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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.
Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:
34 thoughts onHyundai’s ‘Memory Making’ Palisade Leaves Drivers With Memories of Rotten Seaweed and Trash, Class Action Alleges
We have a 2020 Limited. We have just been using Febreeze auto freshners to mask the odors. Never occurred to me that it was not just an isolated issue. Please add us.
I have this smell in my 2021 Limited. Contacted corporate and they said they were aware of problem and then dealer got a TSB for potential fix. Had the first 2 deodorizer actions done, but now that it is getting warmer, the smell has returned. 3rd step is to have headrests replaced. Why couldn’t they do that first? Not too happy!
Please add me
Purchased vehicle January 2020. Went to dealer several times during 2020 AND have case numbers from contacting Hyundai directly. Hyundai stated they were aware of problem, but never contacted me when they thought they had a fix. Have had to leave windows open while driving and parking overnight. Have sprayed with Febreeze, tried charcoal briquettes, etc. Nothing eliminates smell. Saw dealer in February, they claim they were unaware of problem. Contacted two dealers this week and was told the same. However, Hyundai wrote me and told me there is a fix and I should contact dealer. I am going in circles. We also have the window noise issue. After a year of repeatedly talking to the dealer and writing to Hyundai, a recall has finally been issued in March 2021. Sadly, the dealer cannot give me an appointment for another 7 weeks. A long time to wait when you get physically ill every time you get in your car. Please add me to your lawsuit. By the way, even if they can eliminate the odor, does anyone know if these emissions are poisoning us?
yes add me, I purchased one in December and have noticed this smell. I have looked for the smell and had my car cleaned several times and put items in it to mask the smell. My 5 year old granddaughter has even noticed the smell. I also had my windshield crack right after I purchased it and it went from a small pebble crack to a large crack across the whole window. I was told this has happened to others and contaced the dealer and was told it was not covered. it only had 500 miles on it.
We have a 2020 Palisade and are very happy with it . Please elaborate what this means .
PLEASE ADD ME
Please add me. My car wreaks
Add me
please add me