Santa Clara, CA: Hyundai and Kia are facing a defective automotive class action lawsuit alleging the paint on 2006-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, Sonata, and Elantra vehicles contain an identical and inherent defect which causes the paint to bubble, peel and flake off the vehicle, which can lead to rusting and corrosion.
Filed by Michelle Resnick, Shelby Cramer, Lauren Freed, Paul Sandlin, Patricia Reynolds, Christopher Baker, and Tara Mulrey, individually and for all others similarly situated, the suit claims vehicle owners must either live with these problems or spend significant amounts of money to repair and repaint the vehicles.
The suit claims breach of express and implied warranties, negligent misrepresentation, fraudulent concealment, unjust enrichment, violation of California's Consumer Legal Remedies Act, violation of California's Business and Professions Code, and violations of unfair and deceptive trade practices acts in several states.
The plaintiffs and other class members are represented by attorneys Richard D. McCune, David C. Wright and Jae K. Kim of McCune Wright in Redlands, California, John A. Yanchunis, Marcio W. Valladares and Patrick A. Barthle II of Morgan & Morgan Complex Litigation Group in Tampa, Gregory F. Coleman and Lisa A. White of Greg Coleman Law in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Jean Sutton Martin of the Law Office of Jean Sutton Martin in Wilmington, North Carolina.
The case is US District Court for the Central District of California Case number 8:16-CV-00593-BRO-PJW.
Hyundai Kia Defective Automotive Class Action Lawsuit Legal Help
I had a 2018 Kia optima all white pearl with 6,000 miles on it something was wrong with the autonomous breaking system and car was under 100,000 mile warranty and or 5 years. I brought it in to Kia dealership they told me my wiring harness was damaged and they would not fix it. My ex had a seizure at the wheel and because of the wiring harness we were almost killed the car should have breaked but because of Kia we almost died! I bought another one same year 2018 Kia optima SXL same exact car @ 20,000 miles in 2021 and now I’m suffering from the paint chipping and bubbling and of course my warranty is over in 2024 with only 60,000 miles and they won’t help me what so ever !! FRAUDS THEY DONT CARE ABOUT THEIR LOYAL CUSTOMERS AND I HOPE THE ALLEGATIONS KEEP COMING SO WE SHUT THEM DOWN!!
Posted by Cara McAleer
on
Paint pealed just above passenger side rear tire. No dings or scratches. Just pealed out of nowhere.
Posted by kevin
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2014 sorento paint peeled over windshield kia gave me 1800.00 to fix paint peels off back roof fixed myself 11/5/23 door column third time file complaint kia ,better attorney general office better business office
Posted by Jamie Parker
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2014 Kia Optima
Peeling around windows, trunk. Kia declined repairs
Posted by Michele G
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2016 Kia Sorrento - Pearl White Paint - peeling for well over a year - Dealership takes no responsibility.
Posted by Tamara Goad
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Kia sportage 2012 no body damage or accidents peeling paint
Posted by Melissa Atchison
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I have a 2015 Hyundai Sonata and my paint started peeling a few years ago in small areas around the windows. Thought it would be under warranty but Hyundai said no. Now, it is so bad that I don't want to wash it because the paint peels right off. I can't believe for a car that's 10 years old and the paint is peeling and now starting so show rust? My Jeep is a 2001 and has never peeled!! Come on Hyundai! Back up your product! Please contact me if needed. Thank. you!
Posted by Patrick Bersley
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I have 2016 KIA SORENTO that also has paint which is flaking off on the roof area around the windshield and passenger side pillar
Posted by Andrew B
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Absolutely the paint is peeling, 2013 kia sorento ex model. I've never had a car that developed this type of failure with no damage to the areas of peeling/stripping paint. Never again will I purchase a kia.
Posted by Jacqueline Costanza Fillmore
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I have a blue 2018 Kia Sportage. The pain has been peeling off all the plastic parts for a year at least. I told the dealer and they had no comment. It has peeled off the fin at the back of the roof, all the door handles, and the mirrors. What hasn't peeled off yet has bubbles and it getting ready to. This is embarrassing. Neither of my prior Kias did this.
