White paint peeling off the hood or roof of a Hyundai isn’t rare, and it’s not just your car. From Southern California to snowy Quebec, drivers keep seeing the same thing. The finish cracks, flakes, and sometimes strips all the way to bare metal.
At first, it’s just ugly. But once the panel’s exposed, rust moves in fast. Resale value tanks. And getting real answers is tougher than it should be.
This problem shows up again and again in models like the Sonata, Elantra, Santa Fe Sport, and Tucson, especially those painted Quartz White Pearl or Frost White Pearl. Most were built at Hyundai’s Alabama plant.
If your VIN starts with 5NP or 5NM and the car’s from the mid-2010s to early 2020s, it’s at risk. Owners in Canada, Australia, and South Africa have reported the same issue.
This guide breaks down how the peeling starts, which vehicles are worst off, what Hyundai’s done about it, and what you can do if your paint is falling off in sheets. Whether you’re stuck with a chalky hood or shopping for a used Hyundai, there’s more to this than a few flakes of paint.
Paint that peels like sunburn: where it starts and who’s getting hit
This isn’t the kind of paint issue that sneaks up. It tends to hit fast. One day, the car looks fine, the next, big sections of clear coat are lifting like peeling skin after a sunburn. It usually shows up first on the hood, roof, or pillars, spots that take the most heat and sunlight.
It’s not just clear coat
Once the top layer starts bubbling or flaking, it doesn’t stop there. The paint underneath can give way too, sometimes all the way down to primer. That means bare metal is wide open to salt, rain, and rust. At that point, it’s not just about how it looks. It’s about keeping the body from rotting out.
The whites that don’t hold up
Three shades show up in complaint after complaint:
• Quartz White Pearl (paint codes W8 or WW8)
• Frost White Pearl (SWP)
• Pearl White (varies by model and market)
These are multi-layer pearl finishes. They look sharp when new, but they’re tricky to apply and can start flaking if sprayed too thin at the factory.
Where the bad batches came from
Most of the peeling cases trace back to Hyundai’s Alabama plant. If your VIN starts with 5NP (Sonata, Elantra) or 5NM (Santa Fe Sport), that’s the likely source. These models dominate paint forums and body shop estimates.
Peeling hotspots by model
| Model | Core Model Years | Built At | Where Peeling Starts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonata (LFa) | 2015–2019 | 5NP Alabama | Hood, then roof, then trunk |
| Elantra (ADa) | 2017–2021 | 5NP Alabama | Roof rails, then hood |
| Santa Fe Sport (AN) | 2013–2020 | 5NM Alabama | Hood and tailgate |
| Tucson (TL) | 2018–2020 | KM8 Korea | Hood edge |
| Accent, Kona, others | 2016–2021 | Mixed plants | Smaller scattered patches |
Why the paint won’t stay put: the real problem behind the peeling
This isn’t just bad paint. The problem runs deeper; it’s how the paint sticks to the car in the first place. Or rather, how it doesn’t. What’s happening is called delamination. Picture trying to stick tape to a dusty panel. It might hold for a while, but eventually it lifts.
The issue isn’t the mix, it’s the method
Stephen Gaiski, a chemical engineer who studies paint failures across car brands, says the paint itself probably isn’t the root of the problem. It’s how it was applied.
The bond between the e-coat (that’s the primer layer) and the base or clear coat on top just isn’t strong enough. When that connection fails, the paint doesn’t just chip, it comes off in sheets.
PPG, one of Hyundai’s paint suppliers, has said the problem likely came from spraying too thin, especially with pearl whites, which need thicker, even coverage to hold up. If the coat was under-applied at the factory, it was already doomed to fail.
Sun, shortcuts, and sloppy curing
Pearl white isn’t easy to work with. To get that deep, glossy look, the paint has to go on just right, no corners cut, no shortcuts. But in fast-moving factories, that’s not always the case. To save time or shave weight, automakers sometimes push the limits: less paint, shorter drying times, tighter margins.
Hot, humid air doesn’t help either. Alabama summers are rough on curing conditions. If the paint didn’t bake properly during production, it was already one step away from peeling the moment it left the plant.
Hyundai’s response: slow to admit what everyone else could see
At first, Hyundai brushed it off. A few flaking cars? No big deal. Just cosmetic. However, as online forums filled up and paint complaints stacked by the hundreds, especially after CBC ran a national piece, they couldn’t pretend it was just bad luck anymore.
Warranty help if your car checks every box
Eventually, Hyundai rolled out a White Paint Warranty Extension in the U.S. (TXXW) and a matching program in Canada.
But it only applied to a narrow slice of vehicles: some 2017–2018 Elantras, Sonatas, and Santa Fe Sports with specific paint codes (W8, WW8, or SWP) and only if they were built in Alabama. That’s the 5NP or 5NM VIN range.
