Still waiting on a Hyundai refund?
Can you get a refund from Hyundai? Check eligibility first
- No change-of-mind refunds: New Hyundai vehicles do not have a return option. Once purchased and delivered, the sale is final unless a serious issue arises.
- Refunds for defects (ACL rights): Under Australian Consumer Law (ACL), you’re entitled to a refund or replacement if the vehicle has a major failure (e.g., unsafe defect, repeated repair failures, or significant misrepresentation). Minor fixable issues are covered by warranty repairs, not refunds.
- Cancelling a vehicle order (deposit refunds): Deposits are often refunded if you cancel before delivery, especially for common models. Legally, deposits may be withheld if costs were incurred, but many Hyundai dealers refund as goodwill.
- Used vehicles: Covered by ACL consumer guarantees. Refunds may apply if the car had undisclosed major defects or wasn’t as described.
- Finance and insurance add-ons: Finance contracts usually cannot be unwound after delivery. Insurance add-ons often have a 14–30 day cooling-off period for a full refund.
How to get a refund from Hyundai
- Contact your dealer: Always start with the Hyundai dealership where you purchased. For deposits, request cancellation and refund in writing. For major issues, outline the problem and state you are seeking a refund under ACL.
- Document issues: For defect-based claims, record repair attempts, keep service reports, and gather photos/videos. Clear documentation supports your case.
- Escalate to Hyundai Customer Care: If the dealer resists, contact Hyundai Australia at customercare@hyundai.com.au or call 1800 186 306 (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–7:00pm AEST). Provide your case details and request escalation.
- Follow dealer/manufacturer instructions: For deposit refunds, expect a reversal to card or EFT. For full refunds, you’ll need to return the vehicle with keys, paperwork, and sign acknowledgement forms.
- Vehicle return and paperwork: Hand over the car (if delivered), keys, and logbooks. If financed, refund funds will pay out the loan first; trade-ins may be returned or compensated.
- Receive refund: Refunds are usually processed via EFT, card reversal, or cheque. Confirm the amount includes all on-road costs for defect-based refunds.
Hyundai’s refund timeframe - how long it takes
- Deposits: Typically processed within a few business days to 2 weeks. Card refunds may take 5–10 business days to show.
- Full vehicle refunds: More complex. Expect weeks to a couple of months from claim initiation to funds in account. Once approved, payments usually arrive within 1–2 weeks of returning the vehicle.
- Cooling-off periods: In some states (e.g., NSW, VIC), statutory cooling-off rights apply before delivery. Refunds in these cases are processed almost immediately, minus any applicable small fee.
- Communication: Hyundai’s Customer Charter commits to timely responses but doesn’t state fixed timelines. Delays can occur if finance or trade-ins are involved.
Hyundai’s refund methods - how you'll get your money back
- Deposits: Refunded to original card, EFT, or cheque depending on payment method.
- Full car payments: Paid via EFT or bank cheque. If financed, refund first clears the loan, with surplus returned to you.
- Trade-ins: Returned if unsold, or trade-in value refunded if already sold.
- On-road costs: Refunds for major failures usually include registration and stamp duty. Registration fees may also be reclaimed separately via state road authorities.
- Add-ons: Extended warranties or insurance products refunded directly by providers if cancelled within their cooling-off period.
Common refund issues with Hyundai
- Dealership resistance: Dealers often push repairs before refunds.
- Deposit uncertainty: Some claim deposits are “non-refundable,” but many refund if no costs were incurred.
- Delays: Customers sometimes wait weeks for deposits to clear. Follow up with accounts or request proof of processing.
- Partial refunds/deductions: Dealers may attempt usage or admin deductions. Under ACL, major failures entitle you to a full refund without deductions.
- Poor communication: Missed calls or unclear timelines frustrate customers. Escalate to Hyundai Customer Care if needed.
- Finance/trade complexity: Refunds may involve unwinding loans or replacing trade-ins, adding extra steps.
