Hyundai is a very big brand producing millions of cars every year and exporting them all around the world.
However, many people have a nagging question that has not been answered, “why is Hyundai bad?”
So let’s dive into it.
Why is Hyundai So Bad?
Below are some of the reasons why Hyundai cars are so bad.
1. Engine Problems
Another reason why people consider Hyundai to be a bad car brand is the issues associated with their engines, particularly the engine knock that is common among many of its models.
Engine slap or piston slaps in Hyundai are common occurrences, and the cost of fixing is always on the high side.
Another common problem with the engine of Hyundai is the issue of the jumping timing chain.
In 2022, Hyundai Motor Co, together with Kia Motors’ U.S. units agreed to a record $210 million civil penalty after U.S. auto safety regulators said they failed to recall 1.6 million vehicles for engine issues in a timely fashion.
Same year, over 7 million vehicles were recalled for fire risk.
2. Reliability & Safety Concerns
The number one reason most people buy cars is their reliability and satisfaction. It’s the main reason why a lot of people will continue to buy Toyotas without putting much consideration into other things.
Any car brand that lacks this will have its market share affected and its customer base shrink and that is the biggest problem with Hyundai motors.
Hyundai customers have been complaining over the years about the apparent lack of reliability and having low mileage, especially with models that were produced before 2008.
Since 2010, more than 3,100 Hyundai and Kia vehicles have caught fire, injuring 103 people and killing one, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the government agency investigating both automakers.
These fires may be related to a type of four-cylinder engine used by both automakers.
3. Low-quality Interior
The quality of Hyundai’s interior is lower than that of its major competitors in the market.
Most times interior components appeared more likely to crack, fade or tear as a result of several factors but chief among those factors has to do with the quality of the product and not how flashy it appears to the eye.
However, it is good to note that Hyundai cars especially models produced after 2008 have greater quality and comfortability than the first ones.
However, the quality is still below that of its competitors.
4. Long Wait for Spares Parts
It is ideal that when your car part is defective, you will require a new spare part to replace the faulty one and usually it is easy to get spare parts either online, in the dealership or at any auto market nearest to you depending on the severity of the damages and if your car is still under warranty.
However, for Hyundai, you are not likely going to get your replacement on time.
In many instances as we have seen in the past, some customers ended up waiting for months after full payment before their replaced parts could be provided.
5. Steering Wheel Going Loose
This is a situation where the steering wheel moves, but the wheel is does not move.
This is a common problem with Hyundai cars and the main cause of this common problem is a steering circular shredding inside the steering wheel.
6. Inaccurate EPA Estimate
Customers for years have been complaining that the EPA marketed by Hyundai before they buy it, is different from what they see in reality.
This lower gas mileage problem is much bigger than it appeared to be, because it leads to so many people calculating their expenses as a result of of this error.
7. Dashboard Sensor Malfunctioning
The dashboard is another area that needed urgent revamping by Hyundai motors.
Sometimes the dashboard sensor gives customers wrong information like the percentage of fuel shown being higher than what it is really is.
Imagine you are driving and your Hyundai stopped suddenly because the fuel has been exhausted while your car is telling you that you have sufficient fuel.
8. History
Many people consider Hyundai to be bad not because they used Hyundai in the past, but because of their historical issues of the past.
Although their production has improved over the years, people still look at them different because of the experiences they’ve had with them or what they’ve heard about them.
9. After-market Depreciation
Many people consider Hyundai as bad because it lacks after-market value if you compare it to other car brands.
Hyundai is expensive to own or to maintain, but when you want to buy it from the second-hand market, you will be responsible for what you see and the prices will always drastically drop in the meantime.
If you don’t mind the after-market price, you can’t go ahead and get yourself a very sound Hyundai at a very cheap rate.
10. Airbag Light Issues
Another reason why Hyundai is labelled bad is because of how their airbag lights keep going on and off without any possible reason.
Hyundai has initiated several calls to update the software to fix the issue.
Conclusion
Hyundai cars are really bad for a couple of reasons. While some owners have had really good experiences with them, others have reported terrible experiences.
Some of the common issues associated with Hyundai include:
- Engine problems
- Reliability and safety concerns
- Long wait for spares
- Low-quality interior
- The steering wheel is loose
- Inaccurate EPA estimate
- Engine knock
- Dashboard sensor malfunctioning
- Ridiculous prices
- Lack of guarantee( that defective part will not cause the same issue of replacement)
- History
- Market depreciation
- Airbag reliability