Hyundai & Their Disgusting Warranty & Customer Service!

Patricka on 12/12/2017 - 09:57
Last edited 12/12/2017 - 10:31 by 1 other user

I had purchased a Hyundai Veloster turbo 2014 when they first came out. I have had all four spark-plugs replaced at 50ks which cost $410. 10ks later the spark plugs have blown again. Still under the 20ks warranty after replacing them, I have taken it to my local Hyundai dealer to get them swapped. Not only was I greeted with a rude attitude but was told the place was extremely busy, and the car would have to sit at the dealership for one week.

A couple of days later I receive a call saying that they were not going to cover it as they think the fuel was contaminated and that I had to pay $390. I argued the point that I only fill up 98 premium fuel from coles express and have the receipts to prove so.

Now almost two weeks later and they are still reviewing the case, and don't have an estimated time to solve the issue. I work a full-time job and am a carer for my grandfather so having no vehicle is extremely hard!

What do you think I should do Ozbarganers?

Poll Options

  • 75
    Keep battling and let them know the small dog can bite too!
  • 3
    Just give up!
  • 2
    other..
Automotive

Comments

  • HighAndDry on 12/12/2017 - 10:03
    +8

    Have you asked for a courtesy vehicle?

    On the one hand, unless it's a known issue, spark plugs blowing that often that regularly is certainly cause for them to do more investigation. (I haven't, but you can do a quick google to see if your model has spark plug issues). On the other hand, even if you do, it wouldn't be reasonable for anyone to keep years and years of petrol receipts.

    Edit: Since it is a quick google: https://www.google.com.au/search?q=hyundai+veloster+turbo+sp…

    Here's a few threads (overseas, so may not be exact same model) that says it might be a turbo/fuel-injector issue that messes with the spark plugs.

    http://www.veloster.org/forum/105-hyundai-veloster-turbo-pro…

    and

    http://www.velosterturbo.org/forum/veloster-turbo-discussion…

    Edit: Also your title is a bit hyperbolic - they just said they need to keep it a bit longer to investigate. That's hardly "disgusting"…

  • StonedWizard on 12/12/2017 - 10:09
    +2

    If contaminated fuel is the issue then the servo can submit a claim for the work.

    OP if the car is driveable try another dealer. I had a very bad experience with one Kia dealer but found another who solved my problem very quickly with minamal effort.

    • Patricka on 12/12/2017 - 10:25
      +1

      They hadn't run any test but said that's what he believes to be the problem and stuck with it. The car is not drivable, unfortunately.

  • [Deactivated] on 12/12/2017 - 10:09
    +1

    It doesn't matter where you buy your fuel it can be contaminated.

    A few years back one of the twin servos on the M4 motorway in Sydney had contaminated fuel. Around 18 months ago a Coles express in Merrylands also had contaminated fuel.

    Spark plugs are usually not covered by warranty as they are a consumable item.

    Drain some fuel leave it in a glass bottle over night and check it in the morning, if it's nice and clear it may still pay to have it analysed.

    • Patricka on 12/12/2017 - 10:26

      Id love to run my own tests but they have the vehicle.

  • Ocker on 12/12/2017 - 10:39
    +8

    In 50 years of motoring I have never heard of the term "blown" spark plugs? Fouled, yes! Worn electrodes, yes - but not "blown" So exactly what is the problem with the plugs?

    • Patricka on 12/12/2017 - 12:19

      Hi Ocker, Sorry probably my fault. Worn electrodes. The car was shaking on idol first time I got it replaced and that's why I knew what it was the second time. Also it would make a slight backfire sound while driving and loss of power

      • ESEMCE on 12/12/2017 - 12:25

        My wife's Kia Cerato shakes a lot at idle.
        It's coming due for service shortly. Will get it checked out.

