Gearbox 3500 miles in - Gear 2, 4 and 6 got stiffer..

[R Veloster N]

Just keep in mind, as I get older I get stiffer as well.

 

[Jajodu]

I've had a ford before and I vowed never again, looks good on paper but in the harsh light of reality all the components were built down to the lowest price, jubilee clips rusting after three months, rebooting media, subframes rusting in less than a year.
As for Porsches, two friends had one and both got rid of pretty quickly, always going wrong and the dealership saying these issues were not unusual. You'll need deep pockets out of warranty.

Open the bonnet of the st and have a good close look at the quality of all the components, then look at your N engine bay, can you see the difference?

 

[iiNNEX]

I've had a ford before and I vowed never again, looks good on paper but in the harsh light of reality all the components were built down to the lowest price, jubilee clips rusting after three months, rebooting media, subframes rusting in less than a year.
As for Porsches, two friends had one and both got rid of pretty quickly, always going wrong and the dealership saying these issues were not unusual. You'll need deep pockets out of warranty.

Open the bonnet of the st and have a good close look at the quality of all the components, then look at your N engine bay, can you see the difference?

So you are saying Fords are built badly and Porsches are not good either?

Mate I am not sure I can agree with either of those statements but since I have not owned either I will remain neutral. As for the bonnet, well I would lift the bonnet of my N but it's in the dealership because the quality is so great, it decided that the gearbox needs a rebuild xD

Jokes aside, I am not a brand snob or a fanboy, I buy whatever has good build quality and value for the price I pay. I hope the N is fixed and returned back to me soon because I miss driving it and the positives do outweigh the negatives, however you must see it for what it is. QC Issues like this are not to be ignored, we can agree on that?

 

[Manted]

I've had a ford before and I vowed never again, looks good on paper but in the harsh light of reality all the components were built down to the lowest price, jubilee clips rusting after three months, rebooting media, subframes rusting in less than a year.
As for Porsches, two friends had one and both got rid of pretty quickly, always going wrong and the dealership saying these issues were not unusual. You'll need deep pockets out of warranty.

Open the bonnet of the st and have a good close look at the quality of all the components, then look at your N engine bay, can you see the difference?

Swings and roundabouts isn’t it,a car that’s good for one can be poor for another.I opened my N bonnet and found oil in the header tank and I dont mean a thin layer sat on the coolant but at least an inch thick after only 7000 miles.Ive had plenty of brand new cars but the N had some of the worst build quality I’d seen on a car for me it didn’t live up to expectation.But so far so good with my ST I can’t help but lift the bonnet and enjoy what I’ve got in front of me.

 

[GazmaN]

Swings and roundabouts isn’t it,a car that’s good for one can be poor for another.I opened my N bonnet and found oil in the header tank and I dont mean a thin layer sat on the coolant but at least an inch thick after only 7000 miles.Ive had plenty of brand new cars but the N had some of the worst build quality I’d seen on a car for me it didn’t live up to expectation.But so far so good with my ST I can’t help but lift the bonnet and enjoy what I’ve got in front of me.

Yes. It really does seem to be luck of the draw - but with pretty much any car. I have been lucky...mostly (panel gaps are on the piss)...touch wood.

 

[Cavaco90]

Yes. It really does seem to be luck of the draw - but with pretty much any car. I have been lucky...mostly (panel gaps are on the piss)...touch wood.

Totally agree, amongst other very helpful stuff, this forum shows the same car can be faulty on one side of the world and perfect on other, pure luck deciding the opinion of one towards a car can spread like wild fire, for better or worse :\

Honestly Hyundai, despite their "ok" material in some places, has done a terrific job creating such toy that brings joy and smiles to (almost) every one who drives it, specially for their first proper hot hatch. Putting them side to side (Ford and Hyundai) one has years and years of experience in performance vehicles, the other is just a toddler in this regard. Of course, no one cares about these factoids, just about end results. I can only imagine having issues and issues not being solved can stain the car's picture (and then the brand's) on your mind.
As long as people are happy with their choice/change we, car enthusiasts, should be happy for them too, because there is nothing worse than driving something you don't like or are unhappy about.

 

[REM66]

All cars have issues it's how they are dealt with by dealers and manufacturers that matter to the owners.
Ford were woeful with the RS engine/head gasket issues even denying they had an issue until pretty much every single you tube RS owner had the failure. I was almost tied in to buying one just as a mates went pop and he was given a 1.0L fiesta for 10 weeks while they sorted his 66 plate car which he was still paying a premium for while stuck in a fiesta. He got rid of the RS the moment it returned and the dealer was totally useless at updating him.

 

[Seano1878]

My dads C63S spent its first 5-6 weeks of life in the workshop getting tinkered with because of engine management problems, never had a problem since. His first 6.2 performance pack C63 had all the pulleys collapse and it left us stranded at the side of a motorway in sleet. Sold that and got a facelift PP+ C63 and it was sublime, never missed a beat. He wishes he had never sold that one. It’s the luck of the draw tbh. Hoping my N stays peachy, only issue is the squeaky steering column.

