Carlexica

2008 Hyundai Veracruz: problems, recalls and reliability

7 recalls and 230 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (20% of complaints); the 2007 and 2009 and 2010 model years look more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2020

7
recalls
230
owner complaints
2
fire reports
88,900
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Problems tend to appear late (median 88,900 mi)One of the most complained-about Veracruz years (#1 of 6, age-adjusted)Weak spot: engine and engine cooling (20%)2 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 230 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)20% · 44 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)17% · 37 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)15% · 33 complaints
Service Brakes (brakes)9% · 21 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)7% · 15 complaints
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)6% · 14 complaints
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.Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2026
This is referring to NHTSA 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.Owner report · Engine · Aug 2025
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 NHTSA 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.Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
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.Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Veracruz. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started shaking violently and lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to his residence. The contact became aware that the alternator had shattered and was filled with oil. The contact called and notified the local dealer about the failure however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.Owner report · Engine · Jun 2023
2008 hyundai. Consumer writes seeking reimbursement for vehicle repairs performed that were related to NHTSA safety recall 14v-415. The consumer received a response to the reimbursement request stating, "we are unable to approve your reimbursement request. The repairs are not covered or associated with campaign 197."Owner report · Engine · Oct 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Veracruz. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V705000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Veracruz. The contact stated that she received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V705000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle had not yet been repaired and had remained at the dealer since February 12, 2022. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Veracruz. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), and brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was hydraulic brake fluid leaking into the ABS control unit. The contact was informed that the ABS control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V056000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2022
Hunter Hyundai scheduled intake of my car for recall purposes on December 23, 2021. A little over a month later, they returned the car to me saying the alternator was coming from Korea and they did not know when it would arrive. My car cannot be driven and has sat in my driveway all this time. They still don't know when the part should arrive. I feel the dealer has failed to remedy the defect within a reasonable time.Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2021

When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 15 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 7 campaigns

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL11V472000 · Sep 2011

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.

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.

TRAILER HITCHES08E055000 · Sep 2008

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 3,387 TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESSES EITHER INCLUDED WITH A TRAILER HITCH OR SOLD AS A SERVICE PART MANUFACTURED BY THULE TOWING SYSTEMS AND DISTRIBUTED BY HYUNDAI FOR INSTALLATION ON MY 2007-2008 SANTA FE AND VERACRUZ VEHICLES. THE ACCESSORY TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS CONVERTER MODULE IS MOUNTED TO THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT. SOME CIRCUIT BOARD COMPONENTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN THOROUGHLY SEALED TO PREVENT MOISTURE CONTACT. THE MOISTURE MAY RESULT IN CIRCUIT BOARD CORROSION POSSIBLY CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT.

Remedy: THIS RECALL SUPERSEDES A PREVIOUS RECALL CONDUCTED BY HYUNDAI AFFECTING THE SAME TRAILER HITCH WIRING COMPONENTS CONCERNING HIGH CURRENT LEAKAGE OR A SHORT CIRCUIT OF CAPACITOR C1. (PLEASE SEE 08E016). OWNERS WHO HAVE ALREADY HAD THEIR TRAILER HITCH REPAIRED UNDER THE INITIAL CAMPAIGN WILL RECEIVE A SECOND NOTICE FROM HYUNDAI TO HAVE THE NEWLY DESIGNED HARNESS INSTALLED. HYUNDAI WILL NOTIFY ALL OWNERS AND WILL REPAIR THE AFFECTED HARNESSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI CUSTOMER ASSISTANT CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:SEALS/GASKETS20V705000 · Nov 2020

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.

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE14V415000 · Jul 2014

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.

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.

TRAILER HITCHES08E016000 · Feb 2008

THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERCEDED BY RECALL 08E-055. HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 3,387 TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESSES EITHER INCLUDED WITH A TRAILER HITCH OR SOLD AS A SERVICE PART MANUFACTURED BY THULE TOWING SYSTEMS AND DISTRIBUTED BY HYUNDAI FOR INSTALLATION ON MY 2007-2008 SANTA FE AND VERACRUZ VEHICLES. THE ACCESSORY TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS CONVERTER MODULE IS MOUNTED TO THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT. HIGH CURRENT LEAKAGE OR A SHORT CIRCUIT OF CAPACITOR C1 COULD CAUSE HEAT RELATED DAMAGE TO THE WIRING HARNESS CONVERTER MODULE.

Remedy: HYUNDAI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND WILL REPLACE THE TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH13V113000 · Apr 2013

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.

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH09V122000 · Apr 2009

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.

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.

How other years compare

Check your exact Veracruz by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz reliable?

NHTSA has 230 owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (20% of complaints).

At what mileage do 2008 Hyundai Veracruz problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 88,900 miles or less.

Does the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz have open recalls?

7 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.