Hyundai owners say the paint on their white cars is flaking off

Armando Toossi says he started to notice small chips in his car's paint about seven years ago.

He bought his brand new, white Hyundai Sonata 2.0T in 2016. But after taking the vehicle to a touchless car wash about three years ago, large sections of paint started peeling off.

"Paint just started flying off the car," Toossi said, from his home in Angus, Ont.

He said the same thing started happening to his mother's car, which was the identical 2015 model of his vehicle.

"It's actually quite insane how many people are being impacted by the same issue," he said. 

There have been reports of peeling, white Hyundais in trade publications and in news stories in the U.S., South Africa and Australia.

There are also numerous Facebook groups, with thousands of people facing the same problem, and a proposed class-action lawsuit in Quebec.  

In an emailed statement to Go Public, Hyundai Canada said these problems are "extremely rare."

According to Hyundai Canada's warranty program found online, paint is only covered for three years or 60,000 kilometres.

However, Hyundai USA is offering a white paint warranty extension for certain 2017 and 2018 Elantra, Sonata and Santa Fe Sport vehicles that "exhibit peeling or bubbling of the white paint … most commonly on or around the hood, fender and roof."

When Go Public reached out, Hyundai Canada said models sold here within a specific production date range are also eligible for an extended warranty, aligning with the U.S. program.

The automaker also said paint durability on certain white vehicles is an industry-wide issue and owners should contact their local dealership or Hyundai's customer care centre.

Indeed, in 2020, Toyota offered an extended warranty for certain models of its vehicles with "blizzard pearl" or "super white" paint manufactured as far back as 2008.  

Toossi, whose car isn't covered by Hyundai Canada's offer, said he's not having much luck getting any help.