 

[REM66]

My dads C63S spent its first 5-6 weeks of life in the workshop getting tinkered with because of engine management problems, never had a problem since. His first 6.2 performance pack C63 had all the pulleys collapse and it left us stranded at the side of a motorway in sleet. Sold that and got a facelift PP+ C63 and it was sublime, never missed a beat. He wishes he had never sold that one. It’s the luck of the draw tbh. Hoping my N stays peachy, only issue is the squeaky steering column.

It's very much pot luck these days just some manufacturers have a reputation for poor customer service which doesn't seem to improve no matter how bad the publicity.

Audi have done it right with a friend who has a brand new Audi RS6 Avant performance pack which is missing horsepower and has shifting problems. Despite going back to Audi for 4 weeks for a third try to get it right. At least they loaned him a new TTRS in the same colour as his RS6 while it was being looked at and he's always got his Aston Martin if he wants to look posh

 

[BillTheButcher]

All cars have issues it's how they are dealt with by dealers and manufacturers that matter to the owners.
Ford were woeful with the RS engine/head gasket issues even denying they had an issue until pretty much every single you tube RS owner had the failure. I was almost tied in to buying one just as a mates went pop and he was given a 1.0L fiesta for 10 weeks while they sorted his 66 plate car which he was still paying a premium for while stuck in a fiesta. He got rid of the RS the moment it returned and the dealer was totally useless at updating him.

I test drove a Focus RS last year before I bought my Golf R. I asked the salesman if it had had the head gasket work done. His answer: "I'm sure it has. We haven't sold one that didn't have the issue."

It might be internet hearsay but I've read quite a few reports of cars that have had the head gasket done suffering from further head gasket-related issues later on.

 

[iiNNEX]

Update on the situation:

I got a call from Hyundai yesterday to say that the mechanic was busy and then ill so he did not have time to look at my car yet, and will work on it today (which he did). That annoyed me a bit since the car has been there for 7 days, but I understand we are all human so I didn't moan about it.

Later today I get a call and I got told that the gearbox was removed from the car and inspected thoroughly. They could not find any issue with it... lol. Now the master tech has reached out to Hyundai Technical UK and is awaiting their response.

The TSB I showed them, which was linked in this site only applies to older cars (MY2018) so they basically told me that my car already has the "upgraded parts". To which I pretty much said complete BS since there are MY20 cars which suffer this problem and have been reported on here, so how do they explain that? And simple answer was... well they couldn't explain it

I have scheduled a face to face meeting tomorrow (Thursday 13th) with the General Manager of the Eden group in that area to discuss my options of rejecting the car or reversing the sale (whatever is available to me). He did briefly tell me that I need to speak to Hyundai Finance and get their opinion on it since it's technically "their" car.

So not quite sure where I stand yet, but I will do some more research into the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and how I can go about this. So yeah.. that is my situation … ffs

 

[REM66]

I test drove a Focus RS last year before I bought my Golf R. I asked the salesman if it had had the head gasket work done. His answer: "I'm sure it has. We haven't sold one that didn't have the issue."

It might be internet hearsay but I've read quite a few reports of cars that have had the head gasket done suffering from further head gasket-related issues later on.

I've known people have the problem return and at least one that had three engine replacement and/or cylinder head replacements in 18 months.

Sorry to hear it's not resolved iiNNEX

 

[Cavaco90]

Update on the situation:

I got a call from Hyundai yesterday to say that the mechanic was busy and then ill so he did not have time to look at my car yet, and will work on it today (which he did). That annoyed me a bit since the car has been there for 7 days, but I understand we are all human so I didn't moan about it.

Later today I get a call and I got told that the gearbox was removed from the car and inspected thoroughly. They could not find any issue with it... lol. Now the master tech has reached out to Hyundai Technical UK and is awaiting their response.

The TSB I showed them, which was linked in this site only applies to older cars (MY2018) so they basically told me that my car already has the "upgraded parts". To which I pretty much said complete BS since there are MY20 cars which suffer this problem and have been reported on here, so how do they explain that? And simple answer was... well they couldn't explain it

I have scheduled a face to face meeting tomorrow (Thursday 13th) with the General Manager of the Eden group in that area to discuss my options of rejecting the car or reversing the sale (whatever is available to me). He did briefly tell me that I need to speak to Hyundai Finance and get their opinion on it since it's technically "their" car.

So not quite sure where I stand yet, but I will do some more research into the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and how I can go about this. So yeah.. that is my situation … ffs

Mate, sorry about that :\ can only imagine 1 weak out of the N and still no clue of any possible solution.
As i stated before, whatever happens, happens and they sure are not making it hard for you to leave for their rivals. If i were you, honestly, i would pick up the best deal to get my money back or negotiate another option for any other car. After these events i would certainly no be back for another round, unless of course i had no choice but to stick with it.
Hope that meeting sorts it out for both parties.

