Status: In progress

Russo v. Hyundai Motor America

The paint and clear coat on Hyundai Genesis vehicles allegedly prematurely weakens and peels off.

  • Deadline to file a claim: TBD
  • Proof of Purchase Required: No
  • Potential Individual Reward: TBD
  • Total Settlement Amount: TBD
  • States Involved

By Jon Styf  |  March 26, 2024

Category: Auto News
A silver Hyundai Genesis on display at a car show, representing the Hyundai class action.
(Photo Credit: Darren Brode/Shutterstock)

Hyundai class action overview: 

  • Who: Plaintiff Gaetano Russo filed a class action against Hyundai Motor America.
  • Why: The Hyundai paint and clear coat on its Genesis vehicles prematurely oxidizes, weakens and peels off, the lawsuit claims.
  • Where: The class action was filed in federal court in New York.

A new Hyundai class action lawsuit claims the paint and clear coat on its Hyundai Genesis line of vehicles prematurely weakens and peels off.

Repair estimates for the paint damage were between $200 and $1,800, the class action says.

“Those who have complained on sites like genesisowners.com and carcomplaints.com have stated that they reported the clear coat/paint damage and related issues to defendant, only to be ignored and have to take care of the damage themselves, with defendant taking little to no responsibility,” the Hyundai paint lawsuit says.

Hyundai sold Genesis vehicles under the Hyundai brand from 2008 to 2016, spinning off Genesis as its own brand. Many Hyundai Genesis owners have chosen to live with the paint defect due to high repair costs, the lawsuit says.

The class action claims the Hyundai paint defect is clearly preventable because other automobiles made with clear coat and paint do not have similar issues.

Oxidation causes Hyundai paint to fade, turn color and peel, class action claims

New Hyundai Genesis vehicles were and continue to be sold at a premium price compared to other vehicles that do not have the same paint issues, the class action claims.

The paint issues are due to premature oxidation that can begin on Genesis vehicles as early as two to three years after rolling off the assembly line.

“Oxidation causes paint to turn dull, become faded, and in the case of light-colored paint, like cream and white, take on a yellow/orange color,” the class action says.

The class seeks to represent Hyundai Genesis owners in New York. The class is asking for monetary damages, costs and expenses along with attorney fees and court costs.

Hyundai recently agreed to a class action lawsuit settlement to resolve claims that some of its vehicles are defective and susceptible to theft. 

Do you own a Hyundai Genesis vehicle? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiff is represented by Spencer Sheehan of Sheehan & Associates PC.

The Hyundai class action lawsuit is Russo v. Hyundai Motor America, Case No. 2:24-cv-01914 , in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Central Islip.


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66 thoughts onHyundai class action alleges Genesis vehicles suffer premature clear coat, paint damage.

  1. Martha Kolbow says:

    I have a 2026 White Genesis GV70, after 6 weeks I have 8 paint chips in my bumper and hood. My salesperson told me that is due to driving conditions and not considered a paint defect. I love the car but totally expected a better-quality paint job and customer service. I am going into the dealership this week to address the issue. If they are not willing to fix the paint, I would love to join this class action suit if it is an option.

  2. Octavia Blake says:

    2012 Hyundai Genesis (white)- getting ready to spend $2500 to fix paint issues

  3. Imran Syed says:

    I have a 2015 genesis 3.8 sedan. The paint is black and for the last 8 years it has fading areas around the bumper and the backside where the plastic parts are painted black are faded and look grayish. The paint was very thin

  4. Denise Sacco says:

    I have a 2023 G70 and just noticed the clear coat is peeling rapidly. What can i do.

    1. Imran Syed says:

      I have a 2015 genesis 3.8 sedan. The paint is black and for the last 8 years it has fading areas around the bumper and the backside where the plastic parts are painted black are faded and look grayish. The paint was very thin

  5. Sharion says:

    2013 Genesis..Love it but I noticed the clear coat leaving and now the gas tank lid is peeled off.

  6. Paul Maimone says:

    I have a 2014 Pearl White Hyundi Genesis. The clear coat on the front and back bumpers and the driver’s side and passanger side rocker panels have been peeling for the last 3 years. The peeling clear coat is embarrassing, and I periodically put a work glove on to rub off the loose peeling clear coat. My dealership has gone out of business so I have just been living with it but wish that something could be done to correct the issue. I take very good care of the car and it only has 93,000 mostly freeway miles on it.

  7. Shawna Voeller says:

    I have a 2019 G70 3.3, at the end of last year I noticed some weird bubbling on my front fenders and hood. It is now peeling, looks terrible. This shouldn’t be happening, the car is not that old. I can’t even complain to my dealership, as it recently closed down. I love my car but the Genesis customer service is so bad, I will never buy another one.

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