Following a class action lawsuit against Hyundai for allegedly collecting personal data, such as drivers' habits, via a smart connection app without the consent of vehicle owners (as reported on page A1 of our August 5th issue), the company now faces another class action lawsuit. This time, the suit alleges that Hyundai failed to properly repair a defect in the vehicle's towing aid, causing damage to customers.

A Maryland woman who purchased a Hyundai Palisade in Texas and a Missouri man who bought the same vehicle in Missouri filed a class action lawsuit on July 30th in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The plaintiffs claim that despite discovering a defect in the vehicle's towing hitch that could potentially cause a fire, Hyundai failed to provide adequate repairs and compensation, resulting in damage to Palisade owners in Texas and Missouri.

According to the Ledbetter Law Firm in Orange County, which is representing the plaintiffs, Hyundai began selling the 2019-2023 Palisade models in 2019, promoting them as vehicles capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds. The plaintiffs purchased towing hitches, costing between $475 and $750, and wiring harness modules required for the towed vehicle's signal and brake lights. In August 2022, Hyundai acknowledged the issue raised by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that dust or moisture in the towing hitch could cause electrical circuit problems, potentially leading to a fire, and issued a recall for the Palisade vehicles.

However, the plaintiffs argue in their complaint that while Hyundai dealers initially took temporary measures, such as cutting the fuse, this caused the turn signals and brake lights to stop working, rendering the Palisade's towing hitch useless and defeating the purpose for which they purchased the vehicle. Additionally, although Hyundai announced in May 2023 that the towing aid could be permanently repaired, dealers reportedly informed vehicle owners that no replacement parts were available.

The plaintiffs, who have requested a jury trial, assert that Hyundai's failure to repair the towing aid constitutes a breach of express or implied warranty contracts, allowing Hyundai to unjustly profit. They are seeking compensation for their damages.

<By Sehee Roh (Reporter)>