Hyundai Tucson Lemon Law

Hyundai recalled about 652,024 Tucson SUVs (2016–2021 model years) because the ABS control-module circuit board can corrode internally and cause an electrical short — leading to an engine-compartment fire that can occur even when the vehicle is parked and off. Hyundai reported multiple engine-compartment fires tied to the defect and told owners to park outside and away from structures until repaired.

Being told to park outdoors is a real loss of use, and an engine fire risk is about as serious a defect as a vehicle can have.

A recall isn't automatically a lemon. But if the fire-risk repair is delayed or doesn't hold, or your Tucson is out of service (or restricted to parking outside) for an extended time, California's Lemon Law may entitle you to a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement — with Hyundai paying your attorney fees.

A recall is not automatically a lemon — it's the manufacturer acknowledging a defect and offering a free repair. California's Lemon Law (the Song-Beverly Act) comes into play when a substantial defect can't be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, or when your Tucson has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days.

If your Hyundai Tucson qualifies, you may be entitled to a buyback (a refund of what you've paid, minus a mileage offset), a replacement vehicle, or a cash-and-keep settlement — and Hyundai pays your attorney fees on a successful claim, so pursuing your case costs you nothing out of pocket.