June 2021

Bannister Law has today announced it will be investigating a potential claim against Hyundai following the safety recall of 93,000 of its popular Tuscon models, sold in Australia between 1 November 2014 and 30 November 2020.

The medium-sized SUV has been marketed as having ‘top marks for safety’ however Hyundai last week recalled the popular model due to the risk of an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, as the circuit is constantly powered.
In the recall Hyundai advised drivers that “Affected vehicles need to be parked in an open space and away from flammable materials and structures, i.e. not in a garage.”

The potential claim being investigated by Bannister Law is for losses for owners of the affected vehicles that are the subject of the safety recalls. 

Principal Charles Bannister explained:

“We know from speaking to some of these drivers that this issue is keeping them up at night as it’s simply not possible for many city dwellers to park their car on the street. We have heard from owners who are having to contend with bat excrement destroying paint work, damage from falling trees and branches and damage from cars and passers-by in busy, built up areas.”

The cars’ defect revolves around the anti-lock brake system (ABS) modules or the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), sophisticated technological and mechanical safety features located under the hood. The ABS modules and HECUs remained charged with an electrical current even when the car was not running. This, coupled with a defect that allows moisture to enter the electrified components, creates the risk of fires erupting. 

Mr Bannister continued, “What makes matters worse if that failing act on this advice could affect insurance premiums as generally higher premiums are payable for street parked vehicles. And not attending to the recall itself may invoke insurance exclusions for cover if reasonable precautions are not taken. Hyundai owners are in a difficult position as the fixes will take months and it’s a serious problem in the meantime.”

Bannister Law is encouraging Hyundai Tucson owners who purchased their cars between 1 November 2014 and 30 November 2020 to register.

27 June 2022

Bannister Law would also like to have owners of the vehicles listed below to register in order to understand if any of the owners of the earlier recalls in 2020 of those vehicles suffered losses also and encourage those owners to describe what those losses are.

• 9393 of Hyundai’s 2006 to 2009 model year Santa Fe SUVs 
• 68,765 examples of Hyundai i30 hatchbacks sold between 7 November 2006 and 14 December 2010
• 18,734 Elantra sedans that were sold between 17 August 2005 and 14 May 2011