Hyundai class action alleges Nexo hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have defects

Hyundai class action lawsuit overview:

• Who: Stacy Ross filed a class action lawsuit against Hyundai Motor America Inc., FirstElement Fuel Inc. and California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
• Why: Ross claims Hyundai and FirstElement misrepresented the capabilities of the Hyundai Nexo hydrogen fuel cell vehicle and its supporting infrastructure, while Newsom allocated taxpayer funds to support the allegedly faulty infrastructure.
• Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in California federal court.

A new class action lawsuit claims Hyundai misrepresented the capabilities of its Nexo hydrogen fuel cell vehicle and supporting infrastructure. 

Plaintiff Stacy Ross’ class action lawsuit claims Hyundai marketed the Nexo as a practical zero-emissions vehicle while concealing critical limitations, including an inadequate service network, unreliable fueling infrastructure and persistent safety defects.

Ross further argues Hyundai and co-defendant FirstElement Fuel Inc. perpetuated a system that consistently fails consumers while continuing to market and sell vehicles they know cannot be practically operated.

“The unreliability of the fueling infrastructure has left Plaintiff trapped in a cycle of disappointment and helplessness, unable to rely on her own vehicle in a state where personal transportation is essential,” the class action says.

Ross wants to represent a California class of consumers who purchased or leased a new or used Hyundai Nexo vehicle within four years prior to the filing of the class action lawsuit.

Hyundai failed to disclose hydrogen vehicle’s limitations, class action claims

Ross argues California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a co-defendant in the lawsuit, allocated substantial taxpayer funds to support the allegedly failing infrastructure despite evidence of its commercial non-viability and environmental harm.

Hyundai, meanwhile, failed to disclose numerous material facts about the Nexo, including that its tank never fully fills up, hydrogen stations are non-operational more often than not and that only specially certified technicians at three dealerships in California can service the vehicle, the class action alleges. 

Ross claims the Nexo has also been plagued by substantial defects that impair its use, value and safety, such as a faulty parking sensor system that deactivates without warning and a GPS navigation system that routinely malfunctions.

“Despite these widespread issues, Hyundai continues to sell the Nexo while knowing that fuel stations are closing, and the infrastructure cannot support the vehicle’s basic operation,” the class action alleges.

Ross claims Hyundai and FirstElement are guilty of fraud, breach of express and implied warranty, false advertising, negligence, and violations of California consumer protection laws.

The plaintiff demands a jury trial and requests declaratory and injunctive relief and an award of compensatory, statutory and punitive damages for herself and all class members.

A pair of consumers filed a similar class action lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia earlier this year over claims the automakers sold vehicles with defective fuel systems.

Did you purchase or lease a Hyundai Nexo hydrogen fuel cell vehicle? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiff is represented by Jason M. Ingber and Serach B. Shafa of Ingber Law Group.

The Hyundai class action lawsuit is Ross, et al. v. Hyundai Motor America Inc., et al., Case No. 2:25-cv-01480, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

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