Why Hyundai Is Bad | Top Reasons to Avoid Their Cars

As of 2024, Hyundai holds the 6th-largest share in the global automobile market. The company is widely popular and known for launching top-quality models. So, why is it considered a bad car?

Some owners claim that Hyundai vehicles are less quality than other brands and can have engine or gearbox issues. Others believe that Hyundai vehicles quickly lose value, making them a poor investment. 

Some models have safety concerns or problems with their technological features. In this article, we will conclude why Hyundai is considered a bad car even if it provides affordable vehicles.

The Journey of Hyundai

Hyundai is a South Korean car manufacturer that has grown to be one of the world’s largest. Founded in 1967, Hyundai manufactures a wide range of cars, including affordable small cars, premium sedans, and SUVs. 

The brand prioritizes price, modern design, and technological innovations. Hyundai has expanded worldwide, with factories in several countries and a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia. While it has competitive pricing and extended warranties, some buyers are concerned about the reliability and overall car quality compared to other models.

8 Reasons Why Hyundai Is Bad

Some of the primary reasons why Hyundai is a bad option for car enthusiasts are:

Lack of Reliability and Durability

Hyundai has received many complaints regarding reliability. Most models suffer from engine and transmission issues, and some have developed severe mechanical breakdowns, like engine seizures and transmission failure. 

These problems tend to result in expensive repairs and frustration for the owners. Hyundai lags behind in durability and reliability compared to other brands such as Toyota and Honda.

Low Resale Value

The one big disadvantage of having a Hyundai is its depreciation. Hyundai vehicles depreciate faster than its rivals such as Toyota, Honda, or even Ford. This shows that if you resell or trade-in your Hyundai, you will receive a lot less cash compared to other models. The lower resale value makes Hyundai a poor investment for customers who desire a vehicle that will retain its value over the years.

Usual Safety Problems and Recalls

Do Hyundai’s break down a lot? Short answer is Yes! Hyundai has a record of serious safety issues and repeated recalls. Some of its models have been recalled because of engine fires and airbag malfunctions. For example, Hyundai recalled thousands of cars due to a manufacturing flaw that could lead to engine fires. 

These safety issues endanger drivers and passengers, and repeated recalls question the quality of the company’s manufacturing process and safety testing protocols.

Cheap Materials and Poor Build Quality

Many Hyundai cars are made with lesser-quality materials than their counterparts. The interiors have plastic parts that deteriorate immediately, and the outside paint tends to chip or discolor easily. 

After several years of ownership, some Hyundai car owners have complained of rattling sounds and low craftsmanship. This low quality makes Hyundai vehicles less attractive for long-term ownership.

Inactive Customer Service and Warranty Problems

Hyundai promotes an extended warranty of up to 10 years or 100,000 miles of coverage. However, many customers report issues in getting Hyundai to cover these warranties. Some have complained about dealerships refusing to cover repairs, claiming that the issues are due to “wear and tear” rather than manufacturing defects. 

Additionally, Hyundai’s customer service has been criticized for being slow and unwilling to take responsibility for known vehicle defects.

Unimpressive Driving Experience

Hyundai cars are commonly criticized for lacking driving passion. Most models have sluggish acceleration and bad handling, which makes them less entertaining to drive. 

Although Hyundai cars are comfortable to drive around town, they lack the sporty or engaging driving experience provided by competitors such as Mazda or Volkswagen. Some drivers also experience excessive road noise, poor suspension, and instability at higher speeds.

Exaggerated Fuel Economy Claims

Hyundai has also been accused of overstating fuel efficiency. In some areas, Hyundai promoted more miles per gallon (MPG) than actual drivers saw under real-world driving circumstances. 

This false advertisement has resulted in lawsuits and lost customer trust. If fuel economy is a number-one concern, Hyundai will not be the preferred brand with some models not holding up to the advertised efficiency.

Poor Performance Under Extreme Weather Conditions

Hyundai cars are not known for performing well in bad weather conditions. Most models lack traction and stability on snowy or icy roads. Hyundai’s all-wheel-drive system is not as good as that of Subaru or Audi, so it is less capable of handling winter driving conditions. 

A Hyundai will not give the same safety and control if you live in a region with heavy snow or rugged terrain.

Conclusion

While Hyundai cars are affordable and feature-rich, they have many negatives, leading people to wonder, “Do Hyundais have a lot of problems?” The brand’s history of recalls and driving experience makes it less appealing for many car buyers. If you want a reliable and high-quality car, other brands such as Toyota or Subaru will be better.

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