2008 Hyundai Entourage

The 2008 Hyundai Entourage is a minivan known for its spaciousness, comfortable ride, and long warranty when new. It was available with a single engine option: a 3.8-liter Lambda II V6 engine producing 250 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Entourage’s passenger and cargo capacity, as well as its smooth ride. Common complaints include its fuel economy, some reliability issues, and its somewhat dated styling compared to competitors.

Engine

3.8L Lambda II V6

• Engine Knocking/Ticking
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners report hearing a knocking or ticking sound coming from the engine, especially at idle or low speeds. This can sometimes be attributed to wear on the connecting rod bearings.
  • Solution: Depending on the severity, the solution can range from replacing the connecting rod bearings to a complete engine rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and front crankshaft seal. Visible oil puddles under the vehicle or a burning oil smell are common symptoms.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Reports of hard or jerky shifting between gears, especially when shifting from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd gear.
  • Solution: A transmission fluid flush may temporarily improve the issue. In some cases, valve body replacement or a complete transmission rebuild might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission fails to properly engage a gear, resulting in a loss of power or delayed acceleration. The engine may rev high without the vehicle moving forward.
  • Solution: Often requires a transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Sag
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear of the vehicle sits noticeably lower than the front, especially when loaded with passengers or cargo. This can lead to a bouncy ride and reduced handling.
  • Solution: Replacing the rear shocks and/or coil springs. Air suspension may be installed instead.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Struts/Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive bouncing, poor handling, and increased stopping distances. Noises from the suspension, especially over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacing the worn struts or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Sliding Door Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The power sliding doors may fail to open or close properly, or may only work intermittently. This can be due to a faulty motor, wiring issues, or a malfunctioning control module.
  • Solution: Replacing the sliding door motor, repairing wiring, or replacing the control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door lock actuator failure causes a door to not lock/unlock. This can be caused by a blown fuse or a failing actuator.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sliding Door Roller Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The sliding door rollers may fail and cause the door to be very difficult to open or close, or may fall off track.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected rollers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power seat motors can be prone to failure which causes the seat to lose all movement.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Hyundai Entourage can experience a range of issues, some of which can be costly to repair. Engine and transmission problems, while not universally reported, can be significant. Suspension issues can affect ride quality and safety. Electrical problems, particularly with the sliding doors, are also common. Potential buyers should have a thorough inspection performed before purchase and be prepared for possible repairs, particularly related to the engine, transmission, and sliding doors. While some issues are minor and relatively inexpensive to fix, others can be quite costly, potentially making the Entourage an expensive vehicle to maintain in the long run.