Hyundai extends paint warranty on seven models following customer complaints, investigation

Hyundai has extended warranties on seven of its vehicle models, including several model years and all painted white, for excessive paint peeling or bubbling on the primer/paint film.

According to WSB-TV 2 Atlanta, the extension is the result of its investigation following complaints from consumers. Last December, Carrie Francom showed the news station how the paint was falling off of her white 2019 Hyundai Sonata that had only been driven 10,000 miles. She said that when it rains or she tries to wash her car, the paint comes off.

At that time, Hyundai said, “A manufacturing issue with the paint on Hyundai vehicles is extremely rare and has only occurred in isolated incidents,” according to WSB-TV 2 Atlanta.

In its investigation, the news station said there are thousands of members in a Facebook group with similar stories and pictures, including cars in many colors, but predominantly white. The article doesn’t include a link to the group, but RDN found Francom’s story shared here along with several others, and the recent warranty update.

A notice from Hyundai says peeling or bubbling may occur on the hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate or trunk of:

• • 2015-2018 Elantras
  • 2015-2019 Sonatas
  • 2017-2021 Tucson vehicles
  • 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport vehicles
  • 2019 Santa Fe vehicles
  • 2021-2023 Santa Fe Hybrids
  • 2020-2023 Palisade vehicles

“This warranty extension only applies to factory-applied paint and does not cover collision-related paint repairs or vehicles with a salvage title,” Hyundai states in the notice.

In a statement to WSB-TV 2 Atlanta, Hyundai said, “In response to isolated instances of paint issues on certain white vehicles, Hyundai is extending warranty coverage for affected models from 3 years/36,000 miles to 10 years/unlimited miles from the original retail delivery or first use, transferable to subsequent owners.”

The warranty notice includes the same extension parameters.

For assistance, customers can contact their local Hyundai dealer or call Hyundai Customer Care at (800) 633-5151.

A class action lawsuit over the peeling paint was reportedly filed in New York federal court earlier this year.

A class action lawsuit was also filed in Canada in May 2023, which hasn’t moved forward. The suit is against Hyundai Auto Canada over alleged peeling paint on four of its models.

Michel Allard, named in court documents as the requested class representative, bought a 2017 Elantra in 2019. At the time, it was in perfect condition, according to the complaint. Three months later, the paint began peeling off the hood in patches.

Two colors, white and pearl white, are particularly known to peel more than other colors, according to the suit. If certified, the class action would include all leasees and owners of Elantra, Sonata, Santa Fe, Sorento, Accent, and Genesis models, as well as a subgroup of Quebec residents.

Images

Featured image: 2018 Hyundai Elantra (Provided by Hyundai)