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Hyundai’s popular and high-end Palisade SE, SEL, and Limited emit such a strong, foul smell in the cabin it makes some passengers nauseous, a new class action lawsuit claims.
The nationwide class action lawsuit was filed in Minnesota on April 27 by lead Plaintiffs Richard Stucki and Travis Tharpe, who allege that Hyundai continues to install the cars with foul smelling trim and leather seats, despite knowing about the odor issues.
They also say that the car company has failed or refused to provide any permanent solutions to consumers, instead instructing customers to use Febreeze in their cabins.
“In a word, the Palisade stinks,” the class action lawsuit states.
“Some owners cannot drive their vehicles because the smell is so strong it makes them or their passengers nauseous. Other owners, while able to drive the vehicle, have experienced the inconvenience or even embarrassment of driving a brand new car that smells, variously described as rotten seaweed, garbage, garlic, rotten produce, or, in some descriptions, like ‘****’,” the claim states.
The Palisade’s retail price starts at $33,515 and they are marketed as the “the ultimate family vehicle for practical, comfortable daily use and memory making road trips whenever the appeal of the open road should beckon.”
However, the claim says that the vehicles do not hold up to what Hyundai promises, warrants, and discloses to consumers.
Stucki, a Minnesota resident, bought his new Hyundai Palisade Limited AWD in May 2020. He said that he believed that the car would not only be a safe and reliable vehicle, but at its premium price, would be of a quality associated with comparable luxury lines.
However, after only a few hundred miles, Stucki and his wife began to notice a strong foul odor after the Palisade sat in their garage overnight or when it was parked in a sunny location, according to the claim.
In July, he took the car to the dealer who denied the smell, the claim states. He subsequently reported the issue to Hyundai’s customer service. Between July and November he repeatedly tried to contact Hyundai for a resolution, but was told the company was unaware of the issue – despite numerous complaints online, the class action lawsuit states. He still has received no help from the company, the class action alleges.
Tharpe, who lives in Georgia, had a similar experience, purchasing his new Palisade in February 2020.
“Shortly after taking possession of his Palisade, Tharpe smelled a foul odor emanating from inside the vehicle,” the claim says.
Tharpe was also unsuccessful in securing any solution from Hyundai’s customer service and his vehicle is still defective, according to the class action lawsuit.
Some customers describe the smell as “really bad breath,” a “garlicky smell,” “hot garbage,” a “weird greasy electrical odor of sorts,” and “like old worn socks,” the claim explains. However, Hyundai is yet to issue a recall or buyback program, despite the known defect.
In October 2020, the company issued a Technical Service Bulletin telling consumers to use basic household cleaning materials, such as Febreze. “This did not fix the defect,” the claim says.
Stucki and Tharpe want to represent anyone in the country that purchased or leased a Hyundai Palisade beginning with model year 2020, primarily for personal use, and not for resale. They are suing for breach of warranty, violation of state consumer and trade laws, unjust enrichment, concealment, and negligent misrepresentation.
They seek certification of the Class, damages, restitution, disgorgement, fees, and a jury trial.
The smelly cabin isn’t the only issue facing Hyundai vehicles. In December, Hyundai had to recall approximately 130,000 vehicles for stalling and engine fires, in connection with a vehicle defect involving engine failures.
Do you own a Hyundai Palisade? Have you noticed any foul odors in the cabin? Let us know in the comments section!
The vehicle owners are represented by Anne T. Regan, Nathan D. Prosser, and Brian W. Nelson of Hellmuth & Johnson.
The Hyundai Smelly Cabin Class Action Lawsuit is Stucki, et al. v. Hyundai Motor America, Inc., Case No. 0:21-cv-01085, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.
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34 thoughts onHyundai’s ‘Memory Making’ Palisade Leaves Drivers With Memories of Rotten Seaweed and Trash, Class Action Alleges
Add me to the list. Absolutely awful smell in my 2020 Hyundai palisade
Please add me to the list. 2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited owner. The dealership has sprayed neutralizer in the seat cavity and replaced 4 headrests and it still stinks at times.