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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 2001 Hyundai sonata, I just recently purchased last year, I’d like to know where could I go in North Louisiana to get the service done, or if I even Qualified for this.
I had this repair done in 2013 but lost the bill until now. Will they still honor the reimbursement since i have the paperwork?
I have a 1998 Buick Lesabre with a rusted out sub frame. Is there any thing I can do about it ? I had been driving this car unaware anything was wrong, but it was not steering well and I took it in for a front end alignment and the rusted out frame was found. I could a been killed in this car or some one else could have been killed.
They same with me on my 2002 Hyundai Sonata my subframe rusted out but I called consumer affair and they told me to take it to Hyundai dealer which I am tomorrow and they are gonna look at it and if it’s that repair it free of charge
2005 rotted frame can any one advise me what to do
We also had to replace rear brake lines due to corrosion. I found out the hard way one day out driving and no brakes whatsoever. It’s criminal behaviour putting people in danger. Ive had 3 major issues happen now, due to rust. Just thankful that on all three occasions we have managed to walk away unscathed. Doesn’t give me much confidence in driving the vehicle again though. Thanks.
It’s May 2016 and yestetday my 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe right rear trailing arm collapsed due to rust, and the car fell onto the rear right tire. We were on the highway with my son in the car. Luckily I heard a scratching sound and we managed to pull over and check. The rear trailing arms were recalled and ‘fixed’ in 2009. So seven years on and they’ve rusted so badly that the car fell off its suspension frame. I’ve been in touch with Hyundai and they claim that because they complied with the recall that they will more than likely not reimburse us. Just wondering if anyone has any ideas or information? Seems criminal to me.
Both my Hyundai 2002 Sonata and 2002 XG350 had rear brake lines rusted through causing brake failures. We were fortunate that they both gave out within 4 miles of my home. My daughter was able to drive the Sonata back to the house using her emergency brake and pumping brake pedal. My XG350 rear brake lines gave out as I was driving into local Auto repair shop I had appointment for oil change. The cost was just under $500 for both repairs. This was additional to the replacement of rear Strut assemblies earlier on both vehicles. This week, I just had mechanic check car and sub-frame was rusted out. Had no choice but to authorize repair. Totaling about $1200. Now I suspect same issue with the XG350 since I am hearing rattle noises from rear. Does anyone know if this class action suit and refunds for repairs are still being covered by Hyundai, Inc?
My 2005 Sonata just failed inspection today, front sub-frame rusted out. I found out there was a recall up to 2004. The 2005 model was the same as 2004. The model didn’t change till 2006. I called Hyundai and they basically gave me the run around and said there was no recall on 2005 models, they wont do anything! How can they get away with these safety issues?
My 2005 Sonata subframe collapsed last night, car is not safely driveable. As you noted, 2005 was the last year of this style. We were shut down by Hyundai corporate, they stated the 2005’s were built in a different location with different materials than the earlier models. Anyone else?
Mapel Hill Huyndai. Kalalmazoo Mi. I knew they were going to weasel their way out of fixing the sub frame on my 02 sonata.They say the sub frame is bad but not because of the recall issue. They want $1200.00. I was sold on the kia hyndai brand.With crap like this i could have just but a ford instead.