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Hyundai Repurchase Lemon Law
Work with the top-rated Hyundai Lemon Law & Buyback Program Attorneys in the United States. No fees unless you win or settle!
Understanding Hyundai Lemon Law
Hyundai has a good reputation as a vehicle brand that people trust. Even with the utmost due diligence before buying your car, there are some cars that develop defects. In that case, it can be helpful to find out more about the Hyundai Buyback Program.
While Hyundai doesn’t offer an actual buyback program per se, they are required to work with consumers according to state lemon laws, should their vehicles demonstrate the qualities of a lemon. A lemon law attorney will help you pursue your Hyundai Buyback Program claim should your car demonstrate a substantial defect.
Why People Love Driving Hyundai Vehicles
Hyundai vehicles give drivers a good balance of affordability and quality. People like the spacious interiors, ergonomic seating, and intuitive controls. Hyundai’s focus on the driver ensures a stress-free and engaging time behind the wheel.
Hyundai’s reputation for reliability is further strengthened by its industry-leading warranty. The brand’s commitment to customer satisfaction has earned it a loyal following. Its lineup of cars, sedans, and SUVs make Hyundai a trusted choice for drivers who value practicality and enjoyment.
Reported Problems That Could Lead to Hyundai Lemon Law Claims
While many Hyundai owners are happy with their vehicles, some have encountered substantial defects. These are some of the most serious problems that have been reported affecting Hyundai vehicles:
1. Engine Failures and Fire Risks
- Description: Defective engine parts, such as connecting rod bearings or oil pumps, have caused stalling or fires in Hyundai vehicles, prompting recalls.
- Lemon Law Relevance: Engine stalling or fires introduce safety hazards that can significantly impair vehicle use and safety. Persistent issues after multiple repair attempts could qualify a vehicle as a lemon.
- Affected Vehicles: Hyundai Sonata (2021–2023), Santa Fe (2021–2023), Tucson (2021–2023).
2. Transmission Malfunctions
- Description: Transmission issues, including harsh shifting, lurching, or complete failure, have been reported, making vehicles unsafe or hard to control.
- Lemon Law Relevance: Recurring transmission defects that affect drivability and safety could meet lemon law criteria if left unfixed after reasonable repair efforts.
- Affected Vehicles: Hyundai Elantra (2021–2023), Kona (2021–2023), Santa Fe (2021–2022).
3. Fuel Pump Failures
- Description: Defective fuel pumps have led to unexpected engine stalling, increasing crash risks or stranding drivers, with recalls issued to address the issue.
- Lemon Law Relevance: Persistent stalling may occur. This can be a safety issue that could qualify as a lemon law defect if repairs fail repeatedly.
- Affected Vehicles: Hyundai Elantra N (2022–2023), Kona N (2022–2023), Veloster N (2021–2022).
4. Electrical System Issues
- Description: Electrical failures, including battery drain or sudden power loss, have caused some Hyundai vehicles to shut down unexpectedly, jeopardizing safety.
- Lemon Law Relevance: Ongoing electrical issues that affect vehicle functionality and safety could support a lemon law claim if they persist after multiple repairs.
- Affected Vehicles: Hyundai Tucson (2021–2023), Palisade (2021–2023), Santa Fe (2021–2023).
5. Airbag Deployment Failures
- Description: Airbags have failed to deploy in crashes or deployed unexpectedly due to defective airbag control units, posing significant injury risks.
- Lemon Law Relevance: Airbag malfunctions are serious safety defects. If unresolved after repair attempts, they could qualify a vehicle as a lemon due to their impact on occupant safety.
- Affected Vehicles: Hyundai Sonata (2021–2023), Genesis G70 (2021–2023), Elantra (2021–2023).
6. Brake System Defects
- Description: ABS malfunctions and hydraulic brake leaks have been linked to reduced braking performance and, in some cases, fire risks, leading to recalls.
- Lemon Law Relevance: Ongoing brake issues that affect safety could meet lemon law standards if they remain unresolved after multiple repair attempts.
