A California resident has filed a lawsuit against a major automobile manufacturer, alleging multiple violations of consumer protection laws due to defects in her vehicle. Caroline Helm lodged the complaint on July 18, 2024, in the Superior Court of California for the County of Santa Clara against Hyundai Motor America.
The case revolves around Helm's purchase of a 2022 Hyundai Tucson on January 27, 2022. She claims that the vehicle, which she bought primarily for personal use, developed several significant defects during the warranty period. These defects include issues with the body system, powertrain system, safety system, electrical system, braking system, and noise system. Helm asserts that these defects substantially impair the vehicle's use, safety, and value.
Helm received an express written warranty from Hyundai Motor America (HMA) when she purchased the vehicle. The warranty promised to maintain or repair any issues with the vehicle within a specified period. However, despite multiple attempts to have the car repaired by HMA or its authorized service centers, Helm alleges that HMA failed to fix the defects within a reasonable number of attempts. "Defendant HMA was unable and/or failed to service or repair the Vehicle within a reasonable number of attempts," reads one part of her complaint.
Helm is seeking various forms of relief from the court. She demands actual damages exceeding $25,000 for incidental and consequential damages and civil penalties amounting to twice her actual damages under Civil Code section 1794(c). Additionally, she seeks restitution for breach of both express and implied warranties as per California Civil Code sections 1791.1 and 1794.
The attorneys representing Caroline Helm are Eleazar D. Kim and Matt Xie from Downtown L.A. Law Group. The case is being reviewed by Judge J. Nguyen under Case No.: 24CV443400.