Posted by Melina Lopez
on
Paint on my 2013 Kia Optima been flaking off on the hood, roof of the vehicle and sides above the windows. Rust on the roof from the paint chipping off. Spoke to the service manager when my vehicle had a recall on the engine and said my vehicle was out of warranty and the paint was not covered after 3 years.
Posted by Danielle Ryan
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I have a 2013 White Kia Soul. The paint has been peeling off at the roof. All around it and there's now rust at the front above the windshield. It's also starting on the top sides of the panels (left and right) of the doors. Will Kia repair this at no cost to me? It's really ridiculous how many of their cars, years and models are having serious paint defects.
Posted by Kathy Warner
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I have a 2015 Kia Sorento and we took it in to get the headlight repaired and ask how much it would cost to repair the peeling paint on the hood and the roof and found out that this is a Kia defective paint issue. When I searched online I was in complete shock at the number of complaints about the peeling paint. This is so wrong and looks like it is being swept under the rug by Kia. I really hope this class action can be settled. They need to make this right. I was quoted over 9,000.00 at a minimum to repaint the car. I do not have that type of money and we still owe over 7,000.00 on the car. :(
Posted by Darlene Young
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Paint chipping off all around car and flaking terribly off roof. Please help
Posted by Renee
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I have a 2015 Kia Sorento with the Snow White Pearl paint that peeling off. The top over my front windsheld is the worse. It's embarrassing and as the paint peels my car will begin to rust due to the bottom coat that was not applied.
Posted by Peggy Hunt
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2014 Kia Sorento paint on hood, roof, posts on both side of the windshield peeling and now rusting. Approx $4,000 to paint all of this at my expense. Embarrassing and extremely aggravating. KIA should d be held accountable.
Posted by Tara
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My 2016 Elantra's red paint is simply falling off. The body is not under warranty, just the engine is. I don't live near salt or extreme temperatures. It's coming off all 4 doors and the trunk.
Posted by Melissa L Baker
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2013 Kia Optima Snow Whit pearl. Bought new, very well taken care of. Paint started peeling off in chunks in late 2021. No damage or rust where giant chunks are dropping off like a hard boiled egg. I’m afraid to wash it now because it will just peel more off. I love my car and now it looks like complete garbage!
Posted by Diana Barron
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2013 Kia Optima paint flaking off looks really bad
Posted by LeAnne Boles
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I have a 2013 Kia Optima SX Pearl white with paint peeling on hood and top of door. I took the car to the dealership and they stated that it was out of warranty. This car has been parked in a garage since purchased. I am an at-home-mom so this car is in the garage mostly all day every day. No excuse for this. Peeling in sheets and can’t even wash car without paint worsening. Kia should be held accountable for this and repaint all these cars. There are 2 other Pearl white cars in the small town that I live in that have the paint peeling on the hoods as well. I will NEVER buy another Kia because of the way that this has been handled.
Posted by Carol J Coomer
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I have a White 2015 Kia Optima and the paint is peeling on it all over.
Posted by Justin Hurley
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2014 Kia Forte paint delaminating issue. Paint color is K3R: Crimson Red Pearl. I am original owner. Affected areas: hood, roof, both side mirrors and all four door handles.
Posted by Catherine L. Osterholt
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2015 Kia Optima with paint peeling/chipping off around the windshield. I brought it to my local dealership, and their body shop said they would submit a claim to Kia. It didn't sound very promising when I left. It's a shame, because I truly love this vehicle.
Posted by David Dailey
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My 2016 Sonata has paint peeling off on the roof. I'm in Canada can you assist?
Posted by Carolyn Cuffee
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We have a 2016 Kia Optima that started peeling on the hood and trunk along with several paint bubbles that will eventually peel. As others mentioned we were told to go back to our dealership to get pictures taken and wait review. Silence for months. We call consumer affairs and resubmit with apologies for the miscommunication...yet the same thing happens again. During this time a service guy tells us about the thousands of complaints and the problems Kia has had with the Pearl paint and to contact Kia again to ask them to pay for the paint repairs or at least go half. Neither happened. We tried one final time to call and were told our claim was denied sighting "outside influence" but no one could explain what that meant! We've since taken our car to 2 collision centers for estimates, with both telling us the exact same thing...contact Kia, they are aware of the problems with the Pearl paint. They don't care, yet we're looking at thousands out of pocket for peeling paint and bubbles. If there is a Class Action, We want IN!!!