- Affected Vehicles: Hyundai Santa Fe (2021–2023), Tucson (2021–2023), Palisade (2021–2022).
Additional Hyundai-Specific Problems
From 2021 to 2024, excessive oil consumption in models like the Hyundai Sonata (2021–2023) and Tucson (2021–2023) has led to engine damage, stalling, and fire risks, requiring frequent oil top-offs and risking catastrophic failure.
Also, infotainment system failures in the Hyundai Palisade (2021–2023) and Kona (2021–2023) have caused screens to freeze or crash, blocking access to rearview cameras and navigation. If these issues persist despite repair attempts, they could qualify as lemon law defects by significantly impairing vehicle safety and usability.
Notifying Hyundai and Reviewing State Laws
Hyundai doesn’t actually run a Hyundai Buyback Program like Ford offers. Hyundai is bound by state lemon laws to work with consumers on potential lemon law buybacks or vehicle replacements for those whose cars qualify as lemons under state law.
The attorney will begin by determining if your car qualifies as a lemon.
Lemon Definition
Key point: In most cases, a car must fulfill the particular requirements of the state’s lemon law in order to be eligible for refund or replacement, in other words, considered for Hyundai’s version of their buyback program.
State Lemon Laws: General Scope
Most state lemon laws specify that a vehicle must exhibit a substantial defect that greatly affects its use, safety, or value. The defects have to be persisting throughout a “reasonable number” of repair attempts, and remain unfixable. “Reasonable number” is a term defined by each state; often 3–4 repair attempts. For safety-related issues, it could be defined in as little as one attempt.
Hyundai Buyback Claim Steps
- Written notice must be given to Hyundai. The notice regarding the defect(s) has to be made within a specific timeframe, such as the first year of ownership or certain mileage guidelines. An attorney is familiar with this procedure and will follow it, so your notice is filed properly. Hyundai receives a reasonable opportunity to repair the problem (again, your state will determine how many repair attempts Hyundai gets, in total, to fix the problem).
- If the defect cannot be repaired, the customer can file a claim with Hyundai. Your attorney can file this for you and begin the process to pursue a replacement vehicle or a buyback.
Think you have a lemon, click here to fill out a 30 second form.
The Lemon Law Process
Once your claim has been made with Hyundai, the attorney builds your case via these steps:
- Does Your Vehicle Qualify as a Lemon?
As we’ve discussed, your vehicle must exhibit a substantial defect severely impacting its use, safety or value. Your state’s law regulates how many repair attempts Hyundai gets before the car qualifies as a lemon. Hyundai may decide not to acknowledge your car’s problems; they may say that your vehicle might be exhibiting normal wear and tear, or otherwise not severe issues. The attorney’s role is to stand up for your rights and prove that the defect does in fact qualify the vehicle as a lemon, and that you are due compensation. - Understanding Your Legal Rights
Hyundai lemon law lawyers ensure you’re fully informed of your state-specific entitlements and use them to your advantage. Every element included in your state’s lemon laws, and applicable federal laws, such as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, will be used by your lawyer to protect your rights. - Professional Case Presentation
By carefully gathering and organizing all the evidence (repair orders, expert testimony, photos, videos) the attorney builds a solid case. Ensuring that the evidence supports your claim well is vital, as incomplete documentation could cause your claim to be denied. - Fighting for Additional Damages
Lemon law attorneys can secure a better outcome than you might reach on your own. They may also be able to claim additional damages (in addition to a new vehicle or refund) allowed under state law.
Avenues the Attorney Uses to Win You Compensation
To have the best opportunity to receive a Hyundai buyback or replacement vehicle, it is advised to have an experienced lemon law attorney pursue your claim via these avenues:
- Negotiating a settlement: Since most lemon law claims settle out of court, you will benefit from a skilled lawyer who knows how to negotiate a settlement that protects your rights and secures you maximum compensation. Should Hyundai attempt to downplay or reject your claim, the lawyer will be ready to fight back.
