this post was submitted on 28 Jul 2023
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Cars - For Car Enthusiasts

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My car got stolen 2 months ago - yep, a Hyundai - and was recovered with the obvious damage to the steering column. I took it in for repair and that security upgrade (I didn't know about it before) but between not returning and calls and trying to charge me $680 to repair the airbag spring THEY broke, they've miserable to deal with.

I got my car back last week and everything seemed fine but I didn't think to check my remote start... and last night I learned that it now set off my alarm.

I had it installed at the dealership when I bought it in 2019 but they didn't offer a Hyundai remote start as a package option so they put in a Viper system. I called them today and was told that third party starters were not their problem to fix.

I've left a message with my insurance agent because (weirdly) he's the only person involved I trust anymore and looking for answers online leads me to believe Hyundai will NOT fix it. I didn't see any success stories.

So I'm here to ask: How can I get Hyundai to do something about this? Do I have any recourse here legally? Or is this something I, a tech-savvy but not car-savvy guy could fix himself?

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[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I had the exact same thing happen, just with a 2014 Hyundai. Only aftermarket remote starts were available when I bought the car, so that's what was installed at the dealer. Took it in for a recall repair 3 years later and the remote start was broken when I picked the car up.

Contacted multiple dealerships and they wouldn't touch it since it's aftermarket (despite being installed at a dealer). The shop that did the recall repair flat out said I couldn't prove it was their work that broke it so they're not responsible. My only option was to take it to a local shop that does that type of work. Audio install and aftermarket mod shops were the best bet.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

This is about the response that can be expected unfortunately. Lots of dealers don’t even like touching accessories from the manufacturer. They just want easy stuff.

[–] glimse 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

They're sure happy to sell it, though.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

In the end dealers exist to make money. Which is unfortunate for us since finding a great mechanic that puts your needs and service over hitting you with the biggest invoice they can is difficult these days.

Being a mechanic just doesn’t pay great. We’re seeing lots of great techs leave the field for other things because of the low pay and terrible treatment. If the dealer treats you bad, imagine working there.

But to get back to your question, have you contacted Hyundai corporate? If you give them all the pertinent details there might be someone there that cares enough to light a fire under the dealers ass.

[–] glimse 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

The mechanic I used my whole life unfortunately passed away a few years ago...he was the best. Always had my back, wouldn't let me buy a used car unless the seller agreed to let him look at it.

But I have no sympathy for this particular dealership anymore. When I refused to take the car without fixing the spring, they said I could negotiate with my insurance and sent me a quote for $1200 - $680 for the spring repair and then a bunch of services I didn't ask for.

If I hired painters and they broke a window, I'd expect them to pay for it, too

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

I’m sorry to hear that. He was definitely one of the few out there.

But yea I agree with your argument against the dealer. They’re just hoping you go away. If you’re loud and persistent enough it should be fixed by then. Especially if your adjuster starts to flex their legal department.

It’s quite possible the dealer will sub contract it out if they do take the repair job.

[–] glimse 2 points 1 year ago

The shop that did the recall repair flat out said I couldn't prove it was their work that broke it

They said the same thing to me with the airbag spring! So scummy. I'm hoping my insurance guy comes back saying that it's absolutely covered but I'm not holding my breath.

Between this and the Lyft rides I've had to take, this has been an expensive experience. I've had 3 Hyundais but I'm thinking this will be the last.