I am writing to dispute the denial of my paint defect warranty claim formally and to demand that Hyundai Motor America reconsider its decision. My 2018 Hyundai Ioniq (Silver, VIN: [XXX] ) is exhibiting significant paint bubbling — the identical defect that Hyundai has already acknowledged and accepted responsibility for in white-painted vehicles across multiple model years. Timeline of Events • I first contacted Hyundai Customer Care by phone, and was directed to visit an authorized dealership. • On May 8, 2025, I visited Tustin Hyundai, where Dealer Coordinator Alex Cervantes documented the paint bubbling by photographing the affected areas and submitted the claim to Hyundai Motor America on my behalf. Dealer Reference #: XXX. • On May 11, 2025, Alex called and mentioned that Hyundai has denied my claim. Basis of My Complaint Hyundai has publicly acknowledged that paint bubbling and delamination affecting certain 2017–2018 model-year vehicles constitute a manufacturing defect, not owner negligence or environmental damage. In response, Hyundai issued Warranty Extension TXXW and subsequently the broader Z05 extension (10 years/unlimited miles), covering affected vehicles with white paint. The paint defect on my silver 2018 Ioniq is identical in nature and presentation to the defect that Hyundai has already accepted responsibility for. The bubbling is occurring on body panels — not due to collision damage, improper maintenance, or environmental factors — and is consistent with the delamination pattern described in Hyundai's own Technical Service Bulletins. Denying my claim solely based on paint color, while acknowledging the same underlying manufacturing defect in other colors, is inconsistent and Hyundai not accepting responsibilty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The worst 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Body1
- Engine1
- Visibility1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body1
- Engine1
- Visibility1
Recalls 1
Hybrid propulsion system: inverter
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ioniq HEV and Ionic PHV vehicles previously recalled under recall number 18V‑704. The Power Relay Assembly (PRA) located underneath the rear seat may overheat.
- Risk
- An overheated PRA increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the main relay or PRA, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 23, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 232. This recall replaces the federal safety agency recall number 18V‑704. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
Recall number 22V459000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid
Defect investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds
the federal safety agency received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, the federal safety agency opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified the federal safety agency he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP22005
Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid 46
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Higher-than-expected engine oil consumption
- Higher-than-expected engine oil consumption
- The federal safety agency has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit...
- The federal safety agency has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag...
- This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the...
- Loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions
- This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover...
- This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
- This Service Information bulletin provides information on how to update the Apple Carplay software from...
- Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships
See all 46 bulletins for the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid
What 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was discovered that both the passenger’s side front and rear carpets had become soaked with water and condensation from the operation of the air conditioning unit. The contact was also concerned that mold was present due to the failure. The local dealer was contacted and a service appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not yet notified. The failure mileage was 12,000.
Sunglass holder would randomly come down and block rear view mirror completely. Unable to see the back.
I have put around 31K miles in my car. Day before yesterday ( Nov-2 ) when I was driving back home from work, suddenly I heard a noise. I pulled over and stopped the car. when I got down and checked, I noticed exhaust system or something similar to that fell off and touching the road. I have seen similar issues posted in Hyundai Ioniq forums https://www.ioniqforum.com/threads/very-dissapointed.37027/ https://www.ioniqforum.com/threads/first-issue-exhaust-fell-off-at-21k-miles-2019-phev.35092/ I will attach few pictures that I took during this incident.
Compare the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid
Other model years
Questions about the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid
Is the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid reliable?
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid, fewer than a typical Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid?
Body and structure, with 1 complaint. Next is engine (1).
How many recalls does the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid have?
1 recall, covering hybrid propulsion system.
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