2008 Hyundai Elantra Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 45about this part
- Share
- 14%of 315 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 1,906miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 45 complaints about the fuel system of the 2008 Hyundai Elantra, 14% of the 315 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,906 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The car went up in flames while parked in our driveway. It had not been driven for at least 4 hours. It could have caught our house on fire if not for the quick response by the fire department.”
NHTSA complaint #11361727, filed 2020-09, 175,000 miles“The check engine light came on when I started up the car one morning in early may; ended up getting a new gas cap. 24 hours later, check engine light comes on again when I start up the car. After smoke testing for leaks, got the purge valve replaced. 24 hours later, check engine light comes on again while I'm at a stop light. Waited couple months due to no income during pandemic. Code was the same regarding emissions issues; another smoke test revealed faulty vent canister valve. Got it replaced and drove fine for an hour. …”
NHTSA complaint #11360530, filed 2020-09, 140,000 miles“Our Hyundai Elantra, with approx. 1000 miles on it, stalled not far from our home. We left home and within two miles the car begin to hesitate. After a mile of several hesitating instances, we turned around but could not make it home. The engine died and we had to park in a neighbor's driveway. The fuel pump had gone out.”
NHTSA complaint #10235400, filed 2008-07, 1,000 miles“Engine cut off with fuel gauge dropping to 'empty' [ with a 1/2 full tank]. On the nys thruway almost causing a collision with an 18 wheeler as I coasted across its path to the shoulder in rockland county. Called aaa and eventually, [about 10 min. After, while still on the line with aaa, I heard a light click and the fuel gauge went back up to 1/2 tank and the car engine started up to complete my drive home.”
NHTSA complaint #10269446, filed 2009-05, 5,150 miles“New 2008 Hyundai Elantra gls, had problems in 1st gear engine would shut off and sometimes it would run very ruff ,sometimes starting the car I would turn the key and it was like the battery was dead had to do it 2 or 3 times before the starter would catch on and start the car. I only drove this car for 12 days before taking it into the dealer for a complete check up also the alarm wasnt working. …”
NHTSA complaint #10230228, filed 2008-06, 600 milesRelated recalls
- 08V694000Dec 29, 2008Hyundai de puerto rico (hpr) is recalling 347 my 2008 elantra vehicles. The fuel pump motor may not have the proper, uniform internal electrical surface…Covers: Hyundai Elantra 2008
- 08V429000Aug 25, 2008Hyundai is recalling 65,000 my 2008 elantra vehicles with 2.0 liter beta engines. The fuel pump motor may not have the proper uniform internal electrical…Covers: Hyundai Elantra 2008
Related service bulletins
- 10037906Jan 1, 2011Hyundai: after a vehicle has been stored for a while and is started there is a check engine light and misfire codes. This is likely due to aged fuel and carbon deposits on the…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 5% |
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 4 | 4% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 10 | 4% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 | 23 | 8% |
| 2017 | 30 | 4% |
| 2016 | 20 | 7% |
| 2015 | 10 | 4% |
| 2014 | 24 | 6% |
| 2013 | 32 | 2% |
| 2012 | 18 | 3% |
| 2011 | 8 | 2% |
| 2010 | 6 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 45 | 14% |
| 2007 | 6 | 2% |
| 2006 | 3 | 2% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 18 | 8% |
| 2002 | 31 | 9% |
| 2001 | 14 | 4% |
| 2000 | 6 | 3% |
| 1999 | 4 | 3% |
| 1998 | 4 | 7% |
| 1997 | 20 | 17% |
| 1996 | 13 | 13% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
| 1993 | 1 | 4% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2008 Hyundai Elantra
55 complaintsBrakes
52 complaintsAir bags
38 complaintsElectrical system
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsEngine
24 complaintsExterior lighting
24 complaintsOther or unknown
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
24 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Hyundai Elantra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology