This was my original thinking as well. However, I'm now hearing stories (taken with a grain of salt) that Hyundai is relying on the software diagnostic as a remedy for Recall 200 rather than changing all the batteries. If true, they that means they are now taking GMs lead in dealing with this issue. I'm so glad I decided on perusing the buyback option.
Jamas, that's great if the buy-back option is still available to you. However, I think Hyundai is already closing that option to anyone else.
I had asked for a buy-back from Hyundai corporate in May 2021. My car was purchased in Los Angeles, California.
This is the 'Determination' Letter which I got from Hyundai a few days ago:
"Thank you for contacting Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”). We have reviewed your vehicle’s repair history and evaluated your request. Based on our investigation of the repair history to date, we have determined that repurchase is not warranted under the California Lemon Law. A fix for recall 200 is now available. You will be contacted by one of our representatives to make an appointment to have recall 200 completed.
To the extent you disagree with our evaluation, if there is any additional or new information that you would like us to consider, such as photographs, videos, or another repair order, we are willing to reevaluate this matter upon receipt of those materials.
Please note that any remaining terms of your vehicle’s limited warranties as set forth in the Owner’s Handbook and Warranty Information continue to apply.
We would also like to take this opportunity to remind you that you may take advantage of the following alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”) program provided by HMA:
BBB AUTO LINE
BBB National Programs, Inc.
1676 International Drive, Suite 550
McLean, VA 22102
1-800-955-5100
The BBB AUTO LINE program, which performs arbitration services on disputes such as this one, is provided at no cost to you, and is part of HMA’s effort to provide an impartial third-party organization to equitably resolve concerns such as yours. To begin the ADR process, simply call the BBB National Programs at the number listed above and you will be sent a Customer Claim Form, along with a handbook describing how BBB AUTO LINE works. A decision is ordinarily rendered within forty (40) days of AUTO LINE’s receipt of a properly completed Customer Claim Form. BBB would then mail you a copy of the arbitrator’s decision and, if accepted by you, Hyundai would be required to comply with the decision of the arbitrator within certain time limitations. BBB would, thereafter, verify that the arbitrator’s decision had been completed. Again, this service is offered to you at no cost and if you do not agree with the BBB’s decision, it is not binding on you, but any BBB decision in your favor is binding on HMA should you choose to accept it.
Please contact me if you have any questions. You can reach me directly by phone at (833) 462-8722 (ext: 65073) or through HMA’s website at
https://owners.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/contact-us.html."
I am at a point where I am realizing that Hyundai is half-assed in building their cars. I wonder if they even perform quality checks on their products. Everything they do now are retroactive measures to limit their liability on their design flaws. They are also out to cut cost at the expense of their customers.
Let me make an example from recall 200. First, it is a blame game on LG Chem, claiming it is a battery issue on 2019 Kona EVs that catch on fire. This was all due to possible folded anode tabs within the batteries. Their previous recall resorted to software fix to limit battery charge rates. Since they haven't found a solution yet, they are offering buy-backs of the 2019 vehicles.
Fast forward today, it is now only batteries which were manufactured in Nangjing, China that have folded anode tab problems (really?). So, since they have found a 'fix', not all batteries need to be replaced. Not only that. Since they have a 'fix' for recall 200 (which is another software patch) they are closing the window for any buy-backs of the vehicles. The 'fix' never mentions that we can charge to 100% again, dealers are not sure, but we may not have our batteries replaced, because somehow Hyundai has a secret esoteric way of determining if the batteries in our Kona EVs will have the folded anode tab problem.....
Do I really trust Hyundai now? No. Their cars were never reputable for high quality. Their engineering and design speaks for itself. Their customer service is arbitrary; but mine has not been positive. Their communication with their customers are capricious and opaque.
Jumping from a Kona EV with a potential fire hazard that Hyundai is not really open about to an even more expensive Ioniq 5 that leaks coolant is not the best way to spend your hard earned money IMHO.
After a month of ownership, our State Treasurer announced significant tax relief for new EV buyers starting September. Blindsided me- there was no inkling of it in May when I parted with my hard-earned. In September I would have saved at least $AUD2500 stamp duty (like a contract tax) and possibly another $3000 subsidy. I doubt they'll back pay me, but I'm going to try.
