Quebec City, Quebec — Hyundai Elantra owners in Quebec have filed a lawsuit against the OEM seeking compensation for paint degradation damages.
The class action was filed May 1 by Lambert Avocats, on behalf of Michel Allard and other drivers who purchased or leased a white or pearl-white Hyundai Elantra on a long-term basis and experienced paint degradation issues.
Allard purchased a “perfect condition” white 2017 Elantra in June 2019. Three months after purchase, Allard noticed peeling paint on the hood of the vehicle. He approached the dealer, who covered the repair—but the same problem occurred in the summer of 2022, this time on the left front fender and the roof of the vehicle. This time, Allard’s dealer said he would not cover the repairs because the warranty was expired.
Repairs for Allard’s Elantra were estimated at $4,581.52. The presence of rust was also noted.
While his vehicle was being estimated, Allard rented the exact same car, a white 2017 Hyundai Elantra, which he claims “also had paint degradation issues, particularly on the front hood of the vehicle.”
Then, Allard learned of a Facebook group of more than 300 Elantra owners facing the same issues.
The class action lawsuit seeks compensation for the repair of the Facebook group members’ vehicles as a result of paint degradation, in addition to damages and punitive damages. An amount has not been specified.
A similar lawsuit, wherein Honda owners complained of paint degradation on 2006 to 2013 Civics and 2006 to 2011 Acura CSX sedans, was settled last year, where the OEM was ordered to pay up to $27 million to compensate vehicle owners in Quebec. In that case, each owner could receive up to $2,675.
