DEAR SUZANNE
By Suzanne Henderson
LETTER 201 – From Jordan C. from Evansville, IN
Dear Suzanne,
I never imagined I’d be writing a complaint about mold in my brand-new car, but here we are. Just a few months after leasing the 2023 Hyundai Elantra N, I noticed a strange smell every time I got in. It was sour and unpleasant, like dirty socks. After a little investigation, I discovered mold growing on the carpets. Yes, mold!
I’m now horrified and undecided if I should walk away from this mess and break my lease. Here’s my story: mold, bad service, and a car not living up to its potential.
Funky Smell at 3 Weeks Old
It started innocently enough. About three weeks into my lease, I noticed that the new car smell was being replaced by something odd. At first, I thought it was minor because the odor wasn’t strong. But the smell became stronger, like dirty socks or a damp towel left in the wash too long. After some observation, I realized the smell was strongest whenever I turned on the AC.
One day, I decided to leave the windows down for a few minutes, hoping the smell would go away, and it did. But after a few days, the smell came back. I checked under the hood, thinking maybe a critter had gotten trapped or died somewhere, but nothing seemed out of place.
A Terrifying Discovery
Fast forward a few days, and the smell took a turn for the worse. I was driving with my wife when she screamed in shock. There, on the floor mats, were clear signs of mold—white, fuzzy growths spreading across the carpet. She was visibly disturbed, and I couldn’t blame her. The idea of mold growing in our car was already unsettling, but seeing it right on the carpet at our feet was downright disgusting.
I checked the driver’s side, and there was mold there, too. Now, I began to freak out. How could this be happening? I had been careful not to leave the windows open during rain, and I hadn’t spilled anything that could cause mold to grow. So, what was going on?
The Dealer’s Response
Naturally, I took the car to the Hyundai dealership for service. I expected them to take my complaint seriously for two main reasons:
- I have a pregnant wife, and nothing should cause her too much stress or discomfort.
- Mold poses health risks and should be treated as a health hazard.
However, when I spoke to the service advisor, her first response was shocking: “You don’t have a mold issue.” What?! I almost lost my patience right then and there. I pointed to the obvious mold on the carpet, but she insisted the problem was water leaking into the car, not mold. It made no sense, but I left the vehicle with them to investigate.
Over the next few days, I called daily for updates, receiving vague responses. After six days, they told me they had replaced the AC drain, which had gotten clogged, causing water to drain into the car and create the moisture that led to the mold. They also claimed they had cleaned and reinstalled the carpets. So, I picked up my car, relieved they had finally fixed it—or so I thought.
A Shocking Return
Three days later, the smell was back. I checked every nook and cranny, revealing more mold in the back of the Elantra. Frustrated, I brought the car back to the dealership. This time, they were more apologetic. They found a folded part under the dashboard causing moisture buildup, ordered new carpets, and promised to replace them.
I was livid because they didn’t seem to understand the health implications of mold. The service lady even seemed confused about the health risks, and I had to remind her of the mold in the car. Only then did she apologize and admit she, too, had allergies and could see the health risks.
After being without my vehicle for a week, I began questioning if I still wanted to keep this car. The persistent mold issue and subpar service didn’t inspire confidence in the brand. Throughout the nine days my car was at the dealership, they never offered me a loaner until I asked and found out there was a waiting list.
Now, I’m left with more questions than answers. Was the mold issue properly addressed? Did they fix the AC problem correctly? What can I do if the problem comes up again? Can I break my lease without consequences? Is there a way to get compensated for these issues without being charged any fees?
Jordan C. from Evansville, IN
Indiana Lemon Law: Solutions for Your 2023 Hyundai Elantra N Mold Woes
Dear Jordan,
I’m sorry to hear about your experience with your 2023 Hyundai Elantra. Mold is not just an inconvenience; it’s a genuine health risk, especially with a pregnant wife. Your concerns are entirely valid, and I can imagine how frustrating it must be to deal with a car that isn’t living up to its promise. But don’t worry; there’s a way out of this mess.
It sounds like you’ve been through a lot with your car. Let’s see if we can break down your options under the Indiana Lemon Law to find a solution.
Was the Mold Issue Properly Addressed?
Given your description, it seems the mold issue was not resolved properly. Mold can be persistent, especially if the underlying moisture problem isn’t fully fixed. The fact that the smell and mold reappeared indicates the dealership might not have addressed the root cause completely.
Did They Fix the AC Problem Correctly?
From what you’ve described, it appears the dealership replaced the AC drain and later found another issue under the dashboard. However, the recurrence of the mold suggests that there could still be unresolved problems with the AC or moisture management. It’s critical to ensure the AC system is functioning correctly to prevent further mold growth.
What Can I Do if the Problem Comes Up Again?
If the mold issue or any other defects reappear, document everything. Keep records of repair attempts, service visits, and communications with the dealership. This documentation will be crucial for your Lemon Law claim. You may qualify for a refund or replacement vehicle if the problem persists after multiple repair attempts.
Can I Break My Lease Without Consequences?
The Indiana Lemon Law generally covers purchased vehicles, but you may still have recourse. If the mold problem continues to pose a health risk and the dealership cannot fix it, you might be able to seek compensation. It’s essential to consult with a Lemon Law attorney to understand your specific rights and options.
Is There a Way to Get Compensated Without Being Charged Fees?
Yes, if you successfully file a Lemon Law claim, you may be entitled to compensation without incurring fees. The manufacturer may be required to cover attorney fees if you win the case. A knowledgeable Lemon Law attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your troubles.
Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney
Given your situation, I strongly recommend consulting with a knowledgeable Lemon Law attorney. They can provide expert guidance, advocate on your behalf, and help you navigate the process effectively. An attorney can also ensure that you receive fair compensation for your troubles.
The choice is ultimately yours. What I’ll say, though, is that you shouldn’t have to keep taking your car for repairs when you can get compensated without any fees attached. Regarding your story, the dealer has yet to fix the AC problem, and it will most likely come up again. When it does, you don’t want to be in the crossfire, so why not take advantage of the Lemon Law today? Don’t let this situation overwhelm you; the law is on your side!
Suzanne
2023 Hyundai Elantra N Lemon Car? Here’s Your Solution!
Dear reader, are your vehicle problems ruining your life? Confused about what legal route to take? We’re here to help! Find information about Texas’ lemon law protections here, fill out the form on this page, or give us a call at (833) 743-1990 to discuss your situation with someone who understands how frustrating it can be to have a lemon car, and what to do about it.
DEAR SUZANNE is a weekly column written by Suzanne Henderson and published in LemonLawyers.ORG. If you have a defective lemon vehicle and have questions about Indiana Lemon Lawyer or how to file a claim, please write to [email protected]. While not guaranteed, we will try to feature your letter in this column to provide you the answers you need, as well as enlighten other consumers who may have lemon problems similar to yours.
Disclaimer: Suzanne Henderson is not a lawyer and the points discussed here are intended for general information and reference purposes only and not to be construed as legal advice. Please consult a Indiana Lemon Lawyer to get proper legal advice about your lemon law claim.
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Featured Images:
- 2023 Hyundai Elantra N ©Chanokchon (CC BY-SA 4.0)