Even then, the repair wasn’t a full respray. Dealers were told to repaint just the affected panels. So you’d end up with a mix of new-looking doors next to faded ones. Plenty of owners left the shop more annoyed than when they came in.
Outside the window? You’re out of luck
If your Hyundai was built a year too early or too late, that warranty meant nothing. Owners of 2015 and 2016 models, or cars just beyond the six-year limit, were turned away, even if their paint was peeling off in the same spots, the same way.
And it got worse. Even people who qualified waited months for parts or paint slots. Some who did get the repaint saw it start peeling again not long after. That’s when frustration turned into lawsuits, and Hyundai’s slow reaction caught up with them.
Lawsuits, dismissals, and growing pressure in court
What started with a few forum threads has snowballed into full-blown legal action, especially north of the border. But so far, the fight hasn’t been easy.
Resnick v. Hyundai: no traction in the U.S.
Back in 2016, a group of American owners filed the Resnick case, going after Hyundai for paint issues on models from 2006 to 2016. They blamed it on faulty “self-healing” paint technology.
But the lawsuit didn’t hold. A judge tossed it in 2017, saying there wasn’t enough solid proof of fraud or deception. No payout. No settlement. Just another reminder that these cases are tough to win without something concrete.
Quebec’s class action turns up the heat
By 2023, Canada took its shot. A proposed class action in Quebec is now pushing Hyundai to answer for the same white paint mess. This one goes further, asking not just for repairs, but for damages. And while it’s a Canadian case, support has been coming in from Hyundai owners in the U.S. and Australia, too.
That added pressure could change things. Hyundai’s already been hit with lawsuits over peeling paint under its Genesis brand. If this new case gains traction, it could draw more attention to the larger problem.
Will Hyundai settle like others have?
Other carmakers have faced similar lawsuits. Honda, Toyota, and others have paid out or extended warranties to calm the backlash.
If Hyundai sees this legal fight growing beyond Canada, it may be forced to offer more than panel paint jobs. Whether that ends in cash, repairs, or just a PR move, Hyundai will have to respond one way or another.
Why white paint keeps peeling, and Hyundai’s not the only one
Hyundai’s getting called out, but they’re not the only brand with white paint problems. Across the auto world, white finishes have a track record of flaking, chalking, and failing early, and it’s not just about looks.
It’s not just Hyundai: Honda, Toyota, and VW have issues too
Seen a late-2000s Honda with a faded hood or a Toyota with a roof turning chalky? You’re not seeing things. Honda’s Taffeta White (NH-883P), Toyota’s Blizzard Pearl, and VW’s Candy White have all shown the same signs: paint peeling too soon or losing its shine fast.
It’s been showing up in forums, service bulletins, and repair shop logs for years. Turns out, white paint just doesn’t hold up as well as it should, no matter the badge on the grille.
Why the switch to eco-friendly paint made things worse
Part of the problem goes back to changes in paint chemistry. Starting in the 2000s, automakers began using water-based, low-VOC paints to meet stricter emissions rules in the U.S. and Europe. Better for the environment, sure, but harder to apply cleanly and evenly, especially white over dark primer.
White paint needs more pigment to cover properly. But to save time, cost, or weight, some factories laid it on too thin. That’s when adhesion breaks down and panels start peeling like stickers in the sun.
Did Hyundai quietly fix it?
Some Hyundai owners say the newer white cars, especially those built after 2021, aren’t peeling like the older ones. Hyundai hasn’t said anything official, but the drop in complaints points to a behind-the-scenes fix.
Maybe they changed the formula, maybe the spray process. Either way, it looks like they patched the problem without admitting much. Wouldn’t be the first time a carmaker did that to avoid stirring up more lawsuits.
What Hyundai owners can do right now, even if you’re out of warranty
If the white paint on your Hyundai is peeling or already gone in chunks, you’ve still got options. But you’ll have to push for them. The fix won’t show up on its own.
Step one: check your VIN, even if you think you’re not covered
Go to autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/TXXW. That’s Hyundai’s paint warranty lookup for the TXXW program.
If you’ve got a 2017 or 2018 Elantra, Sonata, or Santa Fe Sport with paint codes W8, WW8, or SWP and a VIN starting with 5NP or 5NM, you might get peeling panels repainted for free. Doesn’t matter if you’ve racked up the miles.
Don’t wait for the dealer to bring it up. You’ve got to mention the “TXXW” code directly. If you don’t, it might never come up.
Not covered? You still might get help, but you’ll have to push
Even if your car falls outside the official range, some owners have gotten Hyundai to cover repairs. But it takes effort. File a complaint through Hyundai Consumer Affairs. Ask for it to be escalated to a regional rep. Keep every photo, every dealer conversation, every date and mileage reading.