 

[loafer-N77]

Thats a real shame, but unfortunately Hyundai's response doesn't surprise me on this subject.

Seems they just like to stick fingers in their ears and go "La la la la la......" about any repeat issues that N owners are reporting to them.

 

[Cavaco90]

Thats a real shame, but unfortunately Hyundai's response doesn't surprise me on this subject.

Seems they just like to stick fingers in their ears and go "La la la la la......" about any repeat issues that N owners are reporting to them.

I think they choose to be oblivious on their very first hot hatch because they thought they had built the best car ever and any fault is non sense. 2 years have passed since the first N came out and no recalls once or ever despite the report of issues being based almost on the same thing.

 

[R Veloster N]

I said a while ago, most Hyundai Service Technicians are parts changers. Hyundai Engineers are guessing and utilize parts replacement, as a corrective action. (guess, replace and hope) It's simply not the way to solve such issues.

You can replace all the parts you desire but it's not going to identify the actual problem. It's like putting a bandaid on a headache. Doesn't work!

They're waiting for problems to arise, then utilizing the customer as their test bed. That's not right. Hyundai's testing should be on-going to identify short/long term issues. They have the facilities and knowhow, they just have to do it.

 

[iiNNEX]

I just got back from the Dealership. Sat down with the General Manager and the Service Manager to discuss the current situation, my options and what will be done to the car. So here is what it looks like so far:

Issue 1: Difficulty engaging 6th gear

- Hyundai Technical Department has got back to the dealer and have advised them to order a synchro and replace it even though they are certain it already contains the uprated part (which is what the original 2018 TSB is for). This has been ordered and arrives tomorrow (Friday 13th).

Issue 2: A lot of resistance when trying to engage 2nd, 4th and 6th gears. 1st, 3rd and 5th are butter smooth.

- The dealership has identified this as being faulty shifter cables and have ordered a new pair. These also arrive tomorrow (Friday 13th).

Issue 3: Squeaky gear shifter when moving left to right, previously greased by dealership

- This will be investigated and remedied when the gearbox is back in the car.

Issue 4: Alloy wheel pitting/coating damage from potential underspray (see this: https://n-cars.net/forums/threads/oem-wheel-pitting-paint-defect.4398/ )

- I have sent pictures over to the Service Manager and have advised him of the thread above and the solutions people suggest. He informed me that they will try with Brake Cleaner but if that fails, they are not willing to use anything stronger (in case they damage the clear coat) so they will place them through as a warranty claim. Not sure how many wheels are affected but will try and push for a new set.


So far I have been given an estimated collection ate of next week Wednesday (18th). If the car takes longer or certain parts become unavailable/on back order they will give me an i10 or something to run about in. I already have a second car so not too bothered.


So that is the outcome for the issues themselves, now as far as the vehicle and my experience with it we have come down to the following conclusion:

- If I am unhappy with the car even after the above work has completed, I have to get in touch with Hyundai UK and file a claim after which speak with Hyundai Finance and do the same. They will want to know the whole story from start to finish and will deal amongst themselves and the dealership in order to get me my money back so I can move on.

I have not decided if I want to chase that decision yet, I think I will give it one last chance and see how it feels when I pick it up. But who knows, I am so indecisive sometimes and this situation is not helping lol.

 

[R Veloster N]

Giving them another chance is worth the effort for three reasons;

1. It's the way of showing tolerance and appreciation for the efforts to resolve the issues.
2. It will demonstrate and establish without a doubt, everything has been done to resolve the issues.
3. Once this has been established, your chance of identifying this i30N is infact a lemon, will not be contended by Hyundai

I sincerely hope they solve your issues, to your satisfaction.

I still don't understand why anyone would utilize brake cleaner to clean Alloy Wheels. It's a caustic solvent and will damage or remove a clear coat finish. There are many of lite solvents that will clean asphalt, paint, brake dust and road film residue off alloy wheels, without the damaging or removing clearcoat.

 

[iiNNEX]

Giving them another chance is worth the effort for three reasons;

1. It's the way of showing tolerance and appreciation for the efforts to resolve the issues.
2. It will demonstrate and establish without a doubt, everything has been done to resolve the issues.
3. Once this has been established, your chance of resolving this i30N is infact a lemon, will not be contended by Hyundai.

I sincerely hope they solve your issues to your satisfaction.

I still don't understand why anyone would utilize brake cleaner to clean Alloy Wheels. It's a caustic solvent and will remove a clear coat finish. There are many of lite solvents that will clean asphalt, paint, brake dust and film residue off wheels without the damaging or removing clearcoat.

Yeah I believe you are right in your points there.

As for the wheel finish being damaged, well if they do that, they will then have to order me new wheels so either way it's a win win for me lol. Who knows, they might actually fix the car and it might never ever break again :OOOO /sarcasm

 

[R Veloster N]

Well for your sake, I hope they do solve the issues.

Didn't think about the other point LMAO!