- Representation in an arbitration hearing: Sometimes a state will require that you go through arbitration before moving ahead with other steps to pursue your claim. In other instances, it is not required, but can be an option. Arbitration can move more quickly than a court case (but the outcome is not guaranteed to be advantageous for you). An attorney can represent you in your arbitration hearing to present evidence that your vehicle qualifies as a lemon. You are not bound by the arbiter’s decision, but the manufacturer is. If the outcome is not what you seek, you can still sue Hyundai.
- Lawsuit against the manufacturer: There are times when a settlement or arbitration don’t resolve your claim to your satisfaction. The next step is to sue the manufacturer. Your attorney will prepare your case to give you the best opportunity to gain a buyback or replacement vehicle.
A lemon law attorney’s skill and experience in all the areas listed above gives you the advantage to achieve a Hyundai buyback or replacement vehicle.
For more information on arbitration and other frequently asked lemon law questions, click here
Allen Stewart, P.C. Provides Expert Hyundai Lemon Law Representation
Allen Stewart, P.C. provides years of experience representing clients against every car manufacturer, including Hyundai. Our Hyundai lemon law lawyers will expertly handle your claim so you have the best opportunity to win your case and get the buyback or replacement vehicle you want.
What to Ask During Your Free Consultation
Take advantage of our free consultation (schedule by calling 866-440-2460), and get the most from it with this checklist of questions. In this free case review, you will discover if you have a valid claim, discuss claim timelines and more with our expert attorneys.
You Pay Nothing Out of Pocket
Since most state laws require the manufacturer to pay the consumer’s legal fees when they win their case, you won’t be responsible for that. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act also includes this provision.
Allen Stewart, P.C. can help you get a refund for your defective Hyundai car or truck, or a replacement vehicle. Thanks to federal law, our clients pay nothing out of pocket, so contact us now (866-440-2460) for your free consultation or contact us online.
Hyundai Lemon Law FAQs
Do EV models like the IONIQ 5 and Kona Electric qualify under Lemon Law for battery or charging issues? -
Yes, that is correct. The reason is that EV models are covered under lemon laws in the same way that vehicles that run on gasoline are; lemon laws apply equally to both types of vehicles.
Does the Lemon Law apply to safety recalls like non-collision engine fires or stalling issues? +
Recalls and lemon law claims are separate issues, but the type of problems described, non-collision fires and stalling, can potentially be lemon law claim-worthy issues.
What documentation is essential to support a Lemon Law claim against Hyundai? +
Present your repair records for your attorney’s review, and also your warranty. These prove you attempted to get the vehicle fixed without success. You will also want to include your maintenance records. The manufacturer may try to prove that you neglected the vehicle’s care, and these records will prove you took it in for scheduled maintenance.
Can I file a Lemon Law claim if Hyundai fails to fix the issue after multiple attempts or extended delays? +
Your state’s lemon laws provide the requirements regarding how many repair attempts are considered reasonable. Each state defines the number of attempts; some say 3–4 attempts; others require more or less. Safety hazards sometimes can be defined as only 1 or 2 repair attempts. Your lemon law attorney will compare how many repair attempts your vehicle has had so far, against how many are required, and then advise you if, and when a claim can be filed.
Which Hyundai models are most frequently involved in Lemon Law claims (e.g., Elantra, Sonata, Tucson, IONIQ 5)? +
Engine, transmission, powertrain, electrical and more lemon law claims have been most frequently reported for these Hyundai models: Elantra, Kona, Santa Fe, Tucson, and Sonata.
How many repair attempts are required before Hyundai must offer a buyback or replacement? +
Each state defines how many repair attempts it allots to the manufacturer. It is often 3–4; some states require more or less. Safety defects can sometimes require only 1–2 repair attempts. Your lemon law attorney will advise you on how many repair attempts are required by your state, and if, and when, a claim can be filed.
Can leased or certified pre-owned Hyundai vehicles be covered under Lemon Law? +
There are some instances where a certified pre-owned vehicle may be covered under a state’s lemon law. It’s advised that you have a lemon law attorney review your situation. The attorney will check on several points, such as if the vehicle is still covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. It must also exhibit a substantial defect that affects its use, safety or value. The defect must not be fixable after a number of reasonable repair attempts. Since multiple considerations apply, and each case is different, it’s recommended to seek the counsel of a lemon law attorney.
