Hyundais Top List for ‘Lemon Law’ Disputes

Hyundai owners are more likely to end up in lemon-law arbitration than owners of other cars, according to an analysis of arbitration records conducted by two consumer organizations. Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety and the California Public Research Group said one of every 82 new Hyundai cars purchased in California in 1996 was involved in a warranty dispute that led to arbitration. The groups said General Motors’ Saturn division had the best record, with one car in 15,180 ending up in arbitration. Fountain Valley-based Hyundai Motors of America argued that the figures reflect the fact that the company prefers arbitration over going to court. Toyota Motor Corp., including its Lexus luxury division, was not included in the survey because it does not offer state-certified arbitration programs.