Class action lawsuit filed over paint issues on electric Hyundai Kona
Paint issues are quite common with many brands these days. While the Tesla Model 3 had been the subject of a class action for paint problems in the summer of 2020, this time it is the turn of the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai to be the subject of a class action claim. for similar problems on one of its models, the Hyundai Kona Electric.
The class action request was filed at the Montreal Courthouse on November 16 by Ronald Shanks, a resident of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. Mr. Shanks acquired a red and black 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric from the Hyundai West Island dealership in Dorval for $45,212.
A month after taking possession, while washing his vehicle, the owner noticed some paint defects, “some discoloration of the paint” at the top of the door frame. He quickly concludes that what he sees is in fact the primer coat through a thin layer of topcoat insufficient to cover the previous coat and which also appears not to be covered with the anti-chill coating ( Clear).
Following a more in-depth examination, he finds that other sections of the chassis, the door and tailgate hinges, the engine compartment as well as the underside of the hood, in particular, also contain areas of missing paint.
Concerned that the problem might be a symptom of premature onset of corrosion, the owner then successively contacted his dealership and Hyundai Canada in order to obtain redress. During an exchange, Hyundai Canada would have admitted the problem, although it denies its responsibility, mentioning that the problem originated on the Kona electric assembly line.
No recall campaign launched
Mr. Shanks then discovered that several other vehicles appear to have the same problem and mentions that no recall campaign has been launched by Hyundai, although the company is aware of the problem. He then decides to go to court and file a class action suit.
The class action request seeks to include “All natural and legal persons who have purchased or leased on a long-term basis an electric Hyundai Kona brand motor vehicle in which one or more parts of the bodywork have missing or insufficient coats of paint finish. »
Mr. Shanks is claiming for each owner a sum of money corresponding to the amount of work required to repair the damage suffered, he is also asking for an amount of $500 as punitive damages for breach of the obligation to inform.
Owners can find full claim details for the Hyundai Kona Electric in the Class Action Registry.
