Advice please.
I purchased my 2004 Santa fe new. It was thetop of the line model, from day one the breaks acted funny at times and I complained to the dealer about the breaks from the very beginning. Under particular conditions when I hit them they did not stop thetruck the breaks fort me in fact, I would press them down at times (Under the conditions I'll mention) and they would be hard and not really go down. I would have to remove my foot off the break and then reapply. It was serious enough to make me nervous, it almost caused me to hit a car stopped at a light, this happens at very slow speeds when applying the break to stop, usually if applying them just as the truck is going over a small bump or slop in the road and more so if itis damp out.

So, I took the truck to my dealer a few times over this right from the start. They told me they could not find the problem. Then they told me the next time couldn’t find the problem, probably my antilock breaks and I just don't understand them and how they should feel when working correctly like they probably were. I was starting to feel stupid and stopped bringing it in to them over this.

So, a few months ago I bring it in for a 32-point checkup. I again say, "hay the truck still does that break thing it has been doing since I purchased it". (I explained) So now we have yet another new service manager there. He asks if I want my 30,000 mile Service done (at $500.00). The truck did not have 30,000 miles on it yet So, I said no thanks. He kept pushing the issue I explained I did not have that kind of money to spend when it’s not even due for it yet and I would bring it back when it had 30,000 miles on it for it's 30,000 service.

So, they check truck doingthat 32 point checkup, they come back and tell me it needs pads and Rotors to fix the problem. (Not even 30,000 miles and they want to replace the rotors) I said the breaks are fine except for the occasional problem the truck has had since it was new they feel the same as they always have no shudder, no shake, etc. The service manager tells me “Well this is what it needs and a license plate bulb”. Iask “then have the rotors been bad since the truck was new”, and for them to explain. The service managerwith the mechanic standing by looking pained says they have grooves. I ask to see/feel these groves (I'm 43 I've owned cars before and know what this should look/feel like). They totally avoid my request saying maybe we can cut them but then we won't guarantee them and they might be dangerous and I really should replace them, otherwise I will have to next time anyway. I say are they glazed or have grooves. They now say they are glazed after I insist on being shown the grooves. I feel stuck and trapped they give the line they always give about my warrantee being at risk if I don't let them do it. (Same thing the old Service manager said about getting oil changes anyplace else, they like to use this threat I've found).

So, I say cut them then (Because of price) they moan and groan but act like they are just sooo tired of me now whatever if I go away. Then the bulb the service manager tells me is going to be $20.00 total to repalce the bulb. (BTW it was working the night before) He even wrote the entire estimate out on a paper with one of the things on the list this bulb's price. (BTW They never did allow me to see the rotors).

[font="arial unicode ms"]So, Upon completion the bill is more then the service manager said. I ask for a break down. He changed me $90.00 for the lic plate bul

 

Run away from that dealer. Run fast.

First of all, an auto manufacturer CANNOT force you to use only their dealerships to service your vehicle; it is against the law to do so. That being said, there are a few quirks of Hyundai design that many shops are not aware of. The common oil filter is similar to that used on Hondas, but it has different internal specs, and using the filter made for the Honda can result in oil starvation and engine damage. All Hyundai automatic transmissions use SP-III fluid, usually only available at Hyundai, Kia and Mitsubishi dealerships. Using Dexron, Mercon or any "universal" fluid that does not meet SP-III specs will void your warranty. Be aware of those two things; other than that you can go pretty much anywhere.

I would try a different Hyundai dealership; failing that, try a Kia dealership. Since Hyundai owns Kia they should be able to service your vehicle adequately. Not sure about Kia doing warranty work on Hyundais; check with a Kia dealership to see about that.

At this point, I would contact Hyundai customer service and see about getting reimbursed for the dealer's mistake. Hopefully you kept invoices from all the times you complained. If not, ask the dealership for a printout of all the work they've done. Send it all to Hyundai and hopefully they will reimburse you. Failing that, take the dealer to court.