If you’ve ever bought a car, the least you can expect from it is to get from point A to point B. But sadly, even that can be too high of expectations. For these owners, their Hyundai can end up breaking down over and over, indicating that they might need the help of the Hyundai lemon law.
If you fall into this category, fortunately you have California’s Hyundai Lemon Law to help you out. It protects consumers from faulty vehicles that don’t perform like the automakers promised. The lemon law allows you to get a refund or a replacement since the vehicle has proven to be defective.
Some questions you may be asking yourself: how do you know if your car qualifies? What are the steps to take to win a Hyundai Lemon Law settlement? Don’t worry, this article will explain all of that and more, including what the law covers and your rights as a consumer.
What is the Hyundai Lemon Law and How Does it Work?
California’s Lemon law is officially part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. It ensures that car buyers don’t end up stuck with a defective vehicle. If a new (or sometimes used) Hyundai keeps breaking down despite multiple repair attempts, you may have a legal right to compensation.
The law applies to any Hyundai that is:
- Still under warranty when the defect first appears
- Experiencing serious mechanical or safety issues
- Taken to an authorized Hyundai dealership for repairs multiple times without success
Unlike other states, California has one of the strongest Lemon Laws on the books. This means you have a solid chance of getting the compensation you’re owed as long as you follow the proper steps.
Common Problems That Could Make Your Hyundai a Lemon
It’s not normal for a vehicle to have problems that can’t be fixed, especially if they appear not long after buying it. However, this doesn’t mean that every car problem meets the legal definition of a lemon. For your Hyundai to qualify under California law, the defect must impact your car’s safety, use, or value.
One common complaint from Hyundai owners involves transmission failure. Many Hyundai models have suffered from delayed acceleration, sudden stalling, and complete failure. After investigations, it was discovered that these issues were common in models equipped with dual-clutch transmissions (DCT) or continuously variable transmissions (CVT). If your Hyundai is jerking, hesitating, or refusing to shift gears properly, you might have a case.
Other problems that could make your vehicle a lemon include:
- Engine Defects: Some Hyundai owners have experienced excessive oil consumption, knocking noises, and engine stalls. In some cases, the problem escalates to total engine failure, putting drivers at risk. These engine issues have even led to multiple recalls and lawsuits against Hyundai.
- Electrical Issues: There have also been reports of electrical issues rendering the Hyundai undrivable. Some drivers have reported that their infotainment system freezes, the backup cameras stop working, or critical warning lights appear for no reason. If the electrical system glitches impact key vehicle functions, it may qualify under the Lemon Law.
- A/C Malfunctions: While this might seem like a minor issue, in hot California weather, a broken AC can be a significant inconvenience. Many Hyundai owners have complained about AC units that blow only warm air, stop working intermittently, or leak refrigerant excessively. If the dealership cannot fix the AC problem despite multiple repair attempts, it could be considered a Lemon Law issue.
- Brake and Steering Problems: If your Hyundai has unresponsive steering, braking delays, or unusual vibrations, and the dealership fails to fix it, the vehicle might qualify as a lemon. These issues can be especially dangerous, making it critical to take action if they persist.
How Many Repairs Before a Hyundai Qualifies as a Lemon?
California’s Lemon Law doesn’t require an exact number of failed repair attempts. However, there are general guidelines to determine if a Hyundai qualifies. If the issue is life-threatening, such as brake failure, transmission failure, or an engine defect, Hyundai generally gets two attempts to fix it before the vehicle qualifies.
For less severe, but still persistent issues, Hyundai typically gets four or more repair attempts before deeming the car a lemon. Such defects include a malfunctioning air conditioner, electrical glitches, or steering problems. Additionally, if your Hyundai has spent more than 30 days in the repair shop, it may qualify as a lemon.
What to Do if You Think Your Hyundai is a Lemon
If your Hyundai qualifies as a lemon, the first step to a Hyundai car buy back or replacement is to document everything. Keep records of all repair invoices, dealership work orders, warranty details, and any communication with Hyundai or the dealership. This paperwork proves that Hyundai had multiple chances to fix the problem, but failed.
Once you have gathered your documents, contact a Lemon Law attorney. While you can try to handle the claim yourself, Hyundai may initially delay or deny your claim. A Lemon Law attorney can negotiate with the automaker on your behalf and fight for you to receive the Hyundai buyback, replacement, or compensation you deserve.
Most Lemon Law attorneys in California work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay anything out of pocket. Instead, Hyundai covers the legal fees if you win your case, making it risk-free to seek legal help.
Your attorney will file a formal claim, requesting the Hyundai buyback program or replacement vehicle. If Hyundai refuses to cooperate, your lawyer can take legal action by filing a lawsuit. Note that while some cases get resolved quickly, others may take a few months.
The good news is that most Hyundai Lemon Law cases result in a settlement. In other words, you have a high chance at getting compensated for owning a lemon.
What to Expect from a Hyundai Buy Back or Settlement
As mentioned earlier, if your Hyundai is deemed a lemon, the automaker may offer to buy back the car or offer a replacement. If you choose the Hyundai buy back program, the carmaker will refund:
- The purchase price of the car
- Any down payments and loan payments made
- Taxes and registration fees
- Any repair-related expenses (like towing or rental cars)
If you prefer, Hyundai may instead offer a replacement vehicle. It will likely be comparable in value to the defective car. If neither of these options sound enticing, some Hyundai owners opt for cash settlements instead of replacements. This allows them to buy a different brand or model without any defects.
Know Your Rights and Take Action
While dealing with a lemon car is often frustrating, the Hyundai Lemon Law paves the path to make things right. If Hyundai tries to play games, you’re going to need persistence and thorough documentation. Keep detailed records, insist on your rights, and don’t be intimidated by any pushback from dealerships or manufacturers.
If it seems like too much to handle alone, reach out to Quill & Arrow LLP. They will take up the fight against Hyundai on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your day to day life. Don’t let a lemon ruin your driving experience. Let us help in standing up for your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Media Contact:
Carlo V. DeFalco
Carlo@ecustomsolutions.com
eCustom Solutions