PM
Patty McNeilly
Jun 17, 2026
I chose First Hyundai to buy my 2024 Kona (which I love!) because they offered a “First for Life” program that provided for lifetime free oil changes and tire rotation, in addition to a new set of front wipers each year. This program offered more than other dealerships, so I purchase the vehicle from them, mainly based on this program. On my second visit for an oil change, I was told that the program was no longer being honored and there was nothing I could do about it. I tried emailing the general manager, but I did not receive the courtesy of a reply. I did get an email from someone who responds to emails, but they were not able to help. A shady way of doing business. Promising a nice benefit, only to have it revoked. I would not recommend First Hyundai based on my experience. I know many dealerships do shady deals, but there must be some honest people out there. Buyer beware.
My husband and I recently experienced a profoundly disappointing level of service here, regarding a critical powertrain failure on his 2017 Hyundai Tucson. Since June 4th, the vehicle had went into limp mode on 495 where individuals are going well above 65, this vehicle slows down immediately to 30 and then you have to struggle to get into the breakdown lane, as the engine slowly dies. (Almost got hit twice) It then exhibited the persistent P1326 diagnostic trouble code, culminating in a complete operational cessation that necessitated immediate attention.
It was delivered to the service department on June 9th, as confirmed by both text message from the tower, and an email from the service supervisor herself; however, the diagnostic assessment was inexplicably deferred until June 12th, despite explicit assurance of it being looked at on the 11th.
Compounding these delays, the service supervisor, Lisa, attempted to assert that the car was never brought in until June 11th—an assertion contradicted by contemporaneous communications including text messages and her own email.
On June 11th, my husband called her at 2 PM for an update, having heard nothing since they opened at 7:30 AM. She only returned his call at 4:20 PM, nearly a half hour before closing, indicating they might examine the vehicle that day; when questioned about the delay, she claimed she had simply forgotten about him.
It was not until after multiple calls to Hyundai corporate and a follow-up email sent around 10 AM that she finally acknowledged around 1:30 PM on the 12th that the engine was seized—a fact we had already surmised.
Regrettably, she declined to document the P1326 code or the vehicle's entry into limp mode on the repair order, opting instead for the minimal notation of 'engine seized.' This pattern of incomplete documentation echoes a nearly identical experience at the same dealership in 2019, where analogous challenges arose in securing proper rental assistance and timely resolution. Why my husband bought another Tucson, I will never comprehend. Two 2017 Hyundai Tucsons, 2 engines seized.
Although the dealership purportedly submitted the requisite Prior Approval (PA) documentation to Hyundai, the process has been marred by protracted delays.
Compounding this frustration is the service team's intransigent refusal to furnish a loaner vehicle or rental reimbursement, notwithstanding the explicit stipulations in Hyundai's Dealer Best Practice (TSB 22-01-023H-1), which states verbatim: 'All customers that come in with P1326 OR “Engine Protection Mode” should be provided an SRC or alternative 3rd Party Rental. All SRC or Rental claims will be reimbursed regardless of PA’s decision to cover the engine replacement.'
Hyundai Corporate would thus reimburse them for the rental per their OWN guidelines, meaning the dealership incurs no financial loss.
Furthermore, they have categorically declined to procure a loaner until PA authorization is secured and the engine physically arrives—an approach that has left him without reliable transportation for an extended period, and which is unfortunately taking even longer this time. He is losing a lot of money since 6/4.
This sequence of events reflects an egregious disregard for both manufacturer guidelines and customer exigencies, particularly in the context of a well-documented powertrain vulnerability affecting numerous Tucson models. While we acknowledge the complexities inherent in warranty adjudication and parts procurement, the cumulative inefficiencies, communication lapses, selective documentation, and apparent reluctance to advocate on behalf of the customer have rendered this experience exceptionally disheartening.
I urge prospective patrons to approach this dealership's service department with circumspection.
Hyundai corporate intervention was ultimately required to address these deficiencies, and I sincerely hope that future interactions will demonstrate greater alacrity, compliance, transparency, and professionalism.