RoadVitals

2008 Hyundai Veracruz

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
230
Latest May 14, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
7
Latest Nov 13, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
9
15 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 230 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and brakes categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 51 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

7 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:SEALS/GASKETS

Nov 13, 2020
60,097 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: An inoperative charging system can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Hyundai Motor AmericaManufacturer number 197View on NHTSA.gov

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Jul 8, 2014
61,122 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: If the alternator is damaged, the charging system warning lamp in the instrument cluster will illuminate, and the engine will lose power and the vehicle will eventually stop operating while being driven. An unexpected failure of motive power while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Hyundai Motor CompanyManufacturer number 121View on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Apr 1, 2013
1,712,336 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Hyundai Motor CompanyManufacturer number 110View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE09003ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

STOP LAMP SWITCH FAILURE

Opened Jan 14, 2009
Closed Apr 24, 2009

BY LETTER DATED APRIL 15, 2009, HYUNDAI NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 09V122) TO REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCHES ON MANY OF ITS MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 VEHICLES.SEE RECALL 09V122 FOR A COMPLETE LIST. THE AGENCY OPENED ITS INVESTIGATION BASED ON FIVE COMPLAINTS OF STOP LAMP FAILURE ACROSS SEVERAL 2007 HYUNDAI MODELS. THE AGENCY ALSO RECEIVED EARLY WARNING (EWR) REPORTS ON THIS ISSUE.MOST OF THOSE FAILURES WERE TRACED TO THE IMPROPER OPERATION OF THE STOP LAMP SWITCH THAT CONTROLS STOP LAMP ILLUMINATION.A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO LIGHT DURING BRAKING, OR ALTERNATIVELY, IT CAN CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO STAY LIT EVEN WHEN A DRIVER TAKES THE FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL. FAILURE OF THE STOP LAMPS TO ILLUMINATE PROPERLY CREATES THE HAZARD OF REAR END COLLISIONS WHEN DRIVERS FOLLOWING THE SUBJECT VEHICLE DO NOT RECOGNIZE THAT THE VEHICLE IS SLOWING OR STOPPING. HYUNDAI REPORTED ONE CRASH INCIDENT (A FRONTAL IMPACT), WITHOUT INJURY, THAT WAS ALLEGED TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THIS DEFECT.THE AGENCY REVIEWED THE INCIDENT AND CANNOT CONCLUDE THAT IT IS RELATED TO THIS DEFECT. THERE ARE OTHER POTENTIAL PROBLEMS RELATED TO FAILURE OF THE STOP LAMP SWITCH: FAILURE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL TO DISENGAGE, INTERFERENCE WITH PROPER FUNCTIONING OF ANTILOCK BRAKES AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, AND INABILITY TO MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER OUT OF PARK POSITION.BASED ON THE ABOVE SAFETY RECALL, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROLLed to recall 09V122000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed May 14, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11737821
Incident
Apr 30, 2026
Mileage
202,427 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Veracruz. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil, and over time, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the vehicle, with a significant amount of oil leaking from the vehicle, resulting in engine damage. The vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was first taken to an independent mechanic, where the oil leak was discovered; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was later taken to a dealer, where the oil leak and engine damage were confirmed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V705000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall; however, the failure occurred. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

NHTSA ID
11734317
Incident
Nov 26, 2025
Mileage
200,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 20, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11725900
Incident
Jun 18, 2025
Mileage
175,044 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 10, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11698518
Incident
Sep 10, 2024
Engine
Filed Oct 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Veracruz. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who discovered there was oil leaking from the valve cover gasket. The mechanic performed an unknown repair, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V705000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); associated with the VIN after the vehicle failed the State Inspection due to the unrepaired recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID
11695184
Incident
Mar 18, 2023
Mileage
120,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Aug 6, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11678878
Incident
Aug 5, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 22, 2025

Bought my Veracruz in 2018. After not even a year I started experiencing problems with the charging system. Car would die overnight. Replaced a battery with the new one 3 weeks later same thing happened. Changed many sensors checked the fuses looked for parasitic draw... battery cables. Removed the alternator had it checked at advance auto it was surprisingly good. It was covered with oil leaking out of valve cover.. replaced the valve cover seal but the problem still remains. That leakage messed up my charging system. I cannot even drive the car safely anymore because the voltage keeps dropping rapidly. Even tho alternator is good it's not charging the battery while car is running. P0346 is the code I'm getting when I scan the vehicle. Check engine and TPMS are on. I won't even be able to pass emissions test next month due to this mess.

NHTSA ID
11649873
Incident
Mar 10, 2020
BrakesElectrical
Filed Jul 2, 2024

The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Veracruz. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes seized in the middle of the highway. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact's wife and a nearby driver were able to guide the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact's wife raised the hood, and the contact became aware that smoke was coming from the ABS module accompanied by electrical sparks. The contact’s wife turned the vehicle off. The contact noticed that the aluminum ABS module casing was burned. The contact disconnected the battery and the ABS fuse, which stopped the smoke and the electrical sparks. The vehicle was then driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ID
11598240
Incident
Apr 18, 2024
Mileage
170,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

DTN DCS

AIR BAGS

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may rupture during deployment, and have caused serious injuries and fatalities. Please see attached announcement, provided by NHTSA, for more details.

DTN DL

AIR BAGS

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and underwent airbag replacement using non-genuine parts. These dangerous inflators have ruptured during deployment, posing a serious risk of injury or death due to metal fragments entering the vehicle cabin. To date, Hyundai is aware of three people who have died while driving a Hyundai vehicle with one of these substandard replacement airbag inflators that deployed in what likely would have been a survivable crash. NHTSA has issued a public advisory urging vehicle owners and service professionals to have vehicles inspected if there is reason to believe that a non-genuine replacement airbag may have been installed. Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, prior airbag deployments, or unknown repair histories may present a higher risk. NHTSA strongly cautions against self-inspection by vehicle owners and recommends inspection by trained technicians.

25-BD-012H TSB

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation.

24-BD-001H

VISIBILITY; VISIBILITY/WIPER

This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming partially separated on the inner side of the wiper blade, which could lead to poor wiping performance and/or possible scratching of the windshield glass. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to properly remove the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all new wiper blades.

23-EM-005H

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.

23-BD-007H

STRUCTURE:BODY

Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can become clouded under the PPF. These spots are the result of moisture trapped between the PPF and the paint.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Hyundai Veracruz by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2012653155.5
20111065152.2
2010895160.4
2009244045.0
2008Viewing2307157.0
20071456155.5

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.