      • [Deactivated] on 12/12/2017 - 13:31
        +6

        shaking on idol

        cc: [email protected]

        Subject : I discovered your issue

  • Wampus on 12/12/2017 - 10:44
    +4

    Call Hyundai themselves (Not a dealership) and explain what is happening. I had horrible dodgy service from Keystar Hyundai in Morayfield and Hyundai stepped in and corrected it.

    • Patricka on 12/12/2017 - 12:25
      +3

      I have. Boy, are they unreliable! On two occasions they have messaged telling me that they will be in contact with me by the end of the day. Never got a message, took a screenshot and went to post it on their facebook page and they have blocked me from posting on it. I have never been abusive just showcasing my frustration. I think that they didn't want everyone to see what kind of system they were running.

      • HighAndDry on 12/12/2017 - 13:34
        +2

        took a screenshot and went to post it on their facebook page and they have blocked me from posting on it.

        Ok, THAT is ridiculous. Go talk to Hyundai corporate - the company seems to be making a big push into the Australian market, pretty sure they'd look not so kindly on this kind of behaviour. Presumably it's the dealer's FB, and not Hyundai itself?

  • Looking4Bargians on 12/12/2017 - 11:34
    +1

    If you don't mind it, can you please tell us the name of the dealer?

    • HighAndDry on 12/12/2017 - 11:38
      +2

      OP linked above to Essendon Hyundai: Hyundai Dealer Essendon VIC.

    • Patricka on 12/12/2017 - 12:16
      +1

      Hi Ozboy, my dealership is Hyundai essendon

      • Roney on 13/12/2017 - 19:06

        Hooray for the name shame. Their inexcusable service certainly needs to be alerted to wider circle of car buyers. I hope this forum can get you a positive outcome.

  • Cluster on 12/12/2017 - 11:37
    +12

    If the spark plugs are being fouled and 'blown' so regularly now I suspect another problem is causing the issue.

    Standard operating procedure for dealer mechanics:

    1. Plug it into the computer. If computer says everything is okay then there's no problem. Give back to customer.
    2. If problem persists but computer says all is fine, blame the user. Bad fuel or 'you're not driving it right' are common.
    3. Problem still persists. Delay, until customers gets sick of you and leaves.
    4. Problem solved!
    • tassieeagle on 12/12/2017 - 13:32

      I'll tell you what, bring it in and we'll have a look at it!

    • tassieeagle on 12/12/2017 - 13:33

      Top model that, never had any problems. Nope, top of the line

      • pegaxs on 13/12/2017 - 08:51

        Right out of the service advisor’s hand book…

        "nope, never seen this problem in this model before…"
        "first time I've seen this…"
        "Yeah, that never happens…"

  • Lando on 12/12/2017 - 11:54
    -7

    Why buy such a crap car?

    Buy a mazda as your next car. They're getting rid of spark plugs in all their skyactive-x models from 2018 onwards.

    • Patricka on 12/12/2017 - 12:21
      +1

      i Would definitely recommend Mazda as my mother has purchased one, and are extremely reliable. You can feel the better over build of the car

    • ESEMCE on 12/12/2017 - 12:23
      +8

      Incorrect.. Skyactive-x is a spark assisted HCCI, spark ignition cold start and under load, Compression Ignition in cruise.
      Plus it's 1st generation tech.. There will almost undoubtedly be issues that arise.

      • Patricka on 12/12/2017 - 12:27
        +1

        Knowledge

      • HighAndDry on 12/12/2017 - 13:35

        Plus it's 1st generation tech..

        This.

        It's amazing technology and I think one of the few major advances in ICE technology in a while, but it is first-gen, and I'd rather others be the guinea pigs first.

  • [Deactivated] on 12/12/2017 - 12:03
    +8

    stand in the dealership and let every customer that comes in know you're still waiting for them to fix your car after two weeks

    • Patricka on 12/12/2017 - 12:16

      Really Considering it

  • misterpotatomato on 12/12/2017 - 13:00
    +10

    I'm not a lawyer, but:

    https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/health-home-car/motor-cars

    *Repairs, replacements and refunds for cars

    If you discover a problem that fails one or more of the consumer guarantees, you may be entitled to a repair, replacement or refund. You can go back to the salesperson and explain the problem. The seller must assist you and cannot tell you to contact the manufacturer.*

    These are your consumer rights.