Posted by Gina Smith
on
I also have a 2013 kia Optima SXL pearl white! Started about 2 years ago with a chip of paint flaked up around windshield. It started more flaking and paint lifting off even around back glass. Took it to kia and they told me nothing they can and I just need to take it to a paint and body shop! I told them this was not normal and the guy informed me that they haven't been no complaints and it was something I had to use on my car for this to happen! I told them the car being five years old it had to be a defective paint job..Cars that are 20 years old you dont see paint just rolling off. Now my whole hood and trunk lids has bubbles all over it. Kia needs to make this right. We all paid a lot of money for these vehicles for kia not to do nothing. Best of luck to everyone dealing with these issues. Our vehicles look horrible with all this paint just coming off!
Posted by ricky berry
on
i have a KIA Sorento 2014 and pearl white and the paint is peeling i live in Knoxville TN and they say there nothing we can do about it. its peeling around the the front and back big windows
Posted by Annette Brundage
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I have 2015 Sonata sport which is the top of the hood is peeling I believe it’s some type of a defect from the sellers part
Posted by Bonnie Garbarini
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I purchased a 2021 black Kia Sorrento on January 21st, 2021. I barely have 5000 miles on the car. Already the clear coat is bubbling and peeling on the front end and love bug season hasn't even started. The service manager told me to hand wash the car so that is what I am doing and I still have a paint issue. I have never had a car that I couldn't use the car wash with. White marks show on the car like lines from the car wash brushes. What kind of paint and paint job is that. I think that their quality control was out sick with Covid when my car was manufactured. I will confront the manager tomorrow about this. I paid $4500 on top of the $45,000 price of the car for an appearance package and the paint is supposed to be guaranteed for 7 years, I have had the car 8 months!!!
Posted by Pat
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I have a 2013 Kia Sorrento Pearl White with the paint peeling near the windshield on the driver side door post.
Posted by Carlos Lopez
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Kia Sorento 2014.. White Pearl paint chips off the top of the windshield for us. I have mistaken other Kia Sorrento for my own because they seem to have the identical issue. How has this not gained more traction with so many of us experiencing the same issue with Kia?
Posted by Shane
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I have a 2014 silver Kia Optima peaking around the front windshield and the crome around the side windows
Posted by John preston
on
2014 Kia Soul paint bubbling also and flaking off all over my white Kia Soul.
Dealer didn’t want to help.
Terrible customer service and I will never by another Kia because they won’t stand behind their product here in Medford Oregon.
I tell all my friends and family to spread the word.
How can I get on this class action lawsuits
Thanks
John
Posted by Diana Barron
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I have a 2013 Optima that has paint bubbling up and then falling off it started with passenger side door now it’s coming off on top of roof who can I complain about this issue
Posted by Sarah Christensen
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I have a 2015 Kia Sorento in pearl white. The paint was bubbling at the front of the hood within only a couple years of owning it (we are the original owners). It has now begun to completely peel...like HUGE areas. It's embarrassing to even drive at this point and I am sickened to have been ripped off by Kia because you know they are aware of this issue considering how many complaints I've found online. Will NEVER buy another Kia. My hood, driver's side panel, and above the windshield are affected.
Posted by Mary Ann Dantry
on
I have a 2013 Kia Sorento with the same paint peeling problem which just started in March, 2020. I have been told by a automotive body shop that this is a defective paint issue. I have looked on the internet to find out there are thousands of people with the same issue. There is no way that Kia should be allowed to ignore this problem. How can I become a part of this class action lawsuit against such a dishonorable company?? Someone please let me know how I can join !!! Thank you.
