The 202 owners of the 2016 and 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe will be getting a brand new replacement vehicle, says Grupo Q, the exclusive Hyundai dealer in Costa Rica, after it was found the vehicles were sold without the required passenger airbag.
The dealer decided to offer its clients a replacement after the Ministry of the Economy, Trade and Industry (MEIC) rejected the initial proposal from the dealer to correct the defect in the vehicles.
Article 33 of the Ley de Transito (Traffic Act) requires all new vehicles to include a passenger side airbag.
“Grupo Q has decided to voluntarily replace the affected vehicles, without (customers) filing claims, as a sign of support that characterizes us,” said Erick Xirinachs, Commercial Director of Hyundai Grupo Q.
Xirinachs said the owners of the affected vehicles have been notified. “Our biggest concern is the satisfaction of our customers,” said the Grupo Q spokesman.
As explained by deputy minister of the MEIC, Carlos Mora, the consumer law that applies to all retail purchases in the country provides three types of warranty options: repair, replacement or refund.
Consumers experiencing problems with their purchase and not obtaining satisfaction from the seller can file a claim with the Comisión para Promover la Competencia (Coprocom), the government body that decides the most suitable option.
Grupo Q had reported the problem last July 29.
Perhaprs, the question not being asked, at least publicly, is how did these new vehicles land in Costa Rica without the required passenger safety?
