Hyundai Extends 10-Year Paint Warranty Over Peeling Complaints

Hyundai is extending the paint warranty for several of its vehicles after receiving consumer complaints about paint peeling and bubbling, particularly on white cars.

The company announced on July 11 that it will expand paint coverage for certain models finished in white or white pearl, addressing reports of flaking and blistering on factory-applied paint. The update applies to seven models across various years.

Under the new policy, the paint warranty will be extended from the previous 3 years or 36,000 miles to 10 years with no mileage limit. The warranty applies to both original owners and used car buyers.

Models covered under the warranty extension include: 2015–2018 Elantra, 2015–2019 Sonata, 2017–2021 Tucson, 2017–2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe, 2021–2023 Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2020–2023 Palisade, specifically in white or white pearl colors.

The extended warranty only applies to factory-painted surfaces. Repairs for repainting after accidents, flood damage, or structural modifications are excluded from coverage.

Customers who believe their vehicles are affected can contact Hyundai’s customer service center at 800-633-5151 or visit a local dealer to schedule an inspection and determine eligibility.

The move follows a wave of consumer complaints, including a widely viewed December 2023 television segment in which Carrie Francom, a Georgia resident, said the paint on her 2019 Sonata began peeling after just 10,000 miles. She said the paint came off during rain or car washes.

Since then, photos and reports of similar issues have circulated on Facebook groups and the online forum Reddit, where other Hyundai owners have shared experiences of peeling paint on low-mileage vehicles.

BY HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]