Some owners only got results after their story picked up media attention. If you’ve got a strong case and the receipts to back it up, Hyundai may approve a one-time fix to avoid more bad press.
Short-term options: from spray cans to full wraps
• A cheap DIY spray job might cover the spot for $100 or so, but it rarely blends, and can tank resale.
• A vinyl wrap costs $3,000 to $4,000. It’ll hide the problem, but won’t fix it. And once edges start lifting, it’s game over.
• A full professional repaint runs $8,000 to $10,000. And unless the shop strips it down and does the prep right, it could peel again.
If you’re not ready for a big fix, at least cover any bare metal. Matte PPF or clear film over primer can buy you time and keep rust off the sheet metal.
What Hyundai needs to fix before this gets worse
This isn’t just a paint issue anymore; it’s about trust. And the longer Hyundai drags its feet, the more damage it does to its reputation.
Stop making help this hard to get
The current warranty only covers a narrow group of cars, mainly 2017–2018 models built in Alabama with certain paint codes.
But there are 2015 Sonatas, 2016 Tucsons, even 2020 Konas, losing paint the same way, and getting turned down. That’s not just frustrating. It feels like the company is ducking the problem.
Want to calm things down? Extend the coverage. Widen the VIN range. Offer repaints to every car that clearly has the issue. Honda and Toyota eventually stepped up. Hyundai has the same playbook.
Be honest about what actually went wrong
There’s still no real explanation from Hyundai. Was it the paint thickness? The primer? The factory’s curing temps in the Alabama heat? No one’s saying. A single page explaining what failed and what’s changed would go a long way toward rebuilding trust.
Right now, even longtime Hyundai owners feel ignored. Without a straight answer, that frustration just keeps growing.
Patch jobs aren’t enough. Fix it right
Repainting a door without fixing the bond underneath is a waste. Some owners got warranty repairs, only to have the paint peel again months later. That’s not a solution. That’s stalling.
If Hyundai wants to move past this, it needs to overhaul how it handles paint repairs. Fix the root cause, and cover full resprays where needed. Anything less just pushes the problem down the road.
What it means for you and the used car market
This isn’t just Hyundai’s mess anymore. If you own one or are thinking about buying one, you need to treat this like a real risk, not just a cosmetic issue.
Already own a white Hyundai?
Check your VIN at autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/TXXW. If you’re covered under the warranty program, don’t wait. Some repaint windows are closing fast.
If you’re not covered but the paint’s already coming off, document everything, take clear photos, note which panels are peeling, and file a complaint through Hyundai Consumer Affairs. Some owners only got help after they pushed hard or went public.
And don’t leave raw metal exposed. A little rust can spread fast. Even a vinyl wrap or paint film can help slow things down while you figure out a longer-term fix.
Shopping used? Watch out for white models from 2013 to 2020
If you’re looking at a white Hyundai built between 2013 and 2020, check it closely. Hood edges, roof rails, and windshield pillars are usually the first to go. If the paint looks perfect, ask if it’s been resprayed. If it’s already peeling, either walk away or get ready to negotiate hard.
Buying a car with paint issues could mean a $10,000 bill later or a resale headache you don’t want.
In the car business? This changes the math
Dealers, auction buyers, and appraisers are already adjusting for this. Even a clean-looking Sonata or Elantra can raise flags if it’s wearing white paint from the wrong years. This doesn’t just hurt owners, it chips away at trade-in values, resale numbers, and brand trust.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just trying to hang onto your car, this paint problem isn’t going away quietly.
Sources & References
- CBC News – Hyundai owners say the paint on their white cars is flaking off
- YouTube (CBC) – Peeling paint has Hyundai owners demanding answers
- The Autopian – Toyota, Honda, And Hyundai’s White Cars Have Been Having Major Paint Problems
- The Drive – Hyundai Still Can’t Seem to Figure Out White Paint
- Reddit – r/Hyundai user reports on peeling paint
- Top Class Actions – Hyundai Class Action Filed Over Peeling Auto Paint
- Repairer Driven News – Class Action Suit Lodged Against Hyundai
- Collision Repair Magazine – Quebec lawsuit over alleged Hyundai paint issues
- Lambert Avocats – Hyundai Class Action (Quebec)
- Economic Times – Thousands of Americans Say Their Car Paint Is Peeling
- Torque News – 2021 Hyundai Kona Paint Peeling Report
- NHTSA – TSB MC-10228636-0001
- NHTSA – TSB MC-10228639-0001
- Hyundai USA – TXXW Paint Warranty Program
- Kelley Blue Book – How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Car?
- Team-BHP – Paint Peeling Off Hyundai i20 Active
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Rami Hasan is the founder of CherishYourCar.com, where he combines his web publishing experience with a passion for the automotive world. He’s committed to creating clear, practical guides that help drivers take better care of their vehicles and get more out of every mile.