Hyundai cases submitted through Ajust
I was unexpectedly charged $145 for brake fluid on 26 October 2024 even though my 2021 Tucson Highlander is covered by a five-year capped price servicing contract that should have included this. This charge disrupted my budget and felt unfair — I want a refund of $145 and clear confirmation that future services will honour my capped contract. - Balakrishna
I bought a new Hyundai Tucson on 30 March 2024 and had a dash mat fitted, then experienced fluctuating dash lights. Hyundai Mackay charged me $85 and blamed the dash mat, but it was fitted as an accessory by the dealer so I shouldn't have to pay. I want an explanation and a refund for the $85 charge. - Richard
After several visits for ongoing cruise control and warning light issues, Hyundai told me to replace a steering angle sensor for $2895, but the problem came back the same day. I asked for a refund because the fault wasn’t fixed properly and I felt misled. - Raymond
After multiple visits for a warning light that Hyundai couldn’t diagnose, I was quoted up to $900 for a repair that may not fix the issue. I’ve already paid for unnecessary work and want those costs waived or refunded due to their misdiagnosis. - Keryn
Customer experiences with Hyundai refund cases
Easy deposit refunds: Some customers cancelled before delivery and received full deposit refunds within days.
Delayed deposit refund: Others waited weeks until escalating to managers.
Refund for major defects: A Genesis EV owner successfully secured a full refund after repeated issues, citing ACL and documenting all problems.
How Hyundai Refund Policy Compares to Competitors
- Toyota: No change-of-mind refunds, but honors ACL for defects. Refund/resolution outcomes are similar to Hyundai. Toyota typically has a 5-year warranty; Hyundai matches or exceeds with up to 7 years.
- Kia: Hyundai’s sister brand - refund approach nearly identical. Both rely on ACL for refunds and cover defects under long warranties.
- Luxury brands: Mercedes, Lexus, and others also resist refunds unless defects qualify under ACL. Hyundai’s approach is aligned, though luxury brands may offer goodwill swaps more often to protect their image.
- Guaranteed buyback: Hyundai offers a Guaranteed Future Value™ program (similar to Toyota and Kia) allowing you to return/swap cars at contract end, but this is not a refund policy.
Official Hyundai Refund Resources & Links
- Hyundai Customer Care: Hyundai Australia Contact | Email: customercare@hyundai.com.au | Phone: 1800 186 306
- Hyundai Customer Charter: Complaints Handling Process
- ACCC – New Car Consumer Rights: ACCC Car Sales & Repairs
- State consumer agencies: NSW Fair Trading – Motor Vehicle Complaints (check your state’s equivalent)
- Hyundai iCare: Hyundai iCare Program (warranty, servicing, roadside)
Hyundai Refund FAQs
Can I get a refund from Hyundai if I change my mind after buying a new car?
No, Hyundai doesn’t offer change-of-mind refunds once a new car is purchased and delivered. The sale is final unless there’s a serious fault. This is standard across most car brands, as refunds only apply under Australian Consumer Law for major defects or misrepresentations. If you’re unsure before delivery, you can ask your dealer about cancelling your order and reclaiming your deposit.
What are my refund rights if my Hyundai has a major defect?
You’re entitled to a full refund or replacement if your Hyundai has a major fault under Australian Consumer Law. Examples include unsafe defects, repeated failed repairs, or misleading information at purchase. Always document the issues and repair history—this evidence helps you secure a refund faster and strengthens your case with the dealer or Hyundai Australia.
How long does it take to receive a Hyundai refund?
Deposit refunds usually take a few days to two weeks, while full vehicle refunds can take weeks or months. Once Hyundai approves your claim and the vehicle is returned, funds typically arrive within one to two weeks. Timing depends on finance, trade-ins, and paperwork, so it’s best to follow up regularly with both your dealer and Hyundai Customer Care.
What should I do if my Hyundai refund is delayed or denied?
Start by contacting your dealer in writing and outline your refund claim under the Australian Consumer Law. If you face resistance or delays, escalate to Hyundai Customer Care by phone or email with all documentation attached. For unresolved cases, you can seek help from state consumer agencies such as NSW Fair Trading or use tools like Ajust to demand fair, timely outcomes.
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