A number of Hyundai vehicle owners are seeking action over allegedly defective paint jobs that have seen paint peel off.
As reported by 7News Australia, around a dozen of Hyundai owners conducted a public protest at Channel 7 head office in Perth, Western Australia late last year to draw attention to the issue.
Handle my Complaint reports the issue largely affects Hyundai vehicles produced between 2014 and 2018.
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It’s understood the majority of affected Hyundais are painted white, though according to a Facebook group named Australian Hyundai peeling paint which has around 1100 members, the problem also affects vehicles painted in other colours.
Some of the vehicles on the Facebook page have small sections of peeled paint, whereas others have larger sections with missing paint on the bonnet, door, roof and boot.
7News Australia reports some affected owners have been battling to get their vehicles replaced for years, while others have been refused warranty repairs.
At this stage there hasn’t been a class action launched in Australia over this issue, though there was one that was filed in Canada in May last year.
“Hyundai is making a continual effort to rectify the issue in as many cases as possible, and have covered a number of vehicle claims, including many beyond the term of the vehicle’s paint warranty period as a gesture of goodwill and support to our customers,” said a Hyundai Australia spokesperson.
“We continue to evaluate paint claims as they are submitted, and endeavour to provide satisfactory resolutions for our customers.
“We encourage customers to contact Hyundai Customer Care or their local Hyundai dealer in order for us to review the details of their case and the issue with their particular vehicle. The Hyundai Customer Care number is 1800 186 306.
“In the case of most vehicles with this kind of issue, the warranty is three years. However, Hyundai reviews cases individually and if deemed appropriate, repairs the customer’s vehicle free of charge.”
It’s understood there was a similar paint peeling issue with certain white Toyota vehicles.