A couple of weeks ago I was driving to work in hectic traffic and really heavy rain, out of the blue I get the AEB warning light. When I got to work, I called the Customer Care line and had RACQ come and look at the car. He advised that it could possibly be a bit of moisture from the heavy rain, but said it'd be best that I take it to Hyundai for diagnosis.
Well, here we go.......firstly I call and explain the issue, she asks if I have hit something, definitely not and if I'd hit something I'd be calling my insurance company not Hyundai. They couldn't fit me in for a lengthy period so called the next closest. Got a booking, took the car in, firstly I explain that the error came up on my screen driving to work last Thursday, he takes photos of my car and then comes back and says there is impact to the front of my vehicle (small dent in number plate), I said that has been there for 3 years, he asked why I've never had it looked at......confused, I said "what the number plate?", he said the error. I said because as just stated, the error only came about last Thursday.
It was evident from that point I was going to have a problem. Left the car with them for a few hours, I get a call saying that it was going to cost $150 for the diagnosis and $5,000 for a new Radar Module due to the impact damage on the number plate. Again, I said that small dent is from 3 years ago, please explain how this can happen 3 years after.
He said "I cannot offer an explanation as to why the fault has only just occurred. Potentially, there is minor damage to the electronic components that are within the radar unit. I cannot prove when the damage to the number plate occurred (at no point asked me for proof). I can say that we have seen this issue on several occasions and the solution is to replace the unit. We have also had cases where there has been impact to the front bumper and no visible damage is evident as the bumper is plastic and will return to its original position after causing stress to the radar unit".
I feel like this is a common response and after googling it, it appears to be a common problem with people being told the same. I'm sure you can imagine; we were pretty upset with the outcome. He waived the $150 diagnosis fee and will try putting a warranty claim in with Customer Care, and then followed that up with "I know it will be declined".
He told me I'd need to contact my insurance company. So, we requested an itemised quote which was provided on an excel spreadsheet, with no ABN, Address, Phone Number etc., Emailed asking for the quote to be on a letterhead (as per insurance request), he responded with "this is the format I send for all potential insurance work. The emailing went back and forth requesting the quote on letterhead, I'm really unsure what the issue is with providing a quote on a letterhead. Totally unprofessional!
I feel totally gutted with Hyundai's response to this issue, I don't believe this is the result of a tiny dent in my number plate from 3 years ago especially when they can't provide me some documentation of proof this can be the case. Believe me I am one of these freaky people who checks their car for marks after parking somewhere haha.
It's left me frightened to park my car anywhere just in case someone hits it and leaves no damage. Is the Radar in these cars really that fragile and if so, it certainly doesn't leave me with any confidence to purchase another Hyundai. It's also left me with wondering why they have not been recalled as it appears to be a common issue.
If you have had a similar issue, please let me know how you dealt with it.
Thanks for reading
