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Hyundai has reached a class action lawsuit settlement over subframe corrosion in some of its vehicles. If you currently own or lease one of the following Hyundai vehicles in the United States, you may be able to receive a free inspection, repair or reimbursement from the Hyundai settlement:
2001-2003 Hyundai Elantra made from June 30, 2000 to May 26, 2003
2001-2003 Hyundai Santa Fe made from March 31, 2000 to June 3, 2003
1999-2004 Hyundai Sonata made from September 15, 1998 to November 20, 2003
2003 Hyundai Tiburon made from October 26, 2001 to May 27, 2003
2001-2004 Hyundai XG300/XG350 made from July 13, 2000 to November 20, 2003
The Hyundai class action lawsuit settlement will resolve claims that certain Hyundai vehicles suffered from severe corrosion on their front subframes and certain other suspension parts. The class action lawsuit claimed that the corrosion could cause the subframe or suspension components to fail, possibly leading to suspension failure, wheels falling off, loss of vehicle control and vehicle disablement.
While this lawsuit was going on, Hyundai started a recall and reimbursement program for these vehicles in states where large quantities of salt are used to de-ice roads during the winter months. The plaintiffs in the case, entitled Nicholas Cirulli and Robert D’Elia v. Hyundai Motor Company and Hyundai Motor America, believed Hyundai’s plan was insufficient.
The Hyundai salt corrosion class action settlement will provide certain inspection and repair or replacement services, free of charge, to certain owners and lessees for possible corrosion of certain suspension components, such as front subframes, front lower control arms and rear trailing arms. The class action settlement will also reimburse owners and lessees who paid expenses in the past for replacement of specified parts due to corrosion as long as these expenses have not already been paid by Hyundai.
To participate in the free inspection or repair program under the Hyundai corrosion settlement, you must pre-authorize the inspection via either the settlement website (saltbeltcorrosion.hyundaiusa.com) or by calling (877) 277-0012. If the court approves the settlement in April, Hyundai will begin permitting pre-authorized inspections in May 2011.
If you wish to obtain reimbursement for repairs you previously performed on your vehicle relating to the corrosion problem, you must mail your proof of repair and payment receipt along with a “model reimbursement form” found on the settlement website.
For more information about your rights in the Hyundai Salt Corrosion Class Action Lawsuit Settlement, including more details on how to determine if your car is eligible, go to saltbeltcorrosion.hyundaiusa.com.
Updated February 23rd, 2010
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79 thoughts onHyundai Subframe Corrosion Class Action Settlement
I have a 2005 Hyundai Sonata with rusted sub frame. It was my dad’s car,but he pasted away. So, I inherited it. Because it was my dad’s car,I had it fixed. I was told it would cost $1600 to repair. I agreed. But then, another $500 for shipping the part,and another $400 for labor. Well I already paid $1,000 up front,so I’m stuck. Then, after repair,I was told I would also have to have a front end allignment . Another $60, but ,now I also had to buy 2 front tires,because they were worn out.That’s another $225. Wait, I not done,now I have to replace the front ball joints for who knows how much. What a nightmare. I can’t believe this all started with the rusted sub-frame that SHOULD be paid for by Hyundai. Come on Hyundai, do you think people are going to buy another car from you if you don’t back up your car?
My son was killed in 2019 due to losing control of 2005 Santa fe going 70mph and struck a tree in the median of I-95 South in South Carolina. Months after his death I was told there is a recall on said vehicle VIN # I was wondering if anyone else has had issues with suspension, loss of control or losing ability to do anything …steer, brake, etc. with that yr/make/model of vehicle…
I have a 2005 XG350 subframe rusted out Hyundai will not fix this. They had a recall on the 2004 but not on the 2005 can someone explain this to me.
Check for customer service campaigns, and technical service bulletins. Your year may fall under those as well but those don’t show up on any recall list. I’m going through the same as well. 2008 Santa Fe having suspension problems and decided to have hyandai check to see why they kept occurring. I made a car profile on their myhyandai page and it mentioned something about a service campaign. It said to schedule an appointment to have it checked out… so I did. When I picked it up I was told the interested underside was rusted out and the car is unsafe to drive. Then proceeded to hand me my keys and said have a nice day. No one wants to help so apparently I’m going to have to find out myself what my rights are. Long story short… not many people know about the 2 subclass recalls. I only found them because I was searching. Best of luck!
’05 Sonata here. Just discovered the right side of my front subframe is severely corroded while tracking down an unrelated problem. Of course, my VIN isn’t subject to a recall according to Hyundai. Oddly enough, the right side is fine as best I can tell.
Like many here, I’m old and realize that so is my car, which still looks good, and runs well. When I got it three years ago, I figured it could possibly be the last vehicle I’d ever need. Now it’s likely to end up as a pretty corpse in a auto graveyard.
SAME! Only 60000 miles on it too.
I have a 2003santa fe Hyundai justwas told by my mechanic my right subframe is gone I did not get a recall o. This the car has 1 hundred thousand miles on it it runs great looks great o can not afford another car I em retired and thought this vehicle would out last me
2006 Elantra with 44000 miles. Rotted front subframe engine cradle and rotted rear subframe. They never corrected this problem. Filed a complaint with the NHTSB. DO NOT BUY THIS JUNK!!!!!! Get a Toyota or Subaru!!
Your life and other lives are at stake here. The problem was never resolved correctly. I believe it to be a galvanic corrosion problem the way the subframes are isolated from the chassis and main frame.
There attemp to correct was to spray rust preventer on frame and underside. It was too late by then. Never forced to change the metal used or recall the remaining vehicles affected this. After reading about this company for the past two week I am absolutely discusted. The complaints just go on and on!