Do I need a specialized Lemon Law attorney to file a claim against Hyundai? +
For the best opportunity to seek compensation for your defective vehicle, you can benefit from the knowledge and experience of a lemon law attorney. That’s because these specialized attorneys know, according to state lemon laws and federal law, how to pursue your claim, so your rights are protected.
Are attorney fees covered by Hyundai if I win the Lemon Law case? +
Yes, state lemon laws and federal law both provide for the claimant (you) to have their lemon law attorney fees covered by the manufacturer. It’s these provisions that open up possibilities for vehicle owners with cars or trucks exhibiting substantial defects. Some people believe it is too expensive to have a lemon law attorney represent them, but this is not true.
How long does a Hyundai Lemon Law case typically take to resolve? +
The timeframe will vary. First, your vehicle needs to be declared a lemon (found to have a substantial defect that severely impacts its use, value or safety). This defect must persist and be unfixable beyond a reasonable number of repair attempts. Your state defines how many repair attempts the manufacturer gets. These determinations can take weeks or months. If the vehicle cannot be fixed, your attorney notifies Hyundai that a claim is being filed. On average, a lemon law case can take up to six months to resolve (some do so in less, or more time).
What should I expect during arbitration or litigation against Hyundai? +
In arbitration and litigation, your lemon law attorney will represent your interests by proving that the vehicle problem is an actual defect, not the result of owner neglect or abuse. Arbitration is less formal and usually faster than a lawsuit. Arbitration is often binding on the manufacturer, but not on you. If your case goes to court, the attorney will fight for your rights to help ensure you receive maximum compensation.
What are the most common outcomes—buyback, replacement, or cash settlement? +
Most lemon law cases settle out of court. Buybacks and replacement vehicles are the most common outcomes. Sometimes an attorney will negotiate for a cash settlement, should that remedy be more advantageous for you and in keeping with the particular details of your case.
What is Hyundai’s Buyback Program, and how does it differ from Lemon Law remedies? +
Hyundai doesn’t have a company-run buyback program. The manufacturer follows your state’s lemon laws and reviews claims submitted by consumers. A lemon law attorney can represent you during the claim process. It begins with determining if your vehicle’s defect qualifies as substantial. It must also be persistent (not fixable after a state-defined number of repair attempts), and it must also severely impact the vehicle’s use, value or safety.
What are the eligibility requirements for Hyundai’s Buyback Program (e.g., age, mileage, condition)? +
There is no particular Hyundai Buyback Program actually run by the manufacturer. Hyundai will review claims made for a buyback according to lemon laws in your state. The first part of the process is determining if your vehicle qualifies as a lemon. This is done by assessing if your vehicle’s defect is substantial, severely impacting the vehicle’s use, value or safety. The defect must persist, and not be fixable after the state’s required number of repair attempts. A lemon law attorney will advise if, and when, a claim may be submitted to Hyundai.
How is the buyback value calculated—does it include taxes, registration, and finance charges? +
Yes, it does. Also, the refund will have a mileage/usage fee deducted for the time you owned the car. It’s recommended that you review these points with your lemon law attorney, who will advise you on the details of your vehicle’s buyback.
Can I negotiate the terms of a Hyundai buyback or opt for a replacement vehicle instead? +
Yes, you can. It is recommended that you have a lemon law attorney handle the negotiations on your behalf. The lawyer has the experience to negotiate all the points of the compensation deal for you, to ensure your rights are protected, and you receive the remedy you have chosen.
What are the limitations of Hyundai’s Buyback Program, and how do they affect consumer options? +
Since Hyundai does not run a specific buyback program that is offered directly by their company, their interactions with you as a consumer will be aligned with your state’s lemon laws. Your attorney will determine, as indicated by your state’s laws, if your vehicle qualifies as a lemon. Then additional steps in the claim process will be pursued, should your car actually be a lemon. All steps in the process will follow state lemon laws.