Good afternoon all,

I'm Charlotte and I have just joined this forum. I bought a left-hand drive 2022 Tucson hybrid and started to import it to the UK.
I was assured by the Hyundai customer service rep that Tucson's headlamps are designed not to dazzle opposite drivers, ECE certified and there is no need to change them in a country with opposite traffic direction. This is also stated on the user manual, on pages 9-58.

Unfortunately, that's not true (at least for the high bean as the right one only is slightly above the line) and I'm told they don't pass MOT tests.
The car is brand new, full hybrid 230 cv, 4WD and on top of the line, so it is all-inclusive.

Is there anyone who can help me to pass the MOT? I also visited a Hyundai garage and they are sending a case up as they have no idea how to fix it.

it's a 2022 Hyundai Tucson 4WD 1.6 full hybrid


Thanks
Charlotte

 

You do have a warranty and if the vehicle cannot pass a safety inspection, Hyundai should know how to correct that problem. Have you had a chance to speak with any shops there ? They most certainly have other Hyundai vehicles that pass the required tests.

 

Thank you Hanky for the fast reply. They should indeed, but the dealer in London made it clear the process of getting Hyundai involved it’s not straightforward.
I’m really annoyed as the car has all the security optional and the high beams won’t go on if there is an obstacle in front.
I’m assuming mine is not the only Tucson with this problem. And definitely the claim we can drive the car without adjustment both in the UK and EU is misleading.
If I were you, I would definitely check this before buying yours, as if you are stopped in France you might have lots of problems.
I might have to sell back the car if I can’t find a solution asap.
Sorry for the lengthy reply, after having spent over £40k and waited 8 months to get it, I’m really &@&@&@.
thanks
Charlotte

 

Not yet being that familiar with the 2022 models, something comes to mind.

If the headlamps are designed to be driven on the right side of the road and pass all safety requirements, I would inquire from a dealership or good shop as to whether the lamp assys could be switched meaning putting the driver's side reflector and lamp on the passenger side of the vehicle
.If the problem is definitely with the area of lighting that only affects the vehicle when driving on the left side of the road by the headlamp that is presently on the vehicle, what if the reflectors were switched and the problem from the passenger side lamp (driving on the right side)is now moved to the center of the road side?
I think you get what I am asking.
If the mountain won't come to mohammed, then mohammed must go to the mountain.
Just thinking out loud.

 

So, The service manager at the Hyundai garage wrote a case up for a technical review, and the response was quite negative.

The headlamps are not ECE compliant, and cannot be adjusted. Their solution would be to change the headlamps (at my expensive for cost of over 1k), but cannot guarantee the results.

I'm flabbergasted as the Hyundai rep told me again this afternoon they are told to say there is no need to change the headlamps.

Before I start a class action, do you guys know any MOT/VAT garage in London that can help me to solve this problem?

Thanks in advance. After spending over 40K for the car, and paying double VAT, I'm astonished. I also wrote to Hyundai directly.

Thanks again,

Charlotte

 

Not being entirely familiar with the regulations in the UK, if I understand correctly, there is a problem with lighting glare being aimed at opposing drivers, correct?

Since you appear to be in a position where you either correct the problem or the vehicle cannot be used.

I believe you may be familiar with the following:

To keep headlight rays down all vehicles during world war II had to have the tops of the headlight lens painted black. Rather than being stuck with a vehicle I cannot use I would look into painting the side of the offending headlamp black and meet the requirement and use the vehicle. If it works you can run , use or sell a vehicle and get something else. If I paid what you did for the vehicle and Hyundai wouldn't help. I would definitely consider a little black paint over the side of a lens and get my monies worth. What do you think?.

 

Hanky, thanks for bringing me a smile on a sad day.
Unfortunately, the sticker is not allowed to register a car in the UK - only to drive it temporary;y as a no resident.
Thanks
Charlotte