Hellmuth & Johnson has announced that clients Richard Stucki and Travis Tharpe have brought a class action against Hyundai Motor America, Inc. due to a foul odor detected in Hyundai’s Palisade SEL and Limited trim models.
According to the complaint, the Palisade SEL and Limited trim models do not hold up to what Hyundai promises to consumers. Shortly after purchasing or leasing their Palisade, plaintiffs and class members began smelling a strong foul odor, emanating from inside the vehicle, which was not detectable during test drives. Some owners cannot drive their vehicles because the smell is so strong it makes them or their passengers nauseous. Other owners, while able to drive the vehicle, have experienced the inconvenience or even embarrassment of driving a brand new car that smells.
Despite knowing and being made aware of the odor on multiple occasions from vehicle owners across the country, Hyundai has failed or refused to provide any permanent solutions to consumers. Hyundai has represented the smell comes from the headrests, but even though some consumers have received replacement headrests, they report that has not fixed the issue. Hyundai has also not issued a recall, despite the known defect.
“I have been in customer service my entire career, including more than 20 years at a car dealership. I know what good and responsible customer service looks like,” stated Richard Stucki. “Hyundai has failed to respond to our concerns and repeated calls. We have no other recourse, and we are not the only ones who have been affected by this issue.”
Click here for a copy of the complaint filed in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. For more information about the case, contact Hellmuth & Johnson partner Anne T. Regan at (952) 460-9285.
The vehicle owners are represented by Anne T. Regan, Nathan D. Prosser, and Brian W. Nelson of Hellmuth & Johnson, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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