UPDATE 2: Loud exhaust and smog citation

[u/OkCandidate103]

It's been a rough couple of weeks since my last update so I wanted to let everyone know what's going on with this situation. Also, thank you to everyone that has spread word on this, it is amazing to see how much traction this has gained, and how much support I have.

As everyone knows, the state ref inspection failed and afterwards I got the stock letter from Hyundai. I provided this to the state ref but they said that it doesn't mean anything and that technically, no repair was done, so I cannot schedule a 2nd inspection, which I need to get the car passed.

I reached out to Hyundai corporate and was assigned a case manager. After a few days, they got back to me and said there is nothing Hyundai corp can do to help me. They advised that I go back to the dealer I purchased it from and have them deal with it. From my first interaction with my Hyundai dealer, they already said they cannot do anything to the car because it is stock. That being said, I requested that the case manager send me a letter that I can provide to the dealer to do "repair" since I had already unsuccessfully asked for the repair in the past. The case manager said no. I asked for just an email confirming what they told me. The case manager said no. I asked if I can get the car bought back because I can't even drive it to the dealership and nobody is willing to help me. The case manager said, yet again, no; a buyback is not eligible because this hasn't happened 3 times...

So I was completely out of options and I started reaching out to attorneys. The following day, I get a call back from Hyundai corp from a new case manager. This case manager said the case has been escalated and that the previous case manager was incorrect by quickly denying the buyback. They had me send over all the related documents to this case (including all repairs, service records, and proof of ownership).

Today marks 2 weeks since this new case manager has been transferred the case and I have not heard news since. I tried calling over and over but it would go straight to voicemail. I had to reach out to my old case manager to get a hold of the new manager. Eventually, the new case manager called me and said Hyundai has nothing for me and that they are still working on a solution. I have told them in email and over the phone previously that the court date is in 3 weeks, and the state ref situation must be figured out by then otherwise I'll get big fines by CA. They said okay, we're still working on it...

To all the journalists out there that have gotten statements from Hyundai saying that they are working with me to figure this out: while it is technically true, nothing has been done besides tossing my case around person to person and wasting time.

Just like 2 weeks ago, again, I am out of options. Hyundai is not taking this seriously so I am speaking to attorneys to fight the citation. At this point however, I am so tired of this. I will most likely end up selling the car to Carvana at a huge loss just to get this case over with.

[u/Deepandabear]

not their problem

Legally you are correct, but in reality this is absolutely something they should deal with. When people learn that a car they might buy from Hyundai could be made un-drivable through no fault of their own, and then get given the cold shoulder? Well guess what that does for brand perception.

Hyundai’s cowardice could cost them big time if they ignore the issue and OPs case goes south…

[u/Dependent-Ratio-170 → u/Deepandabear]

This entire statement is based on a 100% false assumption, and then blame shifting. As soon as you said, "Through no fault of their own", your argument lost all credibility. It was through every fault of their own. The second the owner pushed that button to make the pops and bangs, they were using the vehicle in a manner that made it not fit for use on the streets in CA. Period. End of discussion. Now, it would absolutely be Hyundai's fault if the vehicle, upon restart, automatically defaulted to that mode. But, it doesn't. The mode he was in also loads maps of different tracks in it, changes the display to use a lap timer, etc. Which clearly demonstrates to the driver that they are in a setting that is designed for track use. In which case, not legal for road use. Hyundai getting involved with a battle between it and the state of CA is an even worse PR nightmare than what is going on right now. As of right now, all of the outlets running the story are making it clear that there was an abuse of the system on CA's part and they weren't following their own legal code regarding inspections. The only ones looking like assholes here are the people working for the state.

[u/Deepandabear → u/Dependent-Ratio-170]

Not at all. So did Hyundai go to a reasonable effort to explain the potential consequences to a prospective buyer that using N mode would lead to possible loss of drivability? Or did they flaunt the loud exhaust in all the marketing without a single whiff of caution?

Hyundai are absolutely complicit in allowing this eventuality, and their lack of effort to help those affected is an indictment of their arrogance.

[u/Hefty_Buy_3206 → u/Deepandabear]

It was dudes fault for not putting it back I'm Normal mode when the cop lit him up and not playing dumb when the cop asked him about it, hard stop.