Hyundai is discontinuing its three-year complimentary maintenance program.
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Since 2020, Hyundai has boasted one of the most appealing features among car manufacturers: three years or 36,000 miles of free maintenance, whichever comes first. While not all maintenance was complimentary, routine services such as oil changes and tire rotations were included. This type of savings has attracted customers away from competitors. However, Hyundai customers will find that this limited “Complimentary Maintenance” plan will end with the 2026 models.
According to CarsDirect, Hyundai recently notified dealerships of this forthcoming change via a service bulletin. The communication indicated that the free maintenance program is being discontinued due to the unsustainable costs associated with it.
Hyundai's public relations team has not yet responded to The Drive’s request for a statement, but a Hyundai dealer employee has confirmed the bulletin's authenticity.
It’s worth mentioning that this announcement pertains solely to routine maintenance and is distinct from the car’s original manufacturer’s warranty. Both the 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and the five-year, 60,000-mile new vehicle warranty will continue to be offered.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 showcased at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show. Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images
“The HCM Program has provided coverage for Hyundai model years 2020 through 2025. As the program has evolved, Hyundai has decided that a new strategy is necessary, and the HCM Program will not be available for model year 2026 and future models,” the bulletin reportedly stated.
What will the new strategy entail? As referenced in the note obtained by CarsDirect, “This also opens an opportunity for our dealers to shift focus to a different revenue stream, Pre-Paid Maintenance!” (The exclamation mark is not ours.)
It appears there will be two types of pre-paid maintenance programs: “Pre-Paid Basic” and “Pre-Paid Schedule.” The Basic plan will cover oil changes and tire rotations, while the Schedule plan will include all scheduled maintenance listed in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. Customers can opt for maintenance plans that extend up to eight years, though details on pricing have yet to be released. It’s likely more cost-effective to purchase the prepaid plans rather than paying for individual service intervals as they arise; otherwise, what's the benefit?
Customers who own 2020 through 2025 model-year Hyundais will retain their Complimentary Maintenance plans, even beyond 2026. Therefore, if you are a current Hyundai owner, you won’t lose your free oil changes due to this policy change. However, upon trading in your vehicle, you will lose one of the significant advantages Hyundai had over its rivals.
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Hyundai is discontinuing its three-year complimentary maintenance program.
Since 2020, Hyundai buyers have benefited from one of the most generous free maintenance plans available when purchasing a new vehicle. However, it appears that this will soon be discontinued.