Posted by Natasha Barnes
on
I have a white 2013 KIA Optima & it has been peeling for about a year & a half now..It's getting worse everyday..I hate driving it now bcuz of it but I don't have the money to get it painted..KIA needs to be held accountable for such poor paint jobs & recall
Posted by brian
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have 2013 kia Sorrento pearl white 52000 miles paint peeling off above windshield and door no response from dealership what to do
Posted by Jamieb
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I have a 16 Kia Optima with pearl white paint that is chipping on the hood and also around the windshield. I was advised this was not covered under extended warranty. I purchased this car used with 36k miles less than a year ago. Every time I wash my car more paint chips away. I contacted Kia and was advised that nothing could be done by Kia to correct this.
Posted by Arthur Geller
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I have a Hyundai GT that has severe top coat peeling on several areas of the car. Some of the areas are really in bad shape. I have spoken to my dealer's service department and they don't seem to think that there is anything they can do.
Posted by Nancy Morrison
on
I have a 2015 Kia Rio and the clear coat is bubbling up on my car, also there is what appears to be a film on the windows that is cracking and wrinkling up.
Posted by Thomas Moore
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i have a 2011 Kia Sportage. Top of the line car with every bell and whistle offered that year. paint is bubbling up and peeling. I would like to see them have to recall for this issue. Seems like a widespread problem.
Posted by Melisaa
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Same problem with my 2003 Hyundai Elantra. Paint bubbling, chipping and peeling off on the hood of my car.
Posted by Kathleene
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Our 2004 Sorento with white pearl paint has been chipping and peeling, like everyone else. The dealer told my husband Kia won't do anything about it because it started out of warranty. As this should not be treated like a warranty issue (clearly a defect in paint or paint application), I forced the issue by requiring pictures at the dealership. My husband told me they said our request for repair is denied and will be issuing a letter - of which we have not seen since the conversation. Class action in California was dismissed because Kia did not know when they sold the cars they had the defect and because "anonymous" complaints could not hold Kia responsible, among some other obvious loopholes. I am still going to see an attorney anyway to see if another "proper" suit that meets all the courts reasoning for dismissal is possible.
Posted by Greg S
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I have a 2013 KIA Optima SXL Snow white pearl and the paint is peeling everywhere on the car. Huge chunks of paint keep falling off. Took to dealership who told me it was out of warranty and to contact corporate. Contacted Corporate and they told me to send pics and to get a quote and opinion that it was a defect. So sent pics and estimate to rep I was working with who sent them to district manager Joseph Hegmann. He then told the customer service rep to tell me to take the car to a dealership so they can process it. So I took the car to the dealership and they took more pics and submitted to Joseph Hegmann again. Then they wanted the same estimate that was already sent. I did everything they requested but have received radio silence for several months now. I tried calling corporate again but they just tell me they will contact me when there is an update. I have also reached out to the dealership asking if they could follow up for me but they pretty much ignore me. Get this I have bought 3 KIA's and have them all serviced by KIA dealerships but this means nothing to them so I guess they have lost a lot of business.
Posted by Jeffery Jones
on
I have a 2013 Kia Optima with Snow White Pearl paint. My paint is peeling off on both of the pillars next to my glass roof. It is also starting to peel off on the trunk. I would say about 75% of the paint is flaked off the right pillar and 25% of the paint is flaked off the left pillar all the way to bare metal.
I took it to the dealership and was told it was out of warranty for the paint and tried to call KIA corporate. The KIA representative had the audacity to agree that the paint should not flake off within 5 years and that there must be a defect but said there is nothing they can do because it's out of warranty. This is definitely a KIA problem and they should take care of it whether its out of warranty or not. Paint jobs don't start peeling for no reason. I have owned numerous other cars and none of them have ever had the paint peel off. I believe KIA should take care of this problem, especially before it gets worse. I am not happy about this and will not ever buy a KIA again. Can anyone tell me if this class action is still going on and how I could join it?
Jeff from Corona, Calfiornia.
Posted by Mark Bryan
on
I have a 2012 Kia Optima that the paint has started lifting off of the primer. It is not adhering and coming up around the window and the rails above the front and rear doors. Has a class action lawsuit been awarded and is there any way to move forward to get the paint repaired.
