DON'T BUY A HYUNDAI. Here are my version of the events:
I bought my son a Hyundai Santa Fe for $17,500 (all in) just two years ago in 2023. The first year (2024), we had an engine issue, so we took it to our honest mechanic to fix. He said there was a known issue with the engine (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNCju7ZX5Xg) that was not disclosed during the purchase, and we should go to McDonald for assistance with getting the engine fixed. We took the Santa Fe to McDonald Hyundai, and they fixed the issue; however, they said to bring it to them to submit for the recall if the issue persists. FYI - the issue relates to acceleration.
When the issue reoccurred last month, we took it back to McDonald Hyundai. They submitted the recall request to Hyundai, and they denied it because Carfax didn't have oil change records from the previous owner from 2017-2019. I appealed to Hyundai that not all car owners use a Carfax oil provider, but they denied it without discussion. What's WORSE is that McDonald Hyundai sold me the car 4 years after the last 'delinquent' oil change, and they are throwing their hands up that this is a Hyundai issue. Well, your name is MCDONALD HYUNDAI. Also, they said "we don't inspect used car engines" for issues. Excuse me? If I sold a $10 microwave on Facebook Marketplace, the buyer would expect to receive a working product.
I went to McDonald Hyundai for remediation, and they said they would "work with me to make this right". Their version of "working with me" consisted of a one-time offer of $1,500 to send the car to auction. They also quoted me $7,100 for a new engine.
Adding insult to injury, I also purchased a used Honda Accord on the same day in 2023 from McDonald, so I paid them $35k for two cars.
I emailed their Service Manager for a resolution. My proposed resolution was a 50/50 split of the $7,100 engine replacement, but senior management stated "we will not be assisting with any level of participation."
There are two truths I have observed:
1. Hyundai is a foreign business, with no controls, and no one can rely on them to do the right thing.
2. Doug and Michael McDonald do NOT operate a dealership that's consistent with their stated values of "Buying a vehicle is more than just a transaction. It's a relationship." and "Doing right comes naturally".
I hope no one has to deal with Hyundai or McDonald Hyundai in the future. They are dishonest, cowardly, and NOT interested in anything more than the financial transaction. Another example why car dealerships need to go to a different pricing model. Otherwise, it's just a shell game, and the customer is always the loser.
PS - Hyundai corporate was so cocky, they actually gave me the link to the Better Business Bureau and said this is my only recourse. Upon reviewing McDonald Hyundai's BBB site, they have a cumulative D- rating. read more