My 2007 Hyundai Tucson caught fire Jan. 16, 2009 at 1 a.m. and was totaled. The car hadn't been used for more than 6 hours. The fire started in the engine block, destroyed the interior, and was hot enough to set the car parked next to it on fire in the short time before the fire department arrived. The fire investigator ruled it a short circuit in the wiring. After submitting all paperwork and photos required by Hyundai for a warranty claim, and waiting 3 months (with numerous calls for a status by me) for a decision, Hyundai has declared that there was no defect and this is not covered by "America's Best Warranty." I am the original owner, maintained the car as directed, and am now left with thousands in debt (and no car), since Fair Market Value of a Hyundai isn't much. Even the insurance agent was surprised, and said other car companies will usually replace the car and let the buyer continue on the same loan. Thank goodness no one was killed! If these cars burst into flames when cold, I can't imagine how fast the fire would spread in a hot, moving vehicle. I am angry, yes, but am also hoping no one else will go through this nightmare.

 

Sounds like a job for Judge Judy.

 

You're the first fire story for a Hyundai that ive ever heard.

 

It was bad enough to have my car burn up, then to have Hyundai say it isn't covered by warranty. But the fact that they made no offer whatsoever to help me get into another vehicle, say another 2007 with the same mileage on the same loan would have been nice.

 

I have someone at my school (50+) with a brand new Audi lease, couple of months old. Drove home and parked it just outside the garage cause she was going out. Half out later is was in flames.
She got a new car but not sure who ended up footing the bill. I can check.

One for the lawyers... may take years, but if the fire investigator says short, Hyundia will pay. I would try a Lemon Law Lawyer.

 

Lemon Law is only good in the first year of ownership for a problem that a dealer could not fix in a specified number of attampts. It's doesn't apply here.