Posted by Mark Bond
on
Our 2010 red Kia Soul has had paint issues for several years. Initially it was paint chipping of in various areas of the vehicle. Now the clear-coat is peeling off in various areas around the car. Kia was not helpful at all years ago with the chipping and I expect no less now with this issue. Based on these experiences, I will not purchase a Kiai product again.
Posted by Kenneth J Jordan
on
Yes,...I feel for ALL of you who are having to endure
Kia's malicious and overt BS in relation to your less
than quality paint issues. I too, am one of the fold. Please feel free to view my unpleasant story at
"Pissed Consumer". Kia Motors needs to be harshly
and effectively dealt with about these situations. There is absolutely no excuse for this ongoing scam.
I spent five years paying for what my wife terms "a pretty piece of s--t". True that.
Posted by Marie
on
I'm terrified to drive my 2017 Santa Fe Sport Ultimate 2.0 only having it a little over a year. Four times in just a little over a month now I've come close to two t-bone collisions, getting rear ended by an 18-wheeler and hitting a mother with her small infant in the back seat of her vehicle because the vehicle I love drives like someone filled the engine or gas tank full of sawdust. I've called the Dealership, always conveniently just stepped away, service department informed me there's just no fix. My husband has a good depth of experience in cars...so I now wait to find out if I die or kill someone is that how we operate; sacrificial lambs for the greater good. All of these concerns above go back as far as 1986 [just different model names so it's not that easy to catch] AND if others don't come forward with their concerns, the Lady whose incident in South Korea in her Hyundai will never receive her undo justice.
Posted by charlene seay
on
My 2012 soul has paint issue..The back the paint bubales up and flakes off.My Soul is starting to rust..I bought this vehicle new and still paying on it..this started about 2 years ago and Kia will not fix it..urgg
Posted by Leonard Lunders Jr.
on
I have a 2007 Hyundai Sonata purchased in 2006. My first problem with paint peeling happened about 5 years ago and Hyundai told me/us the problem was ours. In the last 4 years larger areas have continued to peel. I would like to be part of any class action suit.
....Also my mileage has been poor. I purchased the Sonata during high price gasoline Mileage was a main reason for purchasing the Sonata. Mileage has averaged 19-20 mpg. Every time I asked about the poor mileage. I was told it would get better with time. I was told the dealership could not fix the mileage and they had no other complaints about mileage.
Posted by CH
on
I have a 2016 Kia Soul with rust spots all over. Kia service said it was "rail dust" from being hit with debris during transport to dealer. Will not fix.
Posted by J Schrieber
on
I have a 2016 Kia Sedona and my paint is flaking and chipping off. I have a crack underneath my passenger door that is now flaking and chipping off. I have had several "chips" of paint and I havent even had the van 8 mos.
Posted by Dawn Passaglia
on
Have same problem with 2007 Sonata with large patches of peeled paint spots exposing down to the metal.
Posted by Michael Murphy
on
I have a Kia optima, My wire harness went on my car they said that rodents eat the wire harness , I just found out that the harness are made with soybean and rodent,s love to eat. Right now my car has been at dearship for two weeks.
It's bad for my insurance company who has pay the bill
Can you imagine how insurance company had to pay the
Bill so far my bill is $4200.00 plus my car rental.
Posted by Erica Banks
on
I have a 2012 Sonata. Upon washing my car, the paint bubble and peeled all over the bumper.
Posted by Denise Holt
on
My 2013 Hyundai Tucson has peeling paint. Is there a lawsuit for this car also?? The car looks good until you look at the top of the hatchback.
Posted by Anna Bobcova
on
Bubbling and blistering on my 2012 Rio as well. Dealership hasn't been too helpful, also claiming they've never heard of such a thing, so I am dealing with customer affairs to get something resolved.
Posted by Stephanie
on
I have a 2013 Sante Fe Sport. I was washing the car at a car wash and noticed the clear coat bubbling. I immediately stopped washing the car. I took it to the dealer and they told me it wasn't covered under warranty and that I was somehow at fault. The service manager, general manager and district manager all claimed they had never heard of this problem. I kindly educated them on all the available information I could find, including handouts I printed, regarding this problem. After a lot of back and forth and them realizing I wasn't going away the general manager gave in and had the bumper painted. This doesn't fix the paint on the rest of the car, though. If it happened on the bumper , it's going to happen to the rest of the car in time.
Posted by Mary Kindle
on
I have. A 2009 Santa Fe with all the paint peeling as well. The cost to have it repainted is more than the car value.
How do I join in in this to get paint fixed????
Thank you
Posted by Marilee Tretina
on
I have a 2009 Sonata Pearl White with paint peeling and flaking off the hood and now roof. Looks like every picture I seen posted with the same problem.
I live in Virginia. How do I join this lawsuit?
Posted by John J. Guglielmi
on
Have a 2010 Elantra. Paint is peeling in a number of spots on the roof. Brought this to the dealers attention during a routine checkup. Came back and said it was not covered under warranty but they would be happy to repaint the roof for only $500. I have documented the peeling w/ photographs and measurements. Went through a car wash and a 2 inch diameter of paint came off revealing a big spot of rust. The only way that could happen is that the primer failed exposing bare metal.
Posted by Julie
on
I'm facing the same issue with premature rusting on my Hyundai Elantra 2012. I discovered the rust inside my trunk a little less than 2 years old (2013/2014) I have brought up the issue to my current Hyundai dealer/shop but since then they've had several managers. It's been a frustrating chase with them. I've been dragged along since 2013/2014 and was finally told on July 2016 that it is not under warranty. It is not normal for a car to start rusting after just 2 years or so. I take very good care of my car/s and have not had any issues with rusting before. I need help. This issue is clearly not just with me.
Posted by Allison
on
This has happened to me also, I had to get my car touched up because it started to rust in creased areas (door, hood) and the gloss is peeling off. Let me also add my matts no longer stay in place, they snap off and slide into of the exselorator.
Posted by Rickey Morris
on
It does it on the 2006 Tucson as well, and after I bought it in Victorville, Ca, I pointed it out to them, and they refused to do anything about it, or even report it to the main office. It started around the doors, and popped up all over the car. I still have it, but was really ticked that when you pay for a car in cash, that they won't honor the Warranty.
Posted by Leida Thomas
on
My 2010 Sonata Limited started peeling last year (2015), within months of paying it off. When I bought the car, the dealer automatically signed me up for an extended warranty on the paint. I didn't notice until I went home and read the fine print on the contract. I went back and made them take it off, little did I know, there was a good reason. This was to be my "retirement" car. Now it has lost all its' value.
Posted by sandra mason
on
I have a 2008 sonata paint on top is flaking a little and on bumper
Posted by Yoli
on
I have a 2007 Sonata GLS. The paint always has seemed thin and within 5 months of purchase, I notice that rust spots were coming through on the trunk! I have meticulously hand washed this car. I have also waxed it wtih Once A Year wax at least 4x a year to keep this problem at bay. Paint layer is flaking off of parts of it now.
Posted by marsha Taylor
on
2001 Hyundia top coat is gone from hood, roof and trunk and there are bubbles/rust above tire wells. I have noticed the exact same paint issues in every single "ocean blue"(greenish color) hyundia I have seen!! This class needs to expand,
Posted by Patrick Mulligan
on
My 2006 Hyundai Elantra has large areas of paint failure on hood & roof. I live in Pahrump, NV. Please contact me if you need any other information.
Posted by Patricia Banks
on
We discovered 6 recalls on our 3rd Prius (2012) after the 2007 was bought back then 2012 recall
of computer system failure. We had to replace it
out of pocket so we must sue the manufacturer &
dealer for failure to notify us under this Breach Of
Express & Imlied Warranty! Thanks for information!
Posted by Dana Ravizee
on
I have a 2013 Hyundai Sonata and my paint on the rear and roof has started to peel
Posted by Jude McClosky
on
Still have the car; the pain is flaking off on the rear and top parts of the rear and left back top panel. Please contact me if there is anything that you need from me.
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