The service department at Southern States Hyundai is staffed with expert technicians who provide quality Hyundai repair and maintenance. The service department at Southern States Hyundai is staffed with expert technicians who provide quality Hyundai repair and maintenance.
We have a 2018 Sonata which was purchased from THIS dealership new in late 2017. After approximately 150k miles we began to have issues with excessive oil consumption. This is a known and common issue with both Hyundai and KIA. We were told that there was a possibility that Hyundai would replace the engine if it met the requirements defined by the manufacturer. After extensive testing it did indeed meet those requirements. Upon first conversations we were under the impression that this would be covered 100% by Hyundai. We then proceeded with the required steps to verify the issue with excessive oil consumption.
Our real issue with this service department is what follows. After the initial drop off of the vehicle we were not updated nor contacted for approximately 2 weeks. We had to initiate contact just to get a status update. At this point no one even seemed to know anything about our vehicle. Shortly after (a few days) we received a text asking up to provide photos of the vehicle drive train for evaluation. We had to respond that THEY were in possession of the vehicle at this time. This occurred at least one other time. In the course of the evaluation it was determined that there was a recall for a defective trunk latch that applied to this vehicle. We have never had a single issue with the trunk latch, therefore it didn't need replaced!! Someone decided to take it upon themselves to replace the latch without either consulting us or asking permission to do so!! As a result, an incorrect part was installed making the trunk latch totally inoperable. We pointed this out to our service contact along with our displeasure that this work had been done without our knowledge or permission. We were told the situation would be remedied. The latch was replaced, however the trunk lid was damaged in the process. We only noticed this after we were told the vehicle was ready for pick up. I assume that someone was hoping we would not notice the damage. After voicing extreme displeasure to the service manager, we were assured that the trunk lid would be repaired at no cost to us. We left the vehicle to be repaired and received a call after approximately 10 days that is was ready. When asked about the oil consumption test no one seemed to know what was going on, AGAIN. The ticket was checked and we were told that the test still needed to be conducted. At the conclusion of the testing it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced, however they would only cover 50% of the cost. This was a complete surprise to us since, as stated earlier, we were under the initial impression that because this was a known and common issue it would be covered 100%.
After the engine replacement and body work was complete we were called to pick up the vehicle. When we arrived we conducted a visual inspection of the both the body work and the engine replacement. We discovered several scuffs in the finish on the hood and additional scratches on the plastic bumper below the trunk lid. We insisted that these be remedied and were told it would happen. When we picked up the vehicle today the scratches in the bumper appear to never have been touched.
All of this has taken place over the course of 3 MONTHS!! We made the initial drop off on 9-19-2023 and just received the vehicle back today, 12-28-2023.
I do not have adequate words to express my dissatisfaction with this dealership and service department.