NHTSA complaints filed over 14 years, with the worst year being 2010 (6 complaints).
The amber reliability line averaged 97/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 89/100 in 2012.
The red dashed line marks recall issuance — the first recall came 5 years after owners began filing complaints, a lag that indicates the manufacturer was slow to formally acknowledge these problems.
Red dots on the amber line flag 3 years (2012, 2017, 2021) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $50,614 (~$844/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2008 HYUNDAI Tucson — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for KM8JN72D98U805316. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
HYUNDAI has been fined $131M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2022: Failure to promptly recall vehicles with engine fire risk.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | KM8JN72D98U805316 |
| Model Year | 2008 |
| Make | HYUNDAI |
| Model | Tucson |
| Series | Wagon body style |
| Vehicle Type | MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV) |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] |
| Doors | 4 |
| Drive Type | AWD/All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.7 |
| Horsepower | 173 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | HYUNDAI MOTOR CO |
| Assembly City | ULSAN |
| Assembly Country | SOUTH KOREA |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | KM8 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 9 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | 8 |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | U |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 805316 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 1 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 43 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 8/1/2026, 5:09:19 AM.