    *Since 1 January 2011, the following consumer guarantees on products and services apply.

    Products must be of acceptable quality, that is:

    safe, lasting, with no faults
    look acceptable
    do all the things someone would normally expect them to do.
    Acceptable quality takes into account what would normally be expected for the type of product and cost.*

    So call them, and tell them that under the Australian Consumer Law, the sparkplugs in the car must be of acceptable quality. If they can prove that the fuel is fouled and have the relevant test results to show it, then by all means you should pay for it. But a reasonable person would expect their spark plugs to last more than yours are.

    Remind the dealer than underneath the ACL it is your choice what you choose (refund, repair, replacement) as it is a major failure as you would not have bought the car had you known the sparkplugs would blow this often. Give them a deadline (I want this sorted by Wednesday next week) otherwise you will complain to the ACCC about their failure to obey the law under the ACL. Depending on how you interpret the ACL, you could claim you are actually entitled to a refund of the car as it has a major problem, and the choice of what you want (repair, replacement, refund) is up to you.

    I have used this in the past, it works well most of the time.

  • Candour on 13/12/2017 - 08:27

    write to john cadogan who blasts car dealers/manufacturers if they fall short. he will give you the facts even if his tone is not genteel self-serving mainstream journalist-speak.

    • ESEMCE on 13/12/2017 - 12:26

      Not a fan of his attitude or language (it's just embarrassing) but I am a fan of his objectivity and engineering knowledge.

      • HighAndDry on 13/12/2017 - 14:47

        What are you talking about, the guy's hilarious!

        • ESEMCE on 13/12/2017 - 15:18

          He's hamming it up for "ratings", mildly amusing the first few times and then it's just boring (MURICAN and talking about COCKs were never comedy gold).
          He should leave the "comedy" for "What the FAQ" episodes and straighten up a bit on the factual ones.

  • rigby75 on 13/12/2017 - 12:49

    When the plugs where chsnged the first time was the bad fuel issue fixed? Ie drain and clean the tank lines flushed or replaced and filter replaced?
    Is fuel always purchased from the same coles or different ones?

    • Patricka on 13/12/2017 - 13:58
      +2

      The first time the spark plugs needed replacing, they said they had just stuffed up. The second time they blamed it on the fuel. Yes the fuel is always purchased from the same fuel station, also my whole family fill up at the same one and no one else have had any issues.

  • SPCTRE on 13/12/2017 - 23:57

    Has OP modded the car by any chance? Running more boost etc

    • tonyjzx on 15/12/2017 - 16:26

      does this guy sound like hes capable of that?

      idol???

      give the guy the benefit of the doubt

      also i'm kind of shocked that 4 spark plugs on a DOHC inline 4 costs $410 to replace… that's $100+ per plug

      I mean gimme a break here.

      cover off, pull coils, remove plugs, thanks $100 per

      • SPCTRE on 15/12/2017 - 19:24
        +1

        That's true $100/spark is drug money 😂
        They made a ripping for 5mins work

        • tonyjzx on 19/12/2017 - 13:19

          If your car is a V6 or V8 or a car w. twin turbos that obscures the plug in some way then yes, I can see $100 but in a DOHC inline… taking the piss

  • PVA on 15/12/2017 - 16:30

    It doesn't matter whether you buy 91, e10, 98 fuel or who from, it can be contaminated.

  • [Deactivated] on 15/12/2017 - 16:32
    -5

    It's a budget car from near the bottom of the pile, while they did treat your poorly, you're not going to get the same service as you would at Mercedes for example.

  • 8200 on 12/01/2018 - 22:20

    Never liked korean cars, never will, Japper all the way

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