October 25, 2012

My 2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited was 11 months old when I took it to dealership due to my concern with rust in 2 different spots on the front edge of the hood. I was told that they would need to take pictures and get a decision from their Hyundai Rep. It was the middle of Oct. before I finally heard from anyone (after making numerous phone calls) to learn that they had declined to repair the problem stating it was the result of “rock chips” which aren’t covered by their warranty. During the prolonged wait for an answer, a THIRD spot of rust erupted on the front fender near the headlight, and there is nothing to indicate it was the result of a rock chip.

According to the warranty, the paint is covered for three years; however, it doesn’t cover “rock chips”. I understand this but my problem isn’t that the car has rock chips. Every car I’ve ever owned has had rock chips. My problem with Hyundai’s assessment is that the so-called “rock chips” have rusted so quickly, spread under the paint, which is blistering and falling off along with the other spot where there is NOT a rock chip. I have owned at least 10 cars in my lifetime and not ONE of them has ever rusted like that. I paid for additional coverage when I bought this car, as well as some "Paint Seal” protection" that the dealership said they put on all new cars. It obviously didn't work, to the tune of an extra $200.00. My husband’s car is over 25 years old, still has the original paint, and although it has “rock chips” not ONE of them is rusting to this day. I suspect that I am not the only Hyundai owner with this complaint. Hyundai is making it a policy not to cover any repairs under their so-called warranty. What am I supposed to expect after another two or three years and I have another warranty claim? Am I going to have this fight with Hyundai every time? This is a simple fix, and yet they are telling me that if a pebble hits my car, I should expect it to rust immediately and it’s my problem.

In addition, my seatbelt retractor on the passenger’s side stays locked. It has been this way since I purchased the car. When taking the car to Jeff Wyler to have the rust issues assessed, I told them about the issue with the seatbelt retractor. After first telling me they could not fix it since the problem seemed to be “intermittent”, they finally agreed to replace it after my husband was able to easily reproduce the problem. I returned on Oct. 18 and they replaced it. After leaving the dealership, I realized that the new seatbelt retractor was also locking up. It locks when you snap it on and in order to do anything such as reach for the radio, open the glove box, etc, you must undo the seatbelt. This occurs repeatedly so you are continuously snapping and unsnapping your seatbelt. I immediately turned the car around and took it back to dealership. They said they would need to contact Hyundai since they already replaced it with a new seatbelt retractor and would get back with me. Today is Oct. 25th. Once again I am waiting for them to call me and let me know what the next step is so I can have a working passenger-side seatbelt.

I have never had this problem with any other auto manufacturer’s warranty. I have owned two Chevy’s prior to this, and Chevrolet bent over backwards to make sure my concerns were taken care of quickly and with respect. I switched to Hyundai because of their supposed “unbeatable” 10-year warranty, but apparently it is meaningless since they won’t honor it. I am so frustrated at this point because this terrible experience has left me hating my new car which I’m stuck with while it slowly rusts away from a couple of “rock chips” along with an unusable passenger’s side seatbelt.

I also want to add that this car is rarely driven and is kept in a garage. After owning it now for one year and one month, this car has only 6200 miles.

I have subsequently filed a complaint through the BBB’s Autoline, which is the recommended procedure in Hyundai’s Owner’s Manual and Warranty Booklet.

bought this car august 2011, I do lots of highway and today (after washing my car 2 days ago) I noticed little specs of orange all over the side doors on both side. I obviously didn't think they were anything more than maybe spilled orange juice or some dirty that got splashed on so I tried to rub it off with my finger but it wouldn't come out! To my disbelief I realized they were actual rust spots!!! I had this car for 1 year exactly, no mechanical problems the car drives smoothly but this just killed it.

How can a car rust after 1 year of driving?

I`m going to be contacting Hyundai Canada and see what they are going to do about it!

S.

I feel that Hyundai should paid for the full cost, as the rust is all in one place on the hood - I have never had a car that rusted from stone chips (very few) and the paint looks bubbled. I feel very let down by Hyundai - I paid for extra coverage for the car, and now I fear it will rust out before its even paid for. I should of stayed with Nissan as I have had 3 Altima and never had any problems like this - I have had all my cars for more than 5 years.

My husband went to see them (as I freaked out on them) as fas as they are concern they have done all they can. Also all this was done by pictures from the auto body shop,So now we have to pay half of the cost - Now all I want to do is get this car paid off and get rid of it. Too bad I really enjoy the car - I see paint chipping off in other areas too.

Becareful before you buy - & don't waste your $$ on paint pertention - does nothing for you/ $$$ grabber.

One Pissed Off Lady !!!