Hyundai paint peeling: Join our class action investigation

With paint coming off his Hyundai i20 in great strips, Max* went to his local dealer to get it repaired, only to be told it was not their problem to fix.

When Louise asked the manufacturer to fix the peeling paint on her Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai would only cover 80 percent of the repair. Less than a year later, the paint began peeling again. Neither the dealership nor Hyundai has responded to her complaints.

Thomas was relieved when Hyundai agreed to fix the paint peeling off the bonnet of his Hyundai Accent, even though it was just outside the three-year paint warranty. When the same thing happened, in the same place, to his Hyundai Tucson he knew it was an issue with the manufacturer.

Mary’s Hyundai i30 began peeling and bubbling after a light wash in her front yard. The dealership directed her to a service centre where she was told she would have to pay an inspection fee despite clear evidence of the problem.

This is despite the issue having widespread media coverage over the past few years, driven in no small part by Handle My Complaint’s push to get consumers the outcome they deserve.

 

 

Growing problem

The Facebook page Australian Hyundai peeling paint, which disgruntled Hyundai owners started to share similar stories and vent their frustration, now has more than 3000 members.

Many of the cars affected are white and manufactured between 2014 and 2018. However, owners of more recent models, as well as different coloured Hyundais, have also raised the issue.

Problems range from paint chipping off in small amounts to large sheets coming off doors, roofs and other parts of the vehicle. In many cases the paint peeling is so bad the owners are embarrassed to drive their cars.

The number of Hyundai owners contacting Handle My Complaint continues to grow, with the handful outlined above a mere drop in the ocean of Hyundai paint peeling claims.

Handle My Complaint CEO Jo Ucukalo said the manufacturer was not doing the right thing by Australian owners, particularly given the same issue has been treated differently overseas, with Hyundai extending the paint warranty for some models in the United States and Canada.

Class action investigation

It's why Handle My Complaint has launched a paint peeling class action investigation, with the consumer advocacy group building evidence to put more pressure on Hyundai to respond appropriately.

 

 

“Australian Hyundai owners are sick of getting the runaround – they have gone from the dealer to the manufacturer, then been pushed back to the dealer again, each time getting further from a resolution,” Ms Ucukalo said.

“Some have even taken their complaints as far as their local consumer watchdog but are still waiting for someone to take responsibility. We need to hold them to account.”

Drawing on experience helping to facilitate class actions, such as the lawsuits filed against Kia and Hyundai alleging vehicles were sold with potentially faulty engines, Handle My Complaint is collecting evidence to push for fair compensation.

“Our complaints-handling system enables us to build a strong picture, making it very difficult for companies to deny there is a widespread problem,” Ms Ucukalo said.

“This investigation will bring all the evidence together and enable us to work closely with law firms and litigation funders to strengthen the case for a class action.”

Why the investigation matters

Class actions are expensive and time consuming, so it is important to ensure that as much evidence as possible is collected before even considering this form of legal recourse.

 

 

It is also extremely difficult for individuals to launch a class action, with most funded by legal firms running on a no-win, no-fee basis, or by third party litigation funders.

Given the cost of legal proceedings, the risk involved is substantial, meaning a class action will not be undertaken unless funders believe there is a very good chance of success.

This is why a strong investigation is very important. Handle My Complaint has the experience and capacity to collect vital information and ask the right questions to ensure everything that matters has been recorded and stored safely.

As more data is collected, the picture becomes clearer, building a stronger case for a class action, or settlement before court.

Your voice matters

If you have a Hyundai that has been affected by peeling paint and have not lodged a complaint with Handle My Complaint, we encourage you to do so now.

You may feel like a voice in the wilderness, but our experience shows there is power in numbers. Handle My Complaint has been advocating for Toyota owners who experienced similar issues with paint peeling off their cars. In July, a class action was launched in Federal Court on behalf of Toyota Corolla owners, with the door left open for more Toyota owners to join the suit in the future.

 

 

There is similar work to be done for Hyundai owners like yourself. Gather all the notes, photos and correspondence you have regarding your peeling Hyundai and make a complaint with us. We will review and come back to you with any questions.

If you have already made a complaint, revisit the information you provided and see if there is anything you need to update or add. Perhaps you have had further contact from Hyundai or your claim has only been partially covered.

The more people who raise an issue, the stronger the chance of getting compensation. Read more about the Hyundai peeling paint class action investigation, and register your interest as soon as possible.

It’s as simple as making a complaint. It won’t cost you anything. In fact, we will give you a 365-day membership, which you can also use to make complaints about any other issue. With every complaint you make, you earn more points towards your next membership, too. It’s a win-win.

More importantly, together we can help ensure that manufacturers like Hyundai do the right thing by consumers.