When most people think of a hydrogen-powered SUV, they imagine cutting-edge technology, quiet driving, and long-term efficiency. Unfortunately, for the owner of a 2022 Hyundai Nexo, the reality was weeks without a working car, repeat breakdowns, and serious safety concerns. Instead of enjoying the benefits of a futuristic vehicle, the driver spent months dealing with humming noises, faulty sensors, and malfunctioning hardware.
The first sign of trouble appeared at just over 41,000 miles, when the Nexo developed a loud humming noise that grew worse the faster the car went. Technicians traced the sound to the reduction gear assembly and performed a lengthy repair, removing the transmission assembly to replace the defective part. The fix should have brought peace of mind, but the relief didn’t last.
Within days, the humming noise was back. The Nexo returned to the dealer, this time staying for more than seven weeks while technicians replaced the electric drive motor and drive shaft. To make matters worse, the right rear door handle fell apart and had to be replaced and painted. For a vehicle marketed as advanced and reliable, such extensive downtime at this mileage was troubling.
Then came the most concerning problem of all: a hydrogen leak sensor warning appeared on the dashboard at around 46,000 miles. Because this SUV is powered by hydrogen fuel cells, any issue with a leak sensor is a serious safety risk. After nearly a month in the shop, technicians confirmed that the sensor was faulty and replaced it. At the same time, the driver’s door handle also had to be swapped out, further highlighting how this vehicle’s hardware seemed to fail piece by piece.
By this point, the Nexo had spent over 80 days out of service in less than a year, with major drivetrain and safety-related systems repeatedly breaking down. Under California’s lemon law, this kind of history clearly qualifies the SUV as a lemon. The law protects consumers from vehicles that suffer repeated defects or spend an excessive amount of time in the shop. Problems affecting the drivetrain and hydrogen system directly undermine the safety and reliability of the vehicle, making it unfit for its intended use.
With legal assistance from the Lemon Law Experts, the owner pursued a lemon law claim against Hyundai and was able to walk away from the defective Nexo. Instead of continuing to gamble with a vehicle that posed ongoing risks, the consumer secured a resolution and could move on to a safer, more dependable car.
If your vehicle has been stuck in the shop for weeks or keeps breaking down despite multiple repairs, you don’t have to accept it as your “new normal.” Contact the Lemon Law Experts today to find out if your car qualifies for a buyback or replacement under California’s lemon law.
