2008 Hyundai Tucson
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 185 |
| 2006 | 135 |
| 2007 | 65 |
| 2008 | 43 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2010 | 57 |
| 2011 | 124 |
| 2012 | 253 |
| 2013 | 265 |
| 2014 | 200 |
| 2015 | 223 |
| 2016 | 1611 |
| 2017 | 1073 |
| 2018 | 384 |
| 2019 | 369 |
| 2020 | 170 |
| 2021 | 72 |
| 2022 | 361 |
| 2023 | 122 |
| 2024 | 84 |
| 2025 | 255 |
| 2026 | 43 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20211230
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080606
12% of complaints: engine — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201027
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200914
9% of complaints: steering — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120329
9% of complaints: service brakes — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIRE9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090309
SAFETY TIMELINE
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, 2008-2
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 13V113000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Hyundai Tucson — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V113000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Hyundai Tucson is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Hyundai Tucson?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 12% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Hyundai Tucson have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.