My 2021 Hyundai Kona’s Paint Is Peeling Off In Huge Chunks, I Went to Hyundai, But They Waited Until It’s Out of Warranty and Now They Won’t Fix It

"I bought a 2021 Hyundai Kona, and now the paint is peeling so badly that I'm afraid to take it to the car wash."

Picture buying a 2021 Hyundai Kona, and shortly after you purchase the compact SUV, the paint starts peeling. It's so bad that it's peeling off in large areas of the vehicle. 

That is what Haylee (@wmjhm1006) says in her TikTok video as she shares her frustrating experience. She bought a 2021 Hyundai Kona used, has owned it for two and half years, and has 70,000 miles on it. The paint started peeling thirteen days after she bought it. After visiting multiple Hyundai dealers, they say it's out of warranty and can't do anything about it.

Haylee was so frustrated after making four appointments and multiple trips to the Hyundai dealer that she made six different video clips explaining her problem after she couldn't get any resolution from the Hyundai dealers. However, her persistence paid off.  

I will explain what all Hyundai owners need to know, but first, here is Haylee's story about peeling paint on her Hyundai Kona.

Haylee says, 

"I made four appointments with the Hyundai dealer and have not been able to get any resolution to my peeling paint issue. I have even made a complaint with the Texas attorney general."

"The car's paint started peeling off the back doors in huge chunks first, and now it's everywhere." 

"I've heard that Hyundai has a problem with white cars, but my red Kona has the same paint-peeling problems."  

Haylee Contacts Hyundai Customer Care

"I have contacted Hyundai Customer Care and filed a case with them, but I have still not been able to get any help for the peeling plant on my 2021 Hyundai Kona. I spent $20,000 on the car and can't believe the paint is so bad." 

"Hyundai told me the car was out of warranty because it only had a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, and I had 70,000 miles on it. I purchased the Kona in January 2023, so now Hyundai refuses to cover it after I've taken multiple trips to the dealers to resolve it." 

The Hyundai Dealer Fails To Send the Photos Promptly

"They took photos of the peeling paint and were supposed to send them to Hyundai, but they procrastinated so long that Hyundai said they now would not cover it because it was out of warranty." 

"So, now I'm stuck with this 2021 Hyundai Kona, and the paint is peeling so badly that I'm afraid to take it to the car wash. I've even gone so far as to email the CEO of Hyundai, so now I don't know what to do."

Haylee Isn't the Only 2021 Kona Owner with red paint peeling issues.

In her Facebook post, Tiffany Simmons says,

"This is my 2021 Hyundai Kona. For the last few months, the paint literally fell off my car. When I took it into Finch Hyundai to the auto body shop, they reached out to Hyundai Canada." 

"Well, when they got back to me, they said Hyundai would not honor this, and my car was out of Warranty for paint, 3 years (which is this year) or 60,000 km."

"Yet they will honor white Hyundais? This is not damage from rock chips this is a failed paint job. I have to fix it myself now, and it will cost me upwards of $4000?" she says in disbelief."

Does Hyundai have a Paint Problem?

Yes, some 2021 Hyundai Kona owners, particularly those with white vehicles, have reported paint peeling and bubbling issues, leading to concerns and some owners seeking warranty extensions or repairs. 

Here's a more detailed look at the situation:

1. Paint Problems: Owners have reported paint peeling, bubbling, and chipping, especially on white Kona models. 

2. Hyundai's Response: Hyundai has acknowledged the issue and is trying to rectify it, covering some claims beyond the standard paint warranty period. 

Note: Hyundai has issued warranty extensions for certain models, including the Elantra, Sonata, and Santa Fe Sport, due to paint issues. These extensions cover paint-related issues beyond the standard warranty period, providing relief for affected owners. 

3. Customer Concerns: Some owners have expressed frustration with the dealership process and the time it takes to resolve their paint issues. 

What Should Hyundai Owners Do If You Have a Paint Issue?

If you own a 2021 Hyundai Kona or other Hyundai vehicle and are experiencing paint issues, it's recommended to contact your local dealership and Hyundai customer service to discuss your options and warranty coverage. 

Haylee Finally Gets Help From Hyundai Corporate

In Haylee's last TikTok video clip, she says that she finally has a resolution from Hyundai. 

She says, "I received a call from Hyundai, and they said they are going to replace 100% of the paint and do all the repairs. So, now I have an appointment set for Monday, and I don't know if they will give me a loaner, so I still need to figure that out." 

"I am super excited, so thank you, Hyundai; I appreciate it." 

Haylee's relief and gratitude are evident as she shares the news of Hyundai's decision to replace 100% of the paint and do all the repairs.  

Conclusion:

Haylee says that multiple people on her videos tagged Hyundai, and she believes those tags alerted Hyundai Corporate, which helped her resolve her Kona's paint peeling problems. 

It shows that persistence pays off. Unfortunately, it took so long to get Hyundai's attention and to reach a resolution for Haylee.

It's important to note that a class-action lawsuit against Hyundai covered 2006 through 2016 Santa Fe, Sonata, and Elantra models sold with the prematurely peeling paint. You can read the report from Top Class Actions here. 

It's Your Turn

Do you own a Hyundai Kona, Santa Fe, Sonata, Elantra, or another Hyundai model with peeling paint? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my Hyundai Palisade story: My 2021 Hyundai Palisade Needs A New Engine and Hyundai Says They Won’t Cover It Because I Was 2,000 Miles Over For an Oil Change

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Haylee