If you own a Hyundai lemon and you found out it qualifies for the Hyundai buyback program, you might have lots of questions. What do you need to do? How long will it take? What kind of payment can you expect? These are all important things to consider before starting the process.
The Hyundai buyback settlement is in place to help owners affected by defective vehicles. If your vehicle is a lemon, you may be eligible for a buyback, replacement, or financial compensation. While Hyundai Lemon Law cases can take time, knowing the steps ahead can make things easier.
In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to stay informed and confident throughout the process. Let’s jump in.
Determining if Your Hyundai Qualifies for a Buyback
California’s Hyundai Lemon Law only recognizes vehicles with certain defects as lemons. The lemon status only applies if your Hyundai has a substantial defect that the automaker can’t fix despite multiple repair attempts. A substantial defect is any serious problem that affects the car’s use, safety, or market value.
Common Hyundai issues that may qualify include:
- Engine failures, excessive oil consumption, or sudden stalling
- Transmission problems like jerking, hesitation, or gear slipping
- Electrical malfunctions affecting key systems
- Repeated brake failures or steering problems
For safety-related defects, the manufacturer gets two repair attempts before the car qualifies for a buyback. For other persistent issues, Hyundai usually gets four or more chances to fix the problem. If the dealership has tried and failed to repair your car, and it has spent more than 30 days in the shop, it’s time to consider a Hyundai buy back claim.
Gathering Your Documentation
The key to a successful Hyundai Lemon Law settlement is solid documentation. The manufacturer won’t just take your word for it, you need proof that your car is defective and that Hyundai has had multiple opportunities to fix it. Considering this, here are some records you should track down:
- All repair orders and invoices showing the dates and details of repairs
- Your sales or lease contract defining the vehicle’s purchase or lease agreement
- Correspondence with Hyundai or the dealership regarding the defect
- A timeline of repair attempts and vehicle downtime
These records will demonstrate that Hyundai has failed to fix the issue, making you eligible for a buyback settlement.
Filing a Hyundai Buyback Claim
Once you have all your documents in order, you must officially file a claim with the automaker. You can do this through Hyundai’s consumer affairs department, but make sure you proceed with caution. Don’t expect the manufacturer to make the process easy.
Hyundai may delay or deny your request, arguing that the issue isn’t serious enough or that they need more repair attempts. This is why many consumers choose to work with a Lemon Law attorney at this stage. Fortunately, most attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay out of pocket, and Hyundai takes care of the legal fees if you win your case.
With a lawyer, you’ll have an easier time negotiating with Hyundai. This way, you can make sure they don’t take advantage of you by offering a lowball settlement or dragging out the process.
Hyundai’s Response and Settlement Negotiation
After filing your claim, Hyundai will review your case and decide how to proceed. They may either approve the buyback and make an offer, or deny the claim, arguing that the defect doesn’t qualify or it’s not covered under warranty. They may also choose to offer a cash settlement instead of a Hyundai car buy back.
If the automaker approves the buyback, they’ll calculate how much they owe you based on:
- The original purchase price of the car
- Any down payments and monthly payments made
- Taxes, registration fees, and loan interest
- Miscellaneous expenses like repair costs, towing fees, or rental car expenses
However, Hyundai may try to deduct a usage fee based on the mileage driven before the first repair attempt. This means they may not refund the full price, but an attorney can negotiate to have the mileage offset reduced.
If Hyundai continues to deny your claim or lowballs your settlement, you may have to file a lawsuit to get what you deserve.
The Process Involved in the Hyundai Buyback Program
Once you accept a buyback offer, the next step is to return the vehicle and receive your refund. Hyundai will provide instructions on when and where to bring your car, usually to an authorized dealership. When returning the car, remove all personal items, then hand in all keys, manuals, and accessories before signing the necessary paperwork.
Hyundai will then issue your refund or process your replacement vehicle, depending on the agreement. If you have a car loan, the manufacturer will pay off the remaining balance directly to your lender.
From filing your claim to receiving your refund, the entire buyback process can take a few weeks to several months. It depends on the strength of your case and how cooperative Hyundai is.
What Happens if Hyundai Refuses to Cooperate?
Unfortunately, some owners face resistance when applying for the Hyundai buy back program. The manufacturer may delay the process hoping you’ll give up, or offer a low settlement that doesn’t cover all your costs. In some instances they may even deny your claim, forcing you to take legal action.
If Hyundai refuses to honor your Lemon Law rights, your best option is to escalate and file a lawsuit against them. Arbitration can be another option, but you may end up with a deal you don’t think is fair.
Most of these cases don’t go to trial, because most manufacturers usually prefer to settle and avoid legal costs.
Why Hiring a Hyundai Lemon Law Attorney is Essential for Your Buyback
When pursuing a buyback, hiring a Lemon Lawyer can improve your chances of success. While you might think you can handle the process alone, Hyundai and other automakers can make a simple buyback claim complicated and drag it out. A seasoned lemon lawyer knows how to navigate these challenges, ensuring you get compensated without unnecessary delays.
Your lemon law attorney can help out in the following ways:
- Assess your repair history and vehicle issues to confirm that your Hyundai qualifies under California’s Lemon Law
- Determine if Hyundai has had enough opportunities to repair the defect (at least enough to meet the legal threshold)
- Ensure all your documents are complete and in order
- Negotiate aggressively to maximize your refund
- File a lawsuit to pressure the automakers to approve your claim
The best part of all this is that there are no upfront costs. You pay nothing upfront, and Hyundai covers your legal fees if you win, allowing you to seek legal help without any financial risk.
At the End of It All
Dealing with a defective Hyundai is frustrating, but you don’t have to accept it. California’s Lemon Law ensures that you’re not left stuck with a faulty car. If Hyundai can’t fix your vehicle after multiple attempts, they must take responsibility.
Document your repairs, file a claim, and stand firm in negotiations to secure a buyback or replacement. To make the amount of compensation you receive, it’s best to seek help from an experienced Hyundai lemon law firm like Quill & Arrow LLP, who will help push Hyundai to settle quickly and fairly. As your attorney, they will help you hold Hyundai accountable for selling you a lemon.
Media Contact:
Carlo V. DeFalco
Carlo@ecustomsolutions.